Pepper Jack Cheese Stuffed Okra (Print Version)
Crispy okra pods filled with spicy pepper jack cheese and fried until golden brown.
# Ingredients:
→ Main
01 -
450 grams fresh okra, washed and trimmed
02 -
115 grams pepper jack cheese, shredded
→ Breading
03 -
65 grams all-purpose flour
04 -
65 grams cornmeal
05 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
07 -
0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
08 -
Salt, to taste
09 -
Black pepper, to taste
→ For Breading Process
10 -
240 milliliters buttermilk or regular milk
→ For Frying
11 -
Vegetable oil or canola oil, for deep frying
# Instructions:
01 -
Trim the tops from each okra pod and cut a slit lengthwise down one side, forming a pocket without slicing through completely.
02 -
Stuff each okra pod with shredded pepper jack cheese, carefully filling the cavity without overfilling.
03 -
Pour buttermilk into one shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
04 -
Dip each cheese-stuffed okra pod into buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour-cornmeal mixture until evenly coated.
05 -
In a deep skillet or pot, heat 5-7 centimeters of oil to 175°C. Test readiness by dropping in a small piece of breading; it should sizzle immediately.
06 -
Lower breaded okra gently into the hot oil in batches, avoiding crowding. Fry for 3–4 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
07 -
Arrange fried okra on a platter and serve immediately, accompanied by a preferred dipping sauce such as ranch or spicy aioli.
# Notes:
01 -
For best results, stuff and bread the okra just before frying to maintain maximum crispiness.