Here’s a delicious Southern-style twist on a classic: Okra Hush Puppies! These crispy, golden cornmeal fritters are loaded with chopped okra, giving them a slight crunch and subtle flavor that pairs beautifully with fried catfish, BBQ, or just a cold drink on the porch.
🌽 Okra Hush Puppies
Ingredients:
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1 cup cornmeal (yellow or white)
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
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1/2 cup buttermilk
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1 large egg
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3/4 cup fresh okra, finely chopped (or thawed frozen okra, drained)
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1/4 cup onion, finely chopped (sweet or yellow)
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Oil for frying (vegetable, peanut, or canola)
🔥 Instructions:
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Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed skillet (about 2 inches deep).
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Mix the batter:
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In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and sugar.
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In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk and egg.
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Add wet ingredients to dry, stirring until just combined (don’t overmix).
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Fold in chopped okra and onion.
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Fry the hush puppies:
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Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil.
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Fry 2–3 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and crisp.
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Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
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Serve hot, with remoulade, ranch, or spicy mayo for dipping.
📝 Tips:
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Make them spicy by adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne.
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For extra flavor, mix in shredded cheddar or crumbled bacon.
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Keep batches warm in a 200°F oven while frying the rest.
Would you like a baked or air fryer version, or a gluten-free adaptation?