There is no Southern food that is as loved and hated as okra. The vegetable has a unique consistency that can be very slimy, causing any would be okra fans to run for the door. When cooked properly, however, okra isn't a slimy, scary vegetable, it's a versatile ingredient that can take on a variety of tasty forms.
From a vegetable side dish to the main event, these are the okra recipes that will turn everyone into an instant fan.
1. Southern Fried Okra
You can't talk about the best okra recipes, without talking Southern fried okra. A foolproof method of cooking okra, this Southern vegetable is battered in an egg and buttermilk mixture, then tossed into the deep fryer until golden brown. The crunchy pieces are the perfect bites of okra you'll eat like popcorn.
Get the recipe here.
2. Stewed Okra and Tomatoes
Stewed okra and tomatoes is a classic Southern dish that you must try. Okra, tomatoes, bacon, and onion all come together to make this side dish thick like stew, and filling like it too. Best paired with your favorite Southern fare, give this a try and you'll see how tasty okra can be.
Chef's Note: Cook the bacon in a cast iron skillet prior to adding, and be sure to toss in some of that bacon grease.
Get the recipe here.
3. Spicy Pickled Okra
If you love everything pickled, then you simply must try Spicy Pickled Okra. To begin, sanitize your jars and wash the okra, making sure it's completely dry. Divide the fresh okra pods among the jars, along with the garlic cloves, mustard seeds, dill, and peppers. Add the hot vinegar, dump in an ice bath, then let the jars do their thing. It may be hard to wait, but come a few weeks you'll be happy you did.
Get the recipe here.
4. Okra Cornmeal Cakes with Cilantro Lime Yogurt Dip
If the consistency of okra is what bothers you, you'll forget all about that with these scrumptious Okra Cornmeal Cakes. Take cornmeal, egg, red pepper, garlic, jalapeno, and of course okra, form it into a patty, then fry on each side. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, these okra cakes paired with the perfect dipping sauce will fly off the plate in no time.
Get the recipe here.
5. Bacon Wrapped Okra Poppers
When in doubt, wrap it in bacon. Bacon Wrapped Okra Poppers are a Southern appetizer done right. Stuffed with cajun spiced shrimp and two different kinds of cheese, then wrapped in bacon, even okra haters will love this treat.
Chef's Note: Thinly sliced bacon works best for wrapping.
Get the recipe here.
6. Roasted Sweet Potato and Okra Salad
Roasted Sweet Potato and Okra Salad is a delicious recipe that puts a spin on potato salad using okra. Roasted red potatoes, sweet potatoes, sautéed spinach, and okra are tossed with a caper vinaigrette and mustard seed, resulting in a Southern salad fit for any table.
Get the recipe here.
7. Grilled Okra
Grilled okra skewers are an easy recipe that is perfect for backyard barbecues. Skewer okra, drizzle with olive oil, then grill until charred. You can add some creole seasoning and a chipotle dip for an added bonus. One bite and okra naysayers will be singing a different tune.
Get the recipe here.
8. Okra Succotash
Speaking of summer, your family will rave about this Okra Succotash meant for a summer day. Corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and okra are sautéed just until the tomatoes begin to blister, then it's ready to be served. The vegetable medley will have everyone convinced that okra is the new 'it' vegetable of the season.
Get the recipe here.
9. Orange Balsamic Roasted Okra
Take your roasted okra to a whole new level with this Orange Balsamic Roasted Okra recipe. Perfectly roasted okra is covered in a sweet, tangy orange balsamic glaze made up orange juice, balsamic, honey, and garlic. Healthy, and insanely delicious, this easy gourmet okra recipe will win over hearts in a single bite.
Get the recipe here.
10. Four-Ingredient Stir-Fry Okra
Want a quick stir-fry recipe? Try this Four-Ingredient Stir-Fry Okra. Sichuan peppercorn, okra, soy sauce, and dried chiles are cooked in a wok on medium-high heat until the okra is sightly charred. You can also add in some green onion and garlic for an added bonus.
Get the recipe here.
What's your favorite okra recipe? Let us know!
This article was originally published March 18, 2020
