Memes Fried Okra

Directions

1. 1
   Line a plate with paper towels and set by the cooktop.
2. 2
   Combine the okra and buttermilk in a bowl.
3. 3
   Combine the cornmeal and flour in a second bowl.
4. 4
   Using a slotted spoon, remove the okra from the liquid, letting the excess buttermilk run back into the bowl.
5. 5
   Place the okra in the flour mixture and toss to coat.
6. 6
   Heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350F on deep-fat thermometer.
7. 7
   (You can also test the heat by sprinkling a bit of flour into the hot oil to see whether it bubbles.)
8. 8
   When the oil is hot, add a large spoonful of okra to the skillet.
9. 9
   (Dont add too much at once or the oil will cool down and the okra wont cook properly.)
10. 10
    Cook until brown and crisp, 3 to 5 minutes.
11. 11
    Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked okra to the prepared plate.
12. 12
    Repeat with the remaining okra.
13. 13
    Season with salt and pepper.
14. 14
    Serve immediately.
15. 15
    Frying can be messy, but not if you are prepared.
16. 16
    Set up a frying center in the kitchen (chefs call it a station) that lets you easily move from marinating the fish to the dry ingredients to the hot oil.
17. 17
    Line a plate or baking sheet with paper towels and place it by the pot to receive the fried fish, a clean and efficient system.
18. 18
    Only dredge what you can fry at a time: dont coat all the fish and then start frying; the coating will become dense and gummy.