Okra Hush Puppies 🌽🧅🌿
Introduction
If you’ve never added okra to your hush puppies, you’re about to be pleasantly surprised. These Okra Hush Puppiescombine the rustic charm of cornmeal fritters with tender, crispy-edged okra. They’re light, crunchy, and deeply flavorful thanks to a mix of spices and fresh veggies. Perfect as a side for your next fish fry or Cajun-inspired dinner—or as a snack all on their own.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Classic hush puppy flavor with a fresh veggie twist
- Crispy on the outside, fluffy and savory inside
- Easy to make and great for frying in batches
- Pairs beautifully with Southern dishes and dipping sauces
- Great use for garden okra or market-fresh finds
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 cups okra, very thinly sliced
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar)
- Optional: chopped parsley or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oil:
- In a deep fryer or large pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Make sure oil is deep enough to submerge the hush puppies (about 2 inches).
2. Mix the Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and onion.
- Stir in the thinly sliced okra.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk, then stir into the dry mixture just until combined. Don’t overmix.
3. Shape and Fry:
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, carefully drop rounded tablespoons of batter into the hot oil, a few at a time.
- Fry for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp on all sides.
4. Drain and Serve:
- Transfer cooked hush puppies to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Sprinkle with a touch more salt while hot. Serve warm.
Tips for the Best Hush Puppies
- Slice the okra as thin as possible—this helps it cook through and blend into the batter.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches for even cooking.
- Use buttermilk for extra tenderness. No buttermilk? Add 1 tsp vinegar to regular milk and let sit 5 mins.
- Want spice? Add cayenne or diced jalapeños to the batter.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Okra Hush Puppies go perfectly with:
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
- Easy Turkey Wings
- Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage
- Beer Cheese Dip
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
Also great with remoulade, ranch, or spicy aioli!
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store cooled hush puppies in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 1 month
- Reheat: Toast in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes until crisp
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Final Thoughts
These Okra Hush Puppies are everything you want in a Southern side—crispy, comforting, and completely addictive. They’re a fantastic way to showcase fresh okra and elevate a humble cornmeal batter into something worth serving on repeat.
Tried them? Tag @chefmaniac and show off your golden hush puppies!
Don’t forget to follow for more flavor-packed recipes and kitchen inspiration.
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