Crispy Soul-Style Fried Okra with Spicy Remoulade

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden fried okra with a crunchy coating served alongside a tangy and spicy remoulade sauce, perfect as a soulful appetizer or side. This Southern American-inspired recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, turns fresh okra pods, cornmeal, all-purpose flour into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pour 1 cup buttermilk into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper.
  2. Step 2: Dip 1 lb sliced fresh okra (1/2-inch pieces) into the buttermilk, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to coat well.
  3. Step 3: Heat about 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F. Fry okra in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp hot sauce, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder in a small bowl to create the remoulade sauce.
  5. Step 5: Serve the crispy fried okra hot with the spicy remoulade on the side for dipping, delivering a crunchy, zesty soul food snack.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Soul-Style Fried Okra with Spicy Remoulade take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crispy Soul-Style Fried Okra with Spicy Remoulade?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Soul-Style Fried Okra with Spicy Remoulade?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Soul-Style Fried Okra with Spicy Remoulade for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Crispy Soul-Style Fried Okra with Spicy Remoulade?

Southern American snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes