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These okra recipes are easy ways to use this popular vegetable! Try it roasted, stewed, in gumbo, and more.
Got okra? Okra is an edible pod that’s popular in various types of cuisine, from soul food of the American South to African and Indian. While it’s technically a fruit, okra is used as a vegetable in cooking. It’s infamous for its slimy texture when it’s overcooked, but when cooked properly it’s popular roasted, stewed, in curries, gumbo, and more. Here are all our favorite okra recipes for using this tasty vegetable! We’ve rounded up our top recipes from this website and a few of our favorite sources from around the web.
And now…12 great okra recipes!
One of our favorite okra recipes to eat as a side dish: try it roasted! Roasting okra makes it lightly crisp at the edges, tender, and full of spiced flavor. Here’s the best part: there’s no slime. Some methods of cooking okra end up with a slimy mess, but this okra comes out just perfect. It’s easy too: just quick 15 minutes in a very hot oven and you’ve got a fantastic side dish or easy snack.
Just 10 minutes on the grill and this okra recipe makes the veggie tender and full of smoky flavor. There’s no need for fancy seasoning: just throw it on the grill and you’ll be amazed at how incredible it tastes. This okra recipe is the perfect summer side dish for a grilled dinner, or it works as a grilled appetizer when you serve it with a dipping sauce (like Homemade Ranch).
One of the most classic okra recipes of the American South? Fried okra! This recipe features fresh okra breaded in a flavorful coating, then fried until golden brown. It's a total comfort side dish!! via Grandbaby Cakes
Another classic okra recipe of the American South: okra and tomatoes! This dish is perfect as a side for any meal. Okra can become slimy if it's overcooked, but this recipe cooks it to perfection. via Grandbaby Cakes
Hoppin' John is a Southern classic dish that's typically a combination of peas, vegetables and meat served over rice. Here, black eyed peas are steeped in a flavorful vegetarian broth with okra, spices and served over nutritious quinoa for a healthy twist. via Grandbaby Cakes
Another classic okra recipe in the American South? Gumbo! This Creole Cajun recipe is made in a slow cooker with chicken, andouille sausage, shrimp or crab, and okra. It's loaded with spices and can be served mild or spicy. via Stay Snatched
This okra stew is a thick tomato-based stew with okra, chicken, and spices. It’s soul food at its finest, packed with nutrients, and economical, too. This traditional West African delight is kicked up a notch with spicy Creole seasonings for a hearty meal. via Immaculate Bites
This Creole Chicken Okra is a hearty, healthy, and filling dish with tons of vegetables and spices. The recipe comes together quickly, making it a great soul food weeknight meal. via Immaculate Bites
What do you do when you've got lots of okra? Pickle it! Pickling okra takes under 20 minutes to prep. The peppercorns, dried chilies, and fresh dill in this recipe make for super flavorful okra that’s delicious as a snack or appetizer.
How to make deliciously crispy okra? Try it in the air fryer! The flavor of okra is mildly sweet and earthy, and pairs perfectly with rich and savory dipping sauces. Try it as breaded fried okra, or as crispy okra fries without breading! via A Spicy Perspective
Description is required.Okra recipes are also popular in Indian cuisine! This dahi bhindi or dahi wali bhindi is a North Indian take on an okra curry. Fried okra is simmered in a tangy and spiced yogurt curry: a simple yet flavor-packed dish. via Aromatic Essence
This Spicy Okra & Corn Salsa is another favorite of the American South, full of flavor and packed with healthy vegetables. This hearty dish can be served over your favorite protein or with tortilla chips. via Beautiful Eats and Things
Okra nutrition
Need a few more reasons to eat this tasty vegetable? Here’s more about okra nutrition per Healthline. Okra is:
- An excellent source of Vitamin C and K. 1 cup has 25% of your daily required intake.
- Low in calories and carbs and contains some protein and fiber.
- A good source of folate. 1 cup has 15% of a woman’s daily folate need.
12 Easy Okra Recipes
Here’s how to make the best roasted okra around! Baking it in a hot oven might be the best way to cook this green vegetable.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4 1x
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 12 ounces okra
- 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Slice each okra pod in half. Place the okra in a medium bowl and mix with the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and kosher salt.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the pods face-down on the baking sheet in an even layer. Roast for about 15 minutes until tender and lightly crisped at the edges. Serve immediately (best eaten right out of the oven, but you can refrigerate leftovers if desired).
OMG! Thanks for amazing OKRA recipes. I am going to make it this weekend! Just loved it… Please keep posting such recipes. Much love!
First time I heard of “Hoppin’ John”! But gave it a try today and greatly enjoyed it. I think I’ll add it to my regular set of meals.