Every state in the country has its own food-related iconography. Maines got the lobster roll. Florida has Key Lime Pie. New Mexico has Frito pie. Pennsylvania has the Philly Cheesesteak. Lil old Rhode Island even has coffee milk (via The Food Network). A number of states have created laws declaring certain foods to be symbols of the state, but none more so than Oklahoma. According to State Symbols USA, Oklahoma legally declared its state meal in 1988. Not content with having one single food be representative of the state, the Oklahoma legislature decided to construct a whole meal in which each food represented an essential component of the states culinary heritage.
What are these foods? The official Oklahoma state meal consists of BBQ pork, sausage with biscuits and gravy, chicken-fried steak, fried okra, squash, black-eyed peas, grits, corn, cornbread, pecan pie, and strawberries. If that seems like a lot, thats because it is. Technically meant to be consumed across the day as breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Oklahoma State Meal can nevertheless be had in its entirety at restaurants like The Press in Oklahoma City. And while all of these dishes may seem like relics of a bygone era for the South, the meal still reflects much of the cultural proclivities of modern Oklahomans (via The Takeout and Oklahoma Historical Society).
This may come as something of a shock, but the Oklahoma State Meal isnt exactly the healthiest thing in the world. That fact doesnt stop people from eating it, nor should it. The importance of the meal lies not just in its flavor — because, lets be honest, everything in that meal sounds delicious — but in the cultural heritage of Oklahoma itself. Long characterized as a state of farmers and ranchers — thanks in no short part to a certain Broadway musical — Oklahoma shares much of its culinary heritage with the other southern states and a decent amount with its neighbor, Texas. Steak, black-eyed peas, cornbread, and grits are all important components of Oklahomas agricultural identity (via Oklahoma Historical Society).
However, a blip in the State Meals history came in the form of former Oklahoma State Senator Brian Crain. According to Tulsa World, in 2010, Crain tried to repeal the State Meal legislation, arguing that the meal was too heavy and did not encourage Oklahomans to follow a healthy diet. Senator Crains proposal died on the State House floor, allowing the State Meal to remain an Oklahoman symbol for future generations. It is worth pointing out, however, that should one decide to consume the entire meal in one sitting, they will be taking in 2,700 calories, 125 grams of fat, and 5,250 milligrams of sodium. While that can be a cause of concern, its much easier (and much more fun) to live life like Ron Swanson.
List of U.S. state foods
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State
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Food type
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Food name
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Ohio
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State fruit
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Tomato
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State native fruit
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Pawpaw
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Oklahoma
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State meal
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Oklahoma state meal: Chicken-fried steak, barbequed pork, fried okra, squash, cornbread, grits, corn, sausage with biscuits and gravy, black-eyed peas, strawberries, and pecan pie
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State fruit
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Strawberry
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Every state in the country has its own food-related iconography. Maines got the lobster roll. Florida has Key Lime Pie. New Mexico has Frito pie. Pennsylvania has the Philly Cheesesteak. Lil old Rhode Island even has coffee milk (via The Food Network). A number of states have created laws declaring certain foods to be symbols of the state, but none more so than Oklahoma. According to State Symbols USA, Oklahoma legally declared its state meal in 1988. Not content with having one single food be representative of the state, the Oklahoma legislature decided to construct a whole meal in which each food represented an essential component of the states culinary heritage.
However, a blip in the State Meals history came in the form of former Oklahoma State Senator Brian Crain. According to Tulsa World, in 2010, Crain tried to repeal the State Meal legislation, arguing that the meal was too heavy and did not encourage Oklahomans to follow a healthy diet. Senator Crains proposal died on the State House floor, allowing the State Meal to remain an Oklahoman symbol for future generations. It is worth pointing out, however, that should one decide to consume the entire meal in one sitting, they will be taking in 2,700 calories, 125 grams of fat, and 5,250 milligrams of sodium. While that can be a cause of concern, its much easier (and much more fun) to live life like Ron Swanson.
What are these foods? The official Oklahoma state meal consists of BBQ pork, sausage with biscuits and gravy, chicken-fried steak, fried okra, squash, black-eyed peas, grits, corn, cornbread, pecan pie, and strawberries. If that seems like a lot, thats because it is. Technically meant to be consumed across the day as breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Oklahoma State Meal can nevertheless be had in its entirety at restaurants like The Press in Oklahoma City. And while all of these dishes may seem like relics of a bygone era for the South, the meal still reflects much of the cultural proclivities of modern Oklahomans (via The Takeout and Oklahoma Historical Society).
This may come as something of a shock, but the Oklahoma State Meal isnt exactly the healthiest thing in the world. That fact doesnt stop people from eating it, nor should it. The importance of the meal lies not just in its flavor — because, lets be honest, everything in that meal sounds delicious — but in the cultural heritage of Oklahoma itself. Long characterized as a state of farmers and ranchers — thanks in no short part to a certain Broadway musical — Oklahoma shares much of its culinary heritage with the other southern states and a decent amount with its neighbor, Texas. Steak, black-eyed peas, cornbread, and grits are all important components of Oklahomas agricultural identity (via Oklahoma Historical Society).
Black-eyed peas an essential ingredient of Oklahomas official state meal. Photo by MzScarlett / A.K.A. Michelle / Flickr (use permitted with attribution).
OKlahoma’s Top 10 MOST ICONIC Foods! | Oklahoma Food Scene | Everything Oklahoma
Is Oklahoma a state meal?
Oklahoma designated an official state meal In 1988 (Oklahoma also recognizes an official state fruit and state vegetable ). All Food Symbols Oklahoma’s official meal is an extensive menu that reflects the state’s historic and present-day agriculture and the cultural backgrounds of Oklahoma residents.
Are chicken fried steak and okra on Oklahoma State meal?
Chicken Fried Steak and Okra are both found on the official Oklahoma State Meal Essentially, this was a 1980s version of a farm-to-table meal promoting Oklahoma products. These are not dishes that are only found in Oklahoma since a lot of them are heavily influenced by Southern cuisine and Midwestern cuisine.
Which state eats fried okra?
Louisiana is the only other state that recognizes an official state meal. The official state meal of Oklahoma consists of fried okra, cornbread, barbecue pork, squash, biscuits, sausage and gravy, grits, corn, strawberries ( state fruit ), chicken fried steak, pecan pie, and black-eyed peas.
Is Oklahoma State meal vegetarian or vegan?
The Oklahoma state motto is Labor Omnia Vincit, meaning “labor conquers all.” Can you make a vegetarian or vegan version of the Oklahoma State Meal? I mean…maybe? Both Oklahoma City and Tulsa have gotten much better vegan options over the years, but the official state meal only includes a handful of items that don’t involve animal products.