Bacon Grease Fried Buttermilk Okra

Ingredients

• 1 lb Fresh okra, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1/2 cup Bacon grease (rendered)
• 1/4 cup Vegetable oil (to supplement fat)
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 1 cup Yellow cornmeal
• 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Place the sliced okra in a medium bowl and pour the buttermilk over it, stirring to ensure every piece is coated.

2. 2

   In a separate shallow dish or large gallon-sized bag, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne.

3. 3

   In a large cast-iron skillet, melt the bacon grease over medium-high heat and add enough vegetable oil to reach a depth of about 1/4 inch.

4. 4

   Using a slotted spoon, lift the okra from the buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip off, and toss it into the cornmeal mixture.

5. 5

   Shake the okra in the breading until thoroughly coated, then tap off any excess flour to prevent the oil from burning.

6. 6

   Carefully place the okra in the hot skillet in a single layer, working in batches to avoid crowding the pan.

7. 7

   Fry for 3 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally with a spatula, until the coating is deep golden brown and crispy.

8. 8

   Drain the fried okra on a wire rack or paper towels and sprinkle with an extra pinch of salt while still hot.