Pan Fried Okra Recipes

Steps:

• Cook the bacon in a large cast-iron skillet until crisp, about 8 minutes. Remove to paper towels to drain, reserving the drippings in the skillet.
• Add the okra to the drippings in the skillet. Add the canola oil if the skillet is dry. Sprinkle with the House Seasoning, and toss to coat. Saute until crispy and golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.
• Squeeze the juice from the lemon over the top of the okra. Crumble the bacon over the top and sprinkle with freshly ground pepper. Serve right from the skillet.
• Stir together the garlic and onion powders, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Steps:

• Wash the okra, and place aside, leaving the okra slightly wet. Cut the okra crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces and place in a large bowl. Season the okra with the salt, adding more to taste.
• Pour the cornmeal over the okra. Using both hands, firmly grip the bowl, and shake it until all the okra pieces are coated. If too dry, add a little water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and, if needed, more cornmeal can be added. Lightly press the okra with your hands, making sure that the cornmeal sticks to the okra. Toss the okra again. All the pieces should be coated evenly, with a light layer of cornmeal - but the okra shouldn't be obscured.
• In a large cast-iron skillet, heat the oil over medium-high. You can determine if the oil is ready by dropping a pinch of cornmeal into it; the oil should sizzle, but not smoke. (If it's not hot enough, the okra will soak up the oil.)
• Once the oil is ready, working in two batches to avoid crowding, drop half the okra into the hot oil and cook it, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until golden and crisp. Using a slotted spoon or spider, remove the okra to a plate covered with a paper towel to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining okra, and serve immediately.