Firecracker Fried Okra Recipe:

Ingredients:

~1 pound fresh okra, cleaned and sliced (a little extra is fine)
1 cup buttermilk
1/ 2 cup yellow self-rising cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon each of onion powder, paprika, and garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper to taste
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
5 cups vegetable oil, for frying
1-2 teaspoons hot sauce
1 cup all-purpose flour (plus 2 tablespoons)

Instructions:

1. Toss sliced okra with 2 tablespoons flour, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.

2. Mix hot sauce into buttermilk in another bowl.

3. Combine 1 cup flour, yellow cornmeal, and spices in a platter.

4. Dip okra in buttermilk, then in flour-cornmeal mixture. Shake off excess.

5. Heat 4 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F in a Dutch oven.

6. Fry coated okra in batches for 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

7. Sprinkle with salt right after frying.