Okra Patties Recipe

Golden Crispy Okra Patties Recipe: Your New Favorite Side!

Southern kitchens have long celebrated crispy okra patties as a delightful culinary treasure.

These golden-brown discs capture the essence of home-style cooking with unexpected charm.

Tender okra blends seamlessly with savory seasonings, creating a mouthwatering appetizer that surprises even skeptical taste buds.

Crisp edges and soft centers make these patties irresistibly addictive.

Regional cooks have perfected this technique through generations of passionate experimentation.

Hungry souls will find comfort in every delectable bite of these remarkable fritters.

Ready to experience a classic Southern comfort dish that sparks joy?

Why Okra Patties Recipe Makes A Southern Classic Snack

  • Whip Up Effortless Southern Comfort: These okra patties bring classic southern flavors with minimal kitchen skills required, making them perfect for home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
  • Speedy Weeknight Wonder: From mixing ingredients to serving, these patties take less than 30 minutes, offering a quick and satisfying meal solution for busy families craving something tasty and homemade.
  • Customize with Kickin' Flavor: The recipe allows easy personalization by adjusting spice levels with jalapenos or switching up dipping sauces, ensuring everyone can enjoy their preferred taste profile without complicated modifications.
  • Budget-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Using affordable ingredients like cornmeal, buttermilk, and seasonal okra, these patties deliver maximum flavor without breaking the bank, making them an excellent option for economical home cooking.

What You’ll Need For Okra Patties Recipe

Main Ingredients:

Flour Base:
  • Cornmeal: A grainy base that provides a crispy and golden texture for the patties.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a smooth batter consistency.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Buttermilk: Adds tangy flavor and helps tenderize the batter, creating a soft interior.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and provides structure to the patties.
  • Melted Butter: Enhances richness and adds a subtle buttery flavor.
Vegetable Mixture:
  • Okra, Onion, Jalapeno: Fresh vegetables that add moisture, texture, and a spicy kick to the patties.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Essential spices that boost overall flavor profile.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the patties rise and creates a lighter, airier texture.
Cooking Component:
  • Vegetable Oil: Perfect for deep frying, creating a crispy golden exterior for the okra patties.

How To Prepare Okra Patties Recipe Quickly

Step 1: Mix Dry Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:
  • Cornmeal
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder

Blend these ingredients thoroughly to create a uniform dry mixture.

Step 2: Introduce Fresh Veggie Goodness

Gently fold into the dry ingredients:
  • Finely chopped okra
  • Diced onion
  • Minced jalapeno (optional for extra kick)

Step 3: Bind the Batter

Pour in:
  • Buttermilk
  • Beaten egg
  • Melted butter

Stir everything until the mixture reaches a thick, scoop-friendly consistency. The batter should hold together but remain slightly loose.

Step 4: Heat the Cooking Surface

Place a skillet over medium heat and pour vegetable oil, creating a shallow pool of about 1/4 inch deep. Allow the oil to warm up and become shimmery.

Step 5: Shape and Fry Patties

Use a spoon to drop batter into the hot oil, creating small circular patties. Gently press each patty with a spatula to flatten slightly.

Step 6: Achieve Golden Perfection

Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until they transform into a beautiful golden-brown color with crispy edges. The patties should have a crunchy exterior and soft interior.

Step 7: Drain and Prepare

Transfer the cooked okra patties onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain their crispiness.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Plate the patties while warm and accompany with your favorite dipping sauce like:
  • Ranch dressing
  • Spicy mayo
  • Hot sauce
  • Tangy remoulade

Cooking Tips For Crispy Okra Patties Recipe

  • Master Texture Control: Adjust batter thickness by adding more buttermilk or cornmeal to achieve the perfect patty consistency that holds together without falling apart during frying.
  • Optimize Vegetable Distribution: Chop okra, onion, and jalapeno finely to ensure even flavor and prevent large chunks that might disrupt the patty's structure.
  • Maintain Ideal Oil Temperature: Keep oil at medium heat around 350°F to guarantee crispy exterior and fully cooked interior without burning the okra patties.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Modify jalapeno quantity or swap with different peppers like poblano or bell pepper to match your heat preference and dietary needs.
  • Pan-Frying Pro Tip: Use a cast-iron skillet for more even heat distribution and crispier edges, ensuring a restaurant-quality golden-brown finish on your okra patties.

Storage Tips For Okra Patties Recipe

  • Refrigerate leftover okra patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat patties in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
  • Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.
  • Freeze cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for long-term storage up to 1 month.
  • Thaw frozen patties in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Great Pairings For Okra Patties Recipe

  • Spice Up with Zesty Dips: Complement the crispy okra patties with a tangy ranch dressing that cuts through the richness or a fiery hot sauce for an extra kick. The creamy yet spicy dips enhance the golden-brown texture and bring out the subtle okra flavor.
  • Create a Southern Comfort Plate: Pair these patties with classic buttermilk coleslaw or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the deep-fried goodness. The cool, crisp sides provide a perfect contrast to the warm, crunchy patties.
  • Match with Cool Beverages: Serve alongside an ice-cold sweet tea or a crisp lager beer that helps cleanse the palate between bites. The light, refreshing drinks will cool down the potential heat from jalapenos and complement the hearty patties.
  • Southern Brunch Companion: Consider serving these okra patties with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a hearty breakfast or brunch spread. The combination offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that celebrates traditional Southern cuisine.

Easy Variations On Okra Patties Recipe

  • Cheesy Okra Fusion: Fold in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese into the batter for a melty, rich flavor that complements the crispy okra patties.
  • Herb-Infused Southern Style: Add fresh chopped herbs like thyme, parsley, or chives to bring a bright, aromatic dimension to the traditional recipe.
  • Gluten-Free Green Option: Swap wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free cornmeal blend to create a lighter, celiac-friendly version of the classic patties.
  • Smoky Cajun Crunch: Mix in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a dash of Cajun seasoning to give the patties a spicy, robust southern kick that will wake up your taste buds.

Questions Answered About Okra Patties Recipe

  • What gives these okra patties their unique texture?

The combination of cornmeal and flour creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and flavorful. The buttermilk helps tenderize the batter and adds a subtle tangy note to the patties.

  • Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter up to 2 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before frying to ensure the ingredients are well combined.

  • How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

The oil should be around 350-375°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small bit of batter into the oil – it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately without burning too quickly.

  • Are these okra patties spicy?

The recipe includes optional jalapenos, so you can control the heat level. If you prefer a milder version, simply omit the jalapenos or use a smaller amount for just a hint of spice.

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Okra Patties Recipe

Okra Patties Recipe


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4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy Louisiana Okra Patties deliver Southern comfort with a golden crunch of fresh okra, herbs, and cornmeal. Served hot from the skillet, these irresistible fritters bring you straight to New Orleans’ soulful culinary landscape where flavor meets heritage.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1.5 cups (354 ml) fresh okra, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup (118 ml) yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 small jalapeno, finely chopped (optional for spice)
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) cornmeal
  • 0.5 cup (118 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Wet Ingredients:

  • 0.5 cup (118 ml) buttermilk (or regular milk)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) melted butter
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Create a harmonious blend of dry ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, combining cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Incorporate finely chopped okra, diced onion, and minced jalapeno for a vibrant flavor profile.
  2. Introduce buttermilk, a whisked egg, and melted butter to the dry mixture, gently folding until a cohesive, thick batter emerges with a scoopable consistency.
  3. Preheat a skillet with vegetable oil to medium temperature, ensuring sufficient depth for frying.
  4. Carefully drop dollops of batter into the sizzling oil, using approximately two tablespoons per patty. Gently flatten each patty with a spatula to encourage even cooking.
  5. Allow patties to golden and crisp, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a delectable, crunchy exterior.
  6. Remove the okra patties using a slotted spatula, transferring them to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain their crisp texture.
  7. Present the warm patties alongside complementary condiments like ranch dressing, spicy mayonnaise, or zesty hot sauce for an enhanced culinary experience.

Notes

  • Opt for fresh okra to ensure the best texture and flavor in your patties, avoiding slimy or overripe vegetables.
  • Adjust the heat level by controlling the amount of jalapeno or substituting with milder peppers like bell peppers for a kid-friendly version.
  • Ensure oil temperature stays consistent around 350°F to achieve perfectly crispy exterior without burning the patties.
  • Transform these patties into a gluten-free option by replacing wheat flour with almond or rice flour, maintaining the same delicious crunch.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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