Description
Pepper Jack Cheese Stuffed Fried Okra is a flavorful southern-inspired appetizer featuring crispy, golden-brown okra pods stuffed with spicy, melty pepper jack cheese. This dish is perfect for any occasion and pairs wonderfully with dipping sauces.
Ingredients
20 large fresh okra pods
4 oz pepper jack cheese, sliced into thin strips
1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tsp vinegar)
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying
Optional for serving: Ranch, chipotle mayo, or spicy aioli
Fresh lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Okra: Rinse and dry the okra pods. Slice each pod lengthwise and remove some of the seeds. Insert a thin strip of pepper jack cheese into each pod and secure with a toothpick if necessary.
- Soak in Buttermilk: Place the stuffed okra in buttermilk while you prepare the breading mixture.
- Make the Breading: In a bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Okra: Dredge each stuffed okra pod in the breading mixture, making sure it’s well-coated.
- Fry Until Golden: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated okra until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried okra from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and fresh lime wedges on the side.
Notes
If you prefer a spicier version, consider adding a few dashes of hot sauce to the breading mixture or using a spicier cheese.
Double-dipping the okra in buttermilk and breading will result in an extra crispy coating.
If using frozen okra, thaw and drain well before stuffing and frying to avoid excess moisture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed okra
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
