Fried Okra with Comeback Sauce
Crispy, golden nuggets of fresh okra coated in a seasoned cornmeal crust and fried to perfection. Paired with a zesty, creamy Comeback Sauce, this Southern classic is an irresistible appetizer or side dish.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Comeback Sauce
- b.In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until smooth.
- c.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 1-2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Okra and Dredging Station
- b.Wash the fresh okra and pat it completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial to prevent a slimy texture.
- c.Trim off the stems and slice the pods into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- d.Set up a three-step dredging station. In a shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk and the large egg.
- e.In a second shallow dish, combine the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, paprika, and 1 tsp of salt. Mix thoroughly.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Heat the Frying Oil
- b.Pour the vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches.
- c.Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a steady temperature of 365°F (185°C). Use a deep-fry or candy thermometer for accuracy.
- d.If you don't have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small piece of coated okra into it; it should sizzle vigorously and turn golden in about 60 seconds.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Coat and Fry the Okra
- b.Working in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, add a handful of okra slices to the buttermilk mixture and toss to coat.
- c.Using a slotted spoon, lift the okra from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Immediately transfer it to the cornmeal mixture.
- d.Toss the okra in the cornmeal dredge until every piece is thoroughly and evenly coated.
- e.Carefully lower the coated okra into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes, stirring gently once or twice, until deep golden brown and crispy.
- f.Use a spider strainer or slotted spoon to remove the fried okra and transfer it to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Season and Serve
- b.Immediately after removing the okra from the oil, sprinkle it lightly with additional salt while it's still hot.
- c.Repeat the coating and frying process with the remaining okra, ensuring the oil returns to 365°F between batches.
- d.Serve the hot, crispy fried okra immediately with the chilled Comeback Sauce for dipping.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the okra is completely dry before slicing to minimize sliminess.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pot when frying. This lowers the oil temperature and results in greasy, soggy okra.
- 3Draining the fried okra on a wire rack instead of paper towels helps keep the bottom crispy.
- 4The Comeback Sauce tastes best when made at least an hour ahead, giving the flavors time to meld.
- 5Maintain a consistent oil temperature between 350-375°F (175-190°C) for the crispiest results.
- 6Season the okra with salt the moment it comes out of the fryer so the salt adheres to the hot surface.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Version
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the cornmeal dredge for an extra kick of heat.
Air Fryer MethodAir Fryer Method
For a lighter version, coat the okra as directed, then arrange in a single layer in an air fryer basket. Spray generously with cooking oil. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Different DredgeDifferent Dredge
For a different texture, substitute half of the cornmeal with panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crunchy coating.
Alternative DipAlternative Dip
If you're not a fan of Comeback Sauce, serve the fried okra with a classic ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a spicy remoulade.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Fiber
Okra is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health, helping to maintain regular bowel movements and support a healthy gut microbiome.
Rich in Vitamin K
Okra provides a significant amount of Vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in blood clotting and bone health.
Source of Antioxidants
Okra contains beneficial antioxidants like polyphenols, flavonoids, and isoquercetin, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this dish contains approximately 810 calories. It's an indulgent Southern treat, with most calories coming from the deep-frying process and the mayonnaise-based Comeback Sauce.