Fried Okra Cajun-style with Remoulade Sauce

Fried Okra Cajun-style with Remoulade Sauce Recipe - Vegetarian Food from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Fried Okra Cajun-style with Remoulade Sauce

Fried okra is a popular Southern dish that is loved for its crispy texture and unique flavor. In this recipe, we will be making Fried Okra Cajun-style with a delicious Remoulade Sauce that adds a spicy kick to the dish.

History

Fried okra has been a staple in Southern cuisine for generations. The dish originated in West Africa and was brought to the United States by African slaves. Okra was a common ingredient in African cooking, and it quickly became popular in the Southern states due to its ability to thrive in hot and humid climates.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) okra, sliced into 0.25 inch pieces
1.5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp chili powder
0.5 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp paprika
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
0.5 tsp salt
1 lightly beaten egg
2 cups corn oil, more if needed
salt, for seasoning

How to prepare

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cumin, chile powder, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and salt.
Heat a large skillet with oil.
Once the oil is very hot, dredge the okra in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip the okra into the beaten egg, then coat it with flour again.
Fry the coated okra in batches in the hot oil until it turns light-brown and crispy.
Drain the fried okra on paper towels.
Season with salt to taste.
Serve the crispy okra with Remoulade Sauce.

Variations

Add Cajun seasoning to the flour mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
Use cornmeal instead of flour for a different texture.
Add sliced bell peppers or onions to the okra for a colorful twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the okra to ensure a crispy texture.

- Do not overcrowd the skillet when frying the okra to prevent it from becoming soggy.

- Season the okra with salt immediately after frying to enhance the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Fried Okra Cajun-style can be served as a side dish or as a snack. It pairs well with a creamy Remoulade Sauce or a tangy hot sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Frying is the main cooking technique used in this recipe. Make sure to fry the okra in hot oil to achieve a crispy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vegetable oil or peanut oil instead of corn oil for frying.

- Gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the flour mixture and slice the okra ahead of time to save time when cooking. However, it is best to fry the okra just before serving to maintain its crispy texture.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Fried Okra Cajun-style on a platter with a side of Remoulade Sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Fried Okra Cajun-style pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or other Southern dishes like fried chicken or shrimp and grits.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Fried Okra Cajun-style can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the okra on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Fried Okra Cajun-style contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Fried Okra Cajun-style contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Fried Okra Cajun-style contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Fried Okra Cajun-style contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Okra is a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as folate and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the all-purpose flour and egg.

Summary

Fried Okra Cajun-style is a delicious and crispy dish that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your meal.

Summary

Fried Okra Cajun-style is a delicious and crispy dish that is perfect for a Southern-inspired meal. With a spicy Remoulade Sauce on the side, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Fried Okra Cajun-style with Remoulade Sauce. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the heart of Louisiana, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of Cajun culture. My grandmother, who was known far and wide for her incredible cooking skills, had invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare a special meal for our family.

As we gathered the ingredients and began to chop, mix, and season, I watched in awe as my grandmother worked her magic. She moved with such grace and confidence, her hands moving deftly as she added just the right amount of seasoning, tasted the mixture, and adjusted the flavors until they were perfect.

I asked her where she had learned to make such delicious food, and she smiled and told me stories of her own grandmother, who had passed down her recipes through the generations. She had learned to cook by watching and helping her grandmother in the kitchen, just as I was learning now.

The recipe for Fried Okra Cajun-style with Remoulade Sauce was a special one, one that had been passed down through our family for generations. It was a recipe that had been perfected over time, with each generation adding their own twist to make it their own.

As we worked together, my grandmother shared stories of her own childhood, of growing up in a small Cajun village and learning the art of cooking from her own mother and grandmother. She told me tales of gathering fresh okra from the garden, of slicing it thin and coating it in a special blend of spices before frying it to a perfect golden brown.

As we finished preparing the okra and moved on to making the Remoulade Sauce, my grandmother explained the importance of each ingredient, of how the flavors of the sauce would complement the crispy okra perfectly. She taught me how to mix the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and spices just right, tasting and adjusting until it was just the way she liked it.

When the meal was finally ready, we gathered around the table with our family and enjoyed the fruits of our labor. The Fried Okra Cajun-style with Remoulade Sauce was a hit, with everyone raving about how delicious it was. My grandmother beamed with pride as she watched us all enjoy the food she had prepared with so much love and care.

That day in the kitchen with my grandmother was a turning point for me. It was the day I truly fell in love with cooking, with the art of creating delicious food that brings people together. I knew then that I wanted to carry on the tradition of our family recipes, of passing down the knowledge and love of cooking to future generations.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing the same recipe for Fried Okra Cajun-style with Remoulade Sauce, I can feel my grandmother's presence with me. I can hear her voice guiding me through the steps, reminding me of the importance of each ingredient and each technique.

As I take a bite of the crispy, flavorful okra dipped in the tangy, spicy Remoulade Sauce, I am transported back to that day in my grandmother's kitchen, surrounded by love, laughter, and the delicious aroma of Cajun cooking. And I am filled with gratitude for the gift she gave me, the gift of a love for cooking that will stay with me always.