Okra is one of those delicacies that causes quite the fuss. Some people can’t stand the texture while others can’t get enough. If you fall into the latter category, you’ll love every one of these recipes. From down-to-earth sides to spice-laden soups, these okra recipes are the best of the best. I think even the biggest naysayers will find a dish or two that they can’t resist!
Okra Recipes That Prove It’s Not Just for Gumbo
1. Garlic Roasted Okra
Garlic roasted okra is a simple side that pairs well with practically any protein. It’s great with grilled chicken, roasts, barbecue ribs, and more. Each tiny morsel is covered in garlic and paprika. They’re also dripping with plant-based butter, so even vegans can enjoy this easy veggie side.
2. Mediterranean-Style Okra
Rich and healthy dishes can be hard to come by. However, this Mediterranean-style okra accomplishes that and then some. It’s akin to a vegan stew full of veggies and rich tomato flavors. It’s just a touch spicy, which you can tailor to your liking with more or less jalapeno. I think a good chunk of crusty baguette is in order.
3. Fried Okra
Now this is the good stuff! Snack, side, or main course, fried okra is a must for any okra lover. This southern classic is crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside. Be sure to use cornmeal for the batter and toss in the right ratio of spice. Then dig in, my friends!
4. Okra Casserole
Have some frozen okra you need to use up? I have just the recipe. Frozen okra is the main feature of this home-style casserole. It’s buttery, cheesy, and has a nice crunch from herb breadcrumbs. Preparing this dish is a very simple task. However, it will need to bake for a bit. So kick back and enjoy your downtime.
5. Pan-Fried Okra
You might find some variations of pan-fried okra in the south. However, one thing is pretty consistent across the board and that’s bacon grease. Bacon grease is a key ingredient that makes it rich in flavor. Fry it in that, and you can’t go wrong.
6. Okra Stew with Shrimp and Andouille
Okra takes on a slimy texture that can be off-putting to some. But when you toss it in a rich tomato broth with shrimp and andouille, I don’t think anyone will be able to resist it. Okra helps thicken the stew, while tomatoes make the base rich and satiating. And the best part is you won’t have to decide between surf or turf because you get them both.
7. Okra and Tomatoes
Speaking of okra and tomatoes, here’s a dish that’s rich in flavor and super cozy. Aside from the obvious, thick bacon fattens it up and apple cider vinegar adds some tang. For more complexity, a few dashes of Worcestershire does the trick. When choosing onions, be sure to reach for Vidalia. They’re a sweeter onion that adds yet another layer of yumminess to this dish.
8. Fried Pecan Okra
Fried pecan okra is a true southern delicacy. The crunchy, nutty coating and sweet, mild okra are a mouthwatering combination. This recipe only takes 10 minutes, and you can make it with frozen okra. That’s great news because you’ll want this all year long! I recommend serving this with some garlic aioli or a buttermilk dipping sauce.
9. Seafood and Okra Gumbo
You haven’t lived until you’ve tried this gumbo. It’s overflowing with juicy shrimp, crab, and oysters all in a deep Creole sauce. It may not have andouille sausage, but it’s got a ton of sweet okra that thickens the base.
10. Chicken Okra Stew
Between the chicken and the okra, this stew is the definition of southern comfort food. It has a wonderful spice combination that’s a little spicy, warming, and sweet. Tomato paste and chicken broth also give it more depth and flavor. And the veggies? This dish nails it with a minimal combination of carrots, onions, and okra.
11. Creole Chicken Okra
Another tantalizing way to make chicken and okra is Creole style. This recipe is anything short of mundane. The combination of flavors and textures is through the roof! Jalapenos and cayenne pack it with heat. And okra and juicy chicken make it more homely. If you have a big hankering for some soul food, you can’t beat this dish.
12. Baked Chicken with Okra and Tomatoes
This healthy chicken dinner is great for date nights, special occasions, and boring Tuesdays that need some spice of life. The stock is rich in tomatoes, okra, and dried herbs. The rest is all about juicy browned chicken thighs. I think a glass of red wine is in order for this one, don’t you?
13. White Bean Soup
This white bean soup has it all. There’s fatty ham hock, plump Northern beans, spicy green chilis, and bite-sized okra. Complexity like this doesn’t come quickly. It will need to slowly stew in the crockpot for most of the day. But come evening, dinner will be waiting.
14. Persian Okra Stew
I love Persian food, and this stew doesn’t disappoint. It’s a rich, hearty dish featuring whole okra and lamb in a stewed tomato sauce. This classic is a must for any diehard okra lover. There’s so much flavor going on, you might want to serve this with some rice or flatbread to soak it all up.
15. Succotash with Bacon, Okra, and Tomatoes
Succotash is a classic side that pairs well with weeknight dinners and holiday spreads alike. Corn and lima beans are key in creating this dish. What’s even better about this southern classic is there are some bacon bits and a couple of handfuls of okra.
16. Cajun Chicken Cassoulet
If cajun chicken weren’t already good enough, this recipe ups the ante and does it one better. This one-pot dish is full of tender chicken thighs, savory cajun sausage, and the seasoning to match. Of course, it wouldn’t be a southern twist without a heaping of okra.
17. Pickled Okra
Did you get a bounty of okra out of your garden this season? Then whip up one of these scrumptious dinners and pickle the rest! Pickled okra is a treat you can enjoy all year long. It’s tangy, garlicky, and super delicious.
18. Oven-Fried Shrimp and Okra Po’ Boys
I love a good po’ boy, and this one tops the list. The juicy shrimp has the perfect crispy crunch and capers add a nice burst of salt. The real secret to the sandwich is the okra is drenched in buttermilk, coated in creole seasoned cornmeal, and baked with the shrimp.
19. Fried Okra Salad
Fried and salad are two things that you usually don’t pair together. Well, that is until now. This fried okra salad is sinfully delicious. Fry okra and the bacon, then toss it with some veggies and a simple dressing. You can thank me later.
20. Cajun Shrimp Casserole
Guys, I need to talk to you about my new favorite casserole. It’s cheesy, spicy, and packed with shrimp. Okra is the Cajun twist that gets even better with a splash of white wine and cream of shrimp soup. Seriously, you’ll need to try this tonight!
21. Air Fryer Okra
Frying okra in bacon grease is a southern tradition that is undeniably amazing. However, it’s not the most healthy. That’s why this air fryer recipe is so great. You’ll get the fried okra you want with less guilt.
22. Roasted Sweet Potato and Okra Salad
This side is sophisticated enough for Thanksgiving and humble enough to serve with a rustic chicken dinner. It’s sweet, earthy, salty, and a little bit tangy. It mostly entails a lot of roasting, but you will have to prepare the okra and spinach separately.
23. Smoked Okra Dip
I have a very good hunch even the biggest okra haters will gobble this right up. This creamy dip is oozing with three types of cheese and the perfect balance of spice. Serve this with some crackers and grilled bread, then stand back. The hoards will come running! Click on a star to rate it!
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