Okra Hush Puppies: Southern Comfort in Every Crispy Bite
There’s nothing quite like the golden crunch and savory bite of a good hush puppy—but when you add okra, you take things to a whole new level. These Okra Hush Puppies are a Southern classic, bringing crispy edges, fluffy insides, and that subtle vegetal sweetness that okra fans adore.
Fried to perfection in a cast iron or Dutch oven, they make the perfect sidekick for BBQ, fried fish, or a summer cookout platter.
Why I Love This Recipe
Okra hush puppies are comfort food at its finest. They’re quick to whip up, crowd-pleasing, and carry that deep Southern flavor from the buttermilk to the cornmeal. The okra adds a delightful texture and keeps them moist on the inside while still delivering that essential hush puppy crunch on the outside.
Serve them hot, and they’ll disappear faster than you can say “y’all want seconds?”
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Vegetable Oil, for frying
- 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 Cup Finely Chopped Onion
- 1 Tbsp Chopped Fresh Parsley
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 Cup Buttermilk
- 1½ Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Cups Self-Rising Cornmeal Mix
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Black Pepper
- 4 Cups Very Thinly Sliced Okra
How to Make Okra Hush Puppies
1. Heat the Oil
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pan to 350°F. Use a thermometer for consistent results.
2. Mix the Flavor Base
In a large bowl, stir together sliced okra, garlic powder, onion, and parsley.
3. Create the Wet Mix
In another bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk, and sugar. Pour this mixture over the okra blend and stir.
4. Finish the Batter
Add in the cornmeal mix, salt, and pepper. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix.
5. Fry to Golden Perfection
Using a spoon or small scoop, drop batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid crowding, about 5 minutes each, turning for even browning.
6. Drain & Serve
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm and enjoy that crispy, savory goodness!
Tips for Success
- Thin-slice the okra to help it cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the batter.
- Keep oil at 350°F for crispy, non-greasy hush puppies.
- Use a small scoop for uniform hush puppies that cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the buttermilk—it gives tang and moisture.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with BBQ pulled pork or caramel apple nachos for a fun Southern meal
- Add a spicy dipping sauce like remoulade or chipotle mayo
- Serve with coleslaw and fried catfish for a classic fish fry
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Final Thoughts
If you’ve never had the pleasure of biting into a fresh-fried hush puppy loaded with okra, now’s the time to treat yourself. These Okra Hush Puppies bring the flavor, crunch, and comfort that define great Southern cooking.
Snap a photo, tag @chefmaniac, and show off your golden goodies. And don’t forget to subscribe for more craveable recipes made simple. 🌽✨
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