Description
Deliciously crispy fried okra stuffed with spicy pepper jack cheese, perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh okra, trimmed
- 8 ounces pepper jack cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oil in a deep fryer or a large heavy pot to 350°F.
- Carefully make a slit in each okra pod lengthwise, ensuring not to cut all the way through. Stuff each pod with a cube of pepper jack cheese.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, pour the buttermilk. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
- Dip each stuffed okra pod first into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then into the buttermilk, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Once all the okra is coated, carefully place them in the hot oil in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the fried okra with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the cheese filling.
- Try using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a unique flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg