16 Easy Okra Recipes for a Taste of Southern Comfort
It's best roasted, fried, or stewed in gumbo!
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"Have you ever picked okra, then walked inside, washed it, cut it in half lengthwise, sprinkled salt on it, and eaten it?" asks Ree Drummond. "Then you haven't lived." That might seem like high praise for any fruit or vegetable, but that's how The Pioneer Woman describes okra.
Wondering, what is okra? It's technically a fruit although that wouldn't be your first guess. It has a sweet, grassy flavor that's only enhanced in cooking. Okra recipes often treat it as a vegetable traditionally used in soups, canning, or frying in a pan. It's a common ingredient in Southern comfort food and it's found in Oklahoma where Ree harvests it in her homegrown herb and vegetable garden. It's good for you, too! The okra plant, typically in season from summer through early fall, is rich in nutrients like vitamin C and K.
Something else to know about okra? It can be slimy. Okra pods are "mucilaginous," which means they produce an ooey gooey substance when cooked. Most people cook okra—by sautéing, blanching, or grilling it—so it's not slimy, although some people like it that way! That's because the texture lends itself as a great thickener for stews like gumbo. The point is that it's versatile: okra tastes just as good deep fried as it does being simmered to perfection in a rich and hearty jambalaya. And don't get us started on it for big holidays—it's a favorite traditional Mardi Gras food and a must-have ingredient for summer recipes over the 4th of July! So whether it's a go-to ingredient for family meals or you're trying it for the first time, you'll want to try these okra recipes.
Southern Fried Okra
Good ol' fashioned fried okra—yum! It comes with an extra crispy, golden crust thanks to a breading mixture of cornmeal, flour, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
Get the Southern Fried Okra recipe.
Air Fryer Okra
Of course, okra is healthier in the air fryer! The tender pods are coated in a light breading, then cooked to crispy perfection using a fraction of the oil.
Get the Air Fryer Okra recipe.
Grilled Okra
Just like kebabs and veggies, you can grill fresh okra over an open flame. In fact, the smoky, charred flavor nicely complements the natural sweetness of the okra.
Get the Grilled Okra recipe.
Pickled Okra
Skip the traditional canning method: fresh okra, dill, and spices, are quickly brined in a vinegar solution. The result is crunchy, tangy and packed with flavor—a perfect accompaniment to salads or sandwiches. Heck, eat it straight from the jar!
Get the Pickled Okra recipe.
Oven Roasted Okra
Here's an easy way to cut down on the "slime" of fresh okra: Simply toss the halved pods with olive oil and spices, layer them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 20 minutes. (Just remember to serve 'em hot while they've got good crunch!)
Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Chicken Sausage
This hearty meal is inspired by two Southern comfort food classics: stewed okra with tomatoes and succotash. If you think about it, it's double the okra in one dish!
Get the Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Chicken Sausage recipe at Dude That Cookz.
Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Considering that gumbo is derived from a West African word for okra ("ki ngombo"), it wouldn't be a proper roundup without it! This traditional dish of meat, spices, and vegetables, is simmered over a long period of time, but the result is well worth the wait.
Get the Chicken and Sausage Gumbo recipe at Butter Be Ready.
Spicy Sichuan Okra Salad
If you like a spicy kick, try this Chinese-style cold dish! Okra is drenched in oil that's infused with scallions, garlic, chili flakes, and Sichuan peppercorn.
Get the Spicy Sichuan Okra Salad recipe at The Woks of Life.
Creamy Peanut Stew with Crispy Baked Okra
Craving a bowl of something warm and cozy? This stew combines ingredients like sweet potatoes, kale, and spices, while the okra provides a satisfying crunch.
Get the Creamy Peanut Stew with Crispy Baked Okra recipe at Chocolate for Basil.
Spicy Roasted Okra with Peanut Sauce
This crispy roasted okra is paired with a savory, nutty peanut ginger sauce—and the result is a snack that's nothing short of addicting!
Get the Spicy Roasted Okra with Peanut Sauce recipe at Marisa Moore.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Pickled Okra
Okra makes a tangy, crunchy, and, dare we say, delicious add-on to sandwiches! Don't believe it? Just take a bite out of this pulled pork sandwich.
Get the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Pickled Okra recipe at Spoon Fork Bacon.
Chicken, Chorizo and Prawn Jambalaya
Jambalaya is always a crowdpleaser! This hearty one-pot dish is a fusion of Cajun and Spanish flavors—and the chopped okra is just one ingredient that gives it texture.
Get the Chicken, Chorizo and Prawn Jambalaya recipe at Kitchen Sanctuary.
Southern Succotash
Succotash is a summertime delight! That's because the list of ingredients calls for so many vegetables in their peak season: corn, bell peppers, lima beans, and—the star of the show—okra.
Bamya Middle Eastern Okra Stew
Love it or hate it, the "slime" is what gives okra its thickening power! See for yourself in this Middle Eastern stew called bamya, served over a bowl of rice.
Get the Bamya Middle Eastern Okra Stew recipe at Little Sunny Kitchen.
Okra with Ginger Soy Sauce
Three ingredients—that's it for this savory-sweet side dish, snack or appetizer! Here's an extra tip: blanch the okra, then toss it in ginger soy sauce while still warm so the pods will absorb more flavor.
Get the Okra with Ginger Soy Sauce recipe at Just One Cookbook.
Creole Chicken Okra
Just wait till your family tries this comfort food. Add a broth of sautéed onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a medley of spices, then let it simmer over the stovetop. Depending on how you like the texture of your okra (the longer it cooks, the less crunchy the vegetable).
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