Are you looking for a healthy and delicious side dish that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This oven-fried okra recipe delivers all the crispy, flavorful goodness of traditional fried okra without the guilt. It's a perfect addition to any barbecue, weeknight dinner, or even a casual brunch. Get ready to experience oven-fried okra that’s unbelievably crunchy and bursting with flavor – a true testament to the power of homemade cooking! This recipe is perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, offering a delicious dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh okra, trimmed and sliced into ½-inch rounds
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This is a crucial step for achieving perfectly crisp okra.
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Season the Flour: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
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Coat the Okra: Dip each okra slice into the seasoned flour, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dip the floured okra into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat each slice generously with panko bread crumbs.
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Arrange and Bake: Arrange the coated okra slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet; this helps ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the okra is golden brown and crispy. Flip the okra halfway through for even browning. Keep an eye on it towards the end, as ovens vary.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the okra cool slightly before serving. This oven-fried okra is fantastic as a side dish with grilled meats, fish, or even as a standalone snack.
Tips for the Best Oven-Fried Okra:
- Drying is Key: Pat the okra slices dry with paper towels before coating them. Excess moisture will prevent them from getting crispy.
- Don't Overcrowd: Make sure the okra slices are in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of frying.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. Smoked paprika adds a delightful smoky dimension.
- Alternative Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for their crispy texture, but you can also use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers.
Variations:
- Spicy Okra: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Cheesy Okra: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese over the okra before baking for a cheesy twist.
- Herby Okra: Add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme to the flour mixture for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-12g
- Protein: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 3-5g
This oven-fried okra recipe is a simple yet satisfying addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and best recipes. Enjoy the delicious and healthy results! It’s a perfect example of how homemade cooking can be both flavorful and nutritious. This recipe offers a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, making it a fantastic choice for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas.