There’s something truly special about foods in Oklahoma, where the flavors are as unique and diverse as the state itself. From barbeque to fried pies, there is no shortage of delicious dishes in the Oklahoma Food scene that have made their mark on this great state.

If you’re looking for a culinary adventure, Oklahoma is a great destination to let your taste buds explore!

What’s Special About Foods In Oklahoma?

Many will tell you that Oklahoma Food is like a delicious mixtape of flavors, drawing inspiration from multiple places, including the state’s cultural history and agricultural heritage.

One of the things that set Oklahoma apart is its love of all things fried. From chicken-fried steak to fried okra to fried pies, you can find just about anything fried and delicious in Oklahoma. And don’t even get me started on the Fried-Onion Burger, a true Oklahoma original.

But Oklahoma’s food scene isn’t just about indulgent comfort food. You can also find some healthy and tasty options.

Oklahoma cuisine has also been influenced by various cultures, from Native American dishes to Cajun-inspired delicacies. You will also find fusion dishes that put a unique twist to international cuisine brought over by early immigrants to the country.

Whether you’re a fan of classic comfort foods or looking for something new and exciting, these are some of the famous foods in Oklahoma to enjoy.

Most Famous Oklahoma Food

Oklahoma Barbecue

Oklahoma is known for its delicious barbecue and the state boasts some of the best barbecue restaurants in the country. It’s one of those finger-licking good Ohio food.

This style of cooking uses low heat to slowly cook meats such as pork, brisket, or ribs over hickory wood smoke. The long hours of infusion give it that signature smoky flavor that we all know and love.

Another thing that sets Oklahoma barbecue apart is the wide variety of sauces and rubs. You’ll find everything from tangy vinegar-based sauces to sweet and spicy rubs, each one adding a different twist to the meat. 

And if you can’t decide what to try, just ask for a sampler – most Oklahoma barbecue joints will be happy to let you mix a little bit of everything.

In addition to the meat, the state also has some seriously tasty sides. From creamy potato salad and tangy coleslaw to savory baked beans and buttery cornbread, the sides are just as important as the meat itself.

Most Okie BBQ restaurants serve up generous portions at an affordable price and are well worth seeking out! A visit to Oklahoma wouldn’t be complete without sampling some of their smoky-flavored BBQ delicacies. 

Famous Foods In Oklahoma

Sooner Steak

This mouth-watering dish is all about juicy, tender beef, cooked to perfection and served with all the fixins.

One of the things that makes Sooner Steak so special is the quality of the meat. Oklahoma is home to some of the best beef in the country, and many restaurants and steak houses in the state take pride in sourcing their meat from local ranches. That means you’re getting the freshest, most flavorful beef possible.

The preparation of the Sooner Steak is also a delicate art form. Chefs take great care to season and cook the steak just right, ensuring the perfect texture while maintaining the flavor. 

This iconic dish has been a part of Oklahoma cuisine for generations, and it’s a symbol of the state’s rich agricultural heritage. So when you bite into a well-prepared Sooner Steak, you’re not just enjoying a delicious meal – you’re experiencing a piece of Oklahoma history.

Pair your Sooner Steak classic sides with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even fresh salads for an unbeatable combination. You’ll find this hearty Oklahoma food on many restaurant menus throughout the state. 

Fried-Onion Burger

The classic Fried-Onion Burger is one of the foods Oklahoma is known for. This all-American dish has been around since the 1920s, and it’s still a favorite of many foodies in the state.

The kicker is the immense layers of fried onions that are placed inside the sandwich to give it an extra crunch. As the burger cooks on the griddle, those onions caramelize and mix with all its juices.

Imagine biting into a thick and juicy beef patty, cooked to perfection and topped with a generous pile of crispy fried onions. The onions add a unique and delicious crunch, while also infusing the burger with their sweet and savory essence.

Legend has it that during the Great Depression, chefs in El Reno, Oklahoma began adding copious amounts of thinly sliced onions to their burgers as a way to stretch out the expensive meat supply. The result was a burger that was not only more filling but also bursting with flavor.

Today, you can find Fried-Onion Burgers at countless restaurants and diners across the state. Some prefer to pile on the onions, while others opt for a more subtle approach. 

So if you’re ever in Oklahoma and find yourself hankering for a burger, be sure to give the Fried-Onion Burger a try. It’s a true Oklahoma original that will have your taste buds singing!

Chicken-Fried Steak

When it comes to Oklahoma food, Chicken-Fried Steak is an absolute must. This Southern dish has been around for generations and is a common go-to dish in the region.

Chicken Fried Steak though, is not chicken. It is a steak pounded thin, then dredged in egg wash and flour or cornmeal mixture before being fried up in a hot skillet of oil. 

The result? A crunchy crust that’s cooked golden brown and full of flavor! As the name suggests, the cooking process resembles how fried chicken is usually prepared; however, beef takes center stage here. 

The tenderized cuts are smothered in a creamy gravy made from the pan drippings, making every bite an explosion of flavor. It is usually served with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, creamed corn, or green beans.

While you might think that Chicken-Fried Steak is just a simple dish, you’d be mistaken. Each cook has their own special way of preparing it, from the seasoning of the meat to the thickness of the gravy. It’s a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious.

This hearty meal is a symbol of comfort and hospitality in the Sooner State. So be sure to give this famous food in Oklahoma a try, it is sure to your appetite!

Tamale Pie

Tamale Pie is a classic food of Oklahoma dish that features a creative combination of Mexican flavors with some okie twists.

It’s typically made with a layer of seasoned ground beef or pork with chili peppers and tomatoes, a layer of cornbread or tamale dough, and a layer of cheese on top. 

It’s then baked in the oven until it’s golden brown and bubbly on top. The result is an indulgent comfort Oklahoma food that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

Tamale Pie is a great dish to make for a crowd, as it can easily be scaled up or down to fit your needs. It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or even game-day gatherings.

Oklahomans love to customize their tamale pies by adding their favorite ingredients like black beans, jalapenos, green chilies, and more! And while some people prefer to serve it as-is, others like to pair it with some Mexican sides like refried beans, guacamole, and salsa.

Snacks Foods From Oklahoma

Calf Fries

Calf fries are one of the more intriguing foods in Oklahoma. They are also known as Rocky Mountain Oysters in other parts of the country. However, both names are misleading in giving a clue as to what exactly the dish is.

For those who may not know, Calf Fries are not fries at all, nor oysters, but rather, they are deep-fried bull testicles. Yes, you read that right. But don’t let that scare you away! 

These little nuggets can actually be quite delicious, with a mild flavor that’s similar to beef liver. They’re crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside. Calf fries have, after all, stood the test of time.

In fact, they are a symbol of Oklahoma’s western heritage. For many ranchers in the state, eating Calf Fries is a way of celebrating the end of a long day of work and enjoying the fruits of their labor. 

And for adventurous foodies, trying this Oklahoma delicacy is one way of embracing the state’s cowboy culture and exploring new culinary frontiers.

You can find these deep-fried morsels of bull testicles in bars and restaurants across the state, often served with zest seasonings or various sauces for dipping.

Fried Okra

Now, if you’ve never had fried okra before, you’re in for a real treat. This popular side is a staple food in Oklahoma and the South. It is easy to make and packs a powerful punch of flavor. 

This dish starts with fresh okra, which is sliced into disc bite-sized pieces and dredged in a seasoned cornmeal batter. It’s then fried to golden brown. The okra turns crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside, creating a delicious and addictive snack that’s hard to resist.

Fried okra pairs well with other Southern classics like Fried Chicken or Catfish. It adds a delicious crunch and a pop of flavor to any meal. Or you can even eat it as a snack, simply seasoned with salt and pepper! 

In addition, fried okra provides several health benefits as well. It’s low in calories but high in fiber and antioxidants. Plus, okra contains iron which helps keep your energy levels up. 

Breakfast Foods From Oklahoma

Biscuits And Gravy

One of the iconic foods in Oklahoma is none other than Biscuits and sausage gravy!

Flaky, buttery biscuits that are so light and fluffy that they practically melt in your mouth, topped with a creamy, indulgent sausage gravy. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for fueling up before a day of work or exploring the great outdoors.

The biscuits are made with a combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, butter or shortening, and sometimes buttermilk for extra flavor. 

As for the gravy, it is usually made from ground pork sausage mixed with milk or cream, and different spices, then thickened with flour until it’s smooth and creamy. Some variations also include onions or cheese to give it a unique twist. 

Biscuits and gravy is a dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. It’s often served family-style, with a big platter of biscuits in the middle and everyone helping themselves to the sausage and gravy. 

That said, this comforting meal that brings people together makes it a beloved staple of the Oklahoma food scene. It’s simple, yet oh-so comforting and delicious.

Bahn Mi

Bahn Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that has quickly become one of the most popular foods in Oklahoma. It’s a fusion of East Asian flavors with Southern cuisine.

The traditional Bahn Mi consists of a crispy baguette, filled with refreshing goodies such as pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, cilantro, and jalapenos. The sandwich is then topped with either barbecued pork or chicken and dressed up with mayo and sriracha sauce.

Oklahomans love some heat in their food, so you will often find their version of Bahn Mi sandwiches with extra jalapenos or other spicy peppers. The result is an explosion of flavor and texture that will leave you satisfied. 

Another great thing about Bahn Mi is that it’s perfect for eating on the go. Whether you’re exploring the city, or just hanging out in the park, it makes for a quick and convenient meal.

In addition, you can play around with the ingredients to create your own version of this fusion dish. Bahn Mi perfectly represents the cultural diversity within the Oklahoma food scene.

Desserts And Sweet Foods In Oklahoma

Fried Pies

Few desserts are as iconic in the state as fried pie. This traditional Oklahoma food is said to have been around since the 1800s and is popular in several other U.S. states.

These days, you’ll find an array of different fried pies throughout Oklahoma – from classic cherry and apple to more special stuffings like peach. 

The crust is deep-fried until it’s golden brown and crispy. Then, it’s filled with anything from jam to sweetened fruits or even savory fillings for a heavenly taste sensation. 

One of the things that makes fried pies so popular is their versatility. They are the perfect dessert after a hearty meal, but they also work great as breakfast or a midday snack. 

And since they’re portable and easy to eat on the go, fried pies are a favorite of travelers and road-trippers across the state. So pack some to go as you explore the famous landmarks in Oklahoma.

When you visit one of the many roadside stands or mom-and-pop shops that sell them, you can often watch as they’re made right in front of your eyes. There’s just something special about enjoying a hot, crispy Fried Pie that was cooked up minutes before.

Fried pies are a fun snack or light dessert that you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. Be sure to treat yourself to one (or even a few!), they’re a true gem of the Oklahoma food scene.

Strawberries

Oklahoma is known for its sweet and juicy strawberries that come into season during late spring. They are a symbol of the state’s agricultural heritage. 

With rich soil and a warm climate, Oklahoma is the perfect place for growing strawberries. During the spring and early summer months, you’ll find farmers’ markets and roadside stands overflowing with baskets of these ruby-red gems.

This delicious fruit has been part of the Oklahoma food scene since the state was first settled, with locals taking advantage of their abundance to create some truly unique dishes. 

One popular dish is strawberry shortcake, which takes on many forms in Oklahoma. From traditional versions to more modern ones with cream cheese frosting or peanut butter cookies, it’s a treat that’s beloved by everyone. 

Strawberries also make for great jams and preserves. Many Oklahomans keep jars on hand throughout the year so they can enjoy this sweet treat all year round! 

One of the most fun way to enjoy Oklahoma strawberries is by picking them yourself! Many farms across the state offer “U-pick” strawberry patches where you can spend a sunny afternoon filling your basket with these sweet treats straight from the source. It’s a fun and memorable activity.

If you’re in Oklahoma during strawberry season (typically from April to June), be sure to indulge in this sweet and juicy fruit filled with nutritional benefits.

Tasting Famous Foods Of Oklahoma

Overall, Oklahoma’s food scene is a delicious blend of Southern comfort food, international flavors, and even some cowboy cuisine. There are many iconic dishes that are simple and impactful.

From adventurous eats like calf fries to Oklahoma classics such as chicken fried steak, these are some of the most beloved Oklahoma foods that make it one-of-a-kind! Plenty of both sweet and savory creations have become staples in the state’s culinary repertoire.

With so much effort and flavor packed into every dish, it’s no wonder Oklahomans have such an appreciation for their cuisine. So the next time you visit the state, be sure to sample some of these traditional food of Oklahoma.

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