Crispy Southern Fried Okra

CRISPY SOUTHERN FRIED OKRA
1 lb. fresh okra pods
2 eggs
Kosher salt
Black pepper/red pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 ¼ c. yellow cornmeal
¼ c. flour

1. Trim stems and thin tips from fresh okra pods.
2. Cut okra crosswise into ½” pieces.
3. In bowl, lightly beat eggs and add salt.
4. Add okra and mix well to coat and let soak 15 minutes.
5. Heat ¾”-1” oil in large cast-iron skillet until deep fry thermometer reads 375.
6. In a gallon-sized zip-lock bag, combine cornmeal, flour, salt, red/black pepper.
7. Seal bag and toss to combine.
8. Once oil is ready, remove okra from egg mixture with slotted spoon, drain off as much egg as possible.
9. Add to bag with breading.
10. Seal bag, and toss to coat okra.
11. Working in two batches, add okra to skillet and fry until golden brown all over, 2-3 minutes.
12. With slotted spoon transfer okra to paper towel plate. Drain. Sprinkle with a little kosher salt.
    *Serve with your favorite dipping sauce-Tartar, Remoulade, Catsup, Ranch, etc.