Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
“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 havent lived.” That might seem like high praise for any fruit or vegetable, but thats how The Pioneer Woman describes okra.
Wondering, what is okra? Its technically a fruit although that wouldnt be your first guess. It has a sweet, grassy flavor thats only enhanced in cooking. Okra recipes often treat it as a vegetable traditionally used in soups, canning, or frying in a pan. Its a common ingredient in Southern comfort food and its found in Oklahoma where Ree harvests it in her homegrown herb and vegetable garden. Its 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 its not slimy, although some people like it that way! Thats because the texture lends itself as a great thickener for stews like gumbo. The point is that its versatile: okra tastes just as good deep fried as it does being simmered to perfection in a rich and hearty jambalaya. And dont get us started on it for big holidays—its a favorite traditional Mardi Gras food and a must-have ingredient for summer recipes over the 4th of July! So whether its a go-to ingredient for family meals or youre trying it for the first time, youll want to try these okra recipes.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
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.
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.
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.
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!
Heres 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 theyve got good crunch!)
Get the Oven Roasted Okra recipe at Eating Bird Food. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Okra is often paired with acidic flavors like lemon juice or tomatoes to balance out the earthy, woody flavors. Stewed Okra and Tomatoes has all the comfort of a ratatouille, but with a little kick of hot sauce.
Okra is a staple in Southern cuisine and is a versatile ingredient with global appeal. Often mistaken for a vegetable, okra, with its seeds, is technically a fruit. Also known as ladys fingers, it thrives during late summer and early fall and is available in most grocery stores, fresh or frozen.
Okras distinctive sliminess becomes an invaluable feature when stewed, and its a natural thickening agent that defines traditional gumbo recipes. Alternatively, searing and dry heat transform okra into a caramelized crunchy delight with hints of grassy flavor without a slimy texture.
The seasoned okra fan may find their new favorite recipe in our curated collection below. If youve yet to experience the unique taste of okra, let these recipes guide you through various cooking options until you find one you love. Okra might just become your new favorite fruity vegetable.
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 thats nothing short of addicting!
Get the Spicy Roasted Okra with Peanut Sauce recipe at Marisa Moore. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
OKRA…The Secret to Healing Your Body! Dr. Mandell
FAQ
What can I eat okra with?
What makes okra taste better?
What is the culinary use of okra?
What to eat with okra?
When cooked the right way, okra is a key ingredient in a filling and hearty soup or stew. This okra soup gets wonderful flavor from fresh tomatoes and is served over fluffy rice. A Lowcountry staple in its own right, the black eyed pea was destined to be roasted with okra on a sheet pan for a simple, glorious dinner.
What are the uses of okra?
Commonly used in soups and stews, okra is found in many dishes from the American South, like gumbo, and can be added to your diet in a variety of ways. Because of the mucilage in okra, it can get gummy or slimy when heated up. You can avoid this gummy texture by cooking okra at high heat in an uncrowded pan. Lectin protein present in okra inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Okra improves blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels in our system.
What goes well with okra salad?
A melange of okra, corn, cucumbers, tomato, and onions runs smack dab into a dressing of lime juice, basil, cilantro, and jalapeño peppers and wouldn’t you just know it? Every last bit of it plays nicely together.
What makes okra taste good?
The flavor of okra (which hints of artichoke and asparagus) and its glutinous quality are balanced by acids, such as tomato, lemon and vinegar, as well as heat from both fresh and dried chiles. It is also enhanced by garlic, onion, ginger and aromatic seeds such as cumin, coriander, anise and fennel.