Pepper Jack Cheese Stuffed Fried Okra
A delicious twist on a classic snack, combining Southern fried okra with spicy pepper jack cheese for a crunchy, cheesy treat.
Ingredients
- 20 largefresh okra pods
- 4 ozpepper jack cheese (sliced into thin strips)
- 1 cupbuttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
- 1 cupcornmeal
- ½ cupall-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoongarlic powder
- ½ teaspoonsmoked paprika
- salt and black pepper (to taste)
- vegetable oil (for frying)
- ranch
- chipotle mayo
- spicy aioli
- fresh lime wedges
Directions
- 1
Wash and dry the okra pods thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, carefully make a slit down the length of each okra pod without cutting all the way through.
- 2
Gently open each slit and use your finger or a small spoon to remove most of the seeds, making space for the cheese.
- 3
Cut pepper jack cheese into thin strips, about the length of the okra pods. Stuff each pod with a cheese strip, being careful not to overfill.
- 4
Pour the buttermilk into a shallow bowl. In another bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- 5
Dip each cheese-stuffed okra pod into the buttermilk to coat, then roll it in the cornmeal mixture to ensure an even, generous coating. Set aside on a plate.
- 6
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep, heavy skillet or pot to 350°F (180°C).
- 7
Fry the stuffed okra in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- 8
Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried okra to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- 9
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.