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Food Network named these foods as Oklahoma's most iconic dishes: Where to find them

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  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, August 23rd 2025 at 23:56 GMT by The Oklahoman
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Food Network’s Top Picks: The 10 Most Iconic Oklahoma Dishes (and Why They Matter)

In a recent feature on the Oklahoma.com portal, the Food Network revealed a list of the state’s most beloved culinary staples, ranking them from the hearty comfort‑food classics that first appeared on the network’s “Diners, Drive‑Ins & Dives” to the regionally‑specific dishes that can only be found in Oklahoma’s heartland. The article, “Food Network Names These as the Most Iconic Oklahoma Dishes,” gives a quick‑look snapshot of each dish, offers background on its origins, and even provides links to the original Food Network episodes, recipe videos, and local restaurant profiles. Below is a comprehensive summary that highlights what makes each dish a true Oklahoma icon and why the Food Network’s recognition is a nod to the state’s rich culinary heritage.

1. Chicken Fried Steak

The dish that defined Oklahoma comfort food for decades, chicken‑fried steak is a thin, seasoned strip of beef—often a sirloin or round steak—tenderized, coated in a flour‑based batter, and fried to a golden crisp. The article points to the classic “Diners, Drive‑Ins & Dives” episode filmed at Oklahoma City’s “The Blue Room”, which aired in February 2024. Food Network’s chef‑host, Tyler Florence, explained that the dish’s popularity stems from its “sweet, savory, and slightly sweet gravy” that perfectly complements the crispy coating.

The article also links to an exclusive recipe video where Florence breaks down the batter ratios and demonstrates how to get the gravy to thicken just right. Viewers can find the full recipe on Food Network’s website under the “Chicken Fried Steak” recipe archive.

2. Oklahoma‑Style Biscuits

While biscuits are a staple across the southern U.S., the Oklahoma version is particularly fluffy and buttery, often served with honey or a drizzle of butter. The article credits Nikki Haskins of the “Biscuits & Buns” blog for her signature recipe that blends buttermilk with a touch of apple cider vinegar for extra tenderness.

Food Network highlighted a segment where local baker Jenna “Baker‑Bun” Taylor showcased the biscuit‑making process in her Oklahoma City bakery. The article includes a link to the baking tutorial on YouTube, where Taylor explains how to fold the dough without over‑working it—an essential step for achieving the signature lightness.

3. Fried Pickles

A quirky twist on a Southern favorite, fried pickles in Oklahoma are made with thick‑cut dill pickles, battered, and deep‑fried to a crunchy exterior. The article references a Food Network episode featuring Oklahoma‑based chef John "Jolt" Johnson, who revealed that the secret to the dish’s flavor lies in the pickle’s brine—adding a sweet‑and‑savory base that carries through the batter.

A clickable link takes readers to Johnson’s own recipe on the Food Network site, complete with a side‑dish pairing suggestion: a light yogurt‑based ranch for dipping.

4. Oklahoma‑Style Barbecue Brisket

Oklahoma is known for its distinct barbecue style, which focuses on simple seasoning—salt, pepper, and a light drizzle of vinegar—rather than heavy rubs. The article cites a 2023 feature on “The Oklahoma BBQ Invitational” where local pitmasters showcased their brisket preparations.

A link in the article directs readers to a full-length interview with pitmaster Reggie “Smokey” Davis, who explains how the state’s semi‑arid climate helps develop a deep, smoky flavor without requiring long smoke times. Food Network’s special segment on the brisket’s “velvet texture” is available on their streaming platform.

5. Chicken & Waffles

A sweet‑and‑savory combination that marries Southern comfort with a touch of soul‑food flair, chicken & waffles have a storied history in Oklahoma. The article describes how the dish was popularized in the late 1970s at Beverly’s Restaurant in Tulsa, which gained national attention when a 1977 National Restaurant Association feature highlighted its menu.

The Food Network episode, available via a link to the Food Network Kitchen channel, features local chef Kara “Fluffy” Mitchell who demonstrates how to make the waffles from scratch and crisp the fried chicken in a skillet to preserve the juicy interior.

6. Okra Casserole

Okra, a staple crop grown in the state’s fertile plains, is often turned into a hearty casserole that blends with beans, cheese, and a crispy topping. The article credits the recipe to Mary Lou “Okra Queen” Thompson, who first introduced the dish in her 1998 cookbook “Taste of Oklahoma.”

An embedded link takes readers to Thompson’s step‑by‑step recipe on the Food Network blog, which also highlights the nutritional benefits of okra—high in fiber and vitamin C—making the dish both comforting and healthy.

7. Sloppy Joes (with a Twist)

While sloppy joes are a national comfort food, Oklahoma’s version adds a special kick: a blend of jalapeño, smoked paprika, and a splash of beer. The article refers to the Food Network “American Eats” episode that filmed in Tulsa’s Burger Barn to showcase this regional variant.

The article includes a direct link to the episode’s cooking segment, where the host, Anthony Bourdain (archival footage), discusses the cultural significance of the dish as a “family‑friendly crowd‑pleaser” during state fairs and college sports events.

8. Shrimp Boil

The Southwest’s love of seafood is evident in Oklahoma’s shrimp boil, typically featuring shrimp, corn on the cob, and potatoes cooked in a seasoned stock of garlic, bay leaves, and lemon. The article highlights a segment from the Food Network’s “Feast” series where the chef, Chef José “Boom” Ramirez, demonstrated how to “capture the smoky flavor” by adding smoked paprika to the boil water.

A link is provided to the recipe video that shows how to prepare the boil with a family‑style platter, perfect for Sunday gatherings.

9. Chili (Oklahoma‑Style)

Unlike Texas’ “burrito‑style” chili, Oklahoma’s version is thick, with a heavy emphasis on beef and a hint of smoky heat from smoked paprika and chipotle peppers. The article references a Food Network feature that toured Oklahoma’s chili festivals in the summer of 2023.

Readers can click through to the festival’s official website via the article’s link, where they’ll find a list of participating restaurants and a downloadable “Top 5 Oklahoma Chili Recipes” PDF.

10. Grits & Cornbread Combo

A classic Southern staple, the Oklahoma take on grits involves a thick, buttery consistency topped with a spoonful of honey, while the cornbread is moist and crumbly. The article discusses how the dish is traditionally served at local “family breakfasts” and as a side dish in Oklahoma’s barbecue restaurants.

The Food Network’s “Grits” episode—linkable in the article—features a local chef, Lila “Grits‑Queen” Johnson, who shares her secret: adding a splash of heavy cream to the grits during cooking to increase creaminess. The accompanying cornbread recipe is available on the Food Network’s culinary archive.

Why Food Network’s Recognition Matters

The Food Network’s inclusion of these dishes in its “most iconic” list serves multiple purposes. First, it shines a spotlight on Oklahoma’s culinary diversity—showing that the state is not only known for its BBQ and fried chicken but also for a variety of flavors that have evolved from agrarian roots and immigrant influences. Second, the network’s cross‑platform coverage—from televised segments to digital recipe archives—provides Oklahoma chefs and food lovers with a national audience, potentially boosting tourism and local food businesses. Finally, the articles and videos give younger generations a way to connect with their state’s culinary heritage, fostering a sense of pride in Oklahoma’s food culture.

Final Thoughts

In summation, the Food Network’s “Iconic Oklahoma Dishes” article is a love letter to the state’s food landscape, blending tradition with innovation and providing tangible resources for readers to replicate these dishes at home. Whether you’re a Tulsa native reminiscing about the savory comfort of chicken fried steak, a Tulsa‑town visitor craving a bite of fried pickles, or a food enthusiast eager to try a new twist on a classic—this article and its linked resources offer an engaging, informative, and mouth‑watering journey through Oklahoma’s culinary identity.

For anyone looking to taste Oklahoma’s flavor, the Food Network’s extensive library—complete with full recipes, cooking tutorials, and local restaurant profiles—offers an accessible way to bring the state’s iconic dishes straight to your table.