12 Best Okra Recipes - The Spruce Eats

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Skip to Content 8 Okra Recipes That Let This Southern Favorite Shine

How to cook okra so it shines, not slimes

By Molly Watson Molly Watson An award-winning food writer and cookbook author, Molly Watson has created more than 1,000 recipes focused on local, seasonal ingredients. Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process and Diana Andrews

Diana Andrews Diana has served as head recipe developer and editor for the Emmy-nominated PBS series Moveable Feast, food editor and test kitchen manager at Fine Cooking Magazine, and recipe developer and product tester at Food Network. Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process Updated on 11/12/23 Close

Okra and rice dish in a bowl — The Spruce Eats / Victoria Heydt

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 lady's fingers, it thrives during late summer and early fall and is available in most grocery stores, fresh or frozen.

Okra's distinctive sliminess becomes an invaluable feature when stewed, and it's 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 you've 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.

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Garlic Sautéed Okra

The Spruce Eats

This garlic sautéed okra recipe is quick and simple to prepare. For best results, pat the pods dry after washing to keep them crisp. The garlic and optional grape tomatoes add a unique dimension of flavor.
02 of 08
Grilled Okra

Grilled Okra.
The Spruce Eats / Molly Watson

Charred, grilled okra is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, thanks to the transformative powers of caramelization. No grill? No problem. Use a grill pan on your stovetop for the same sensational results.
03 of 08
Okra With Tomatoes

Adam Hurley / Getty Images

The acidity of tomatoes combines with warming Indian spices to offset okra's gelatinous character in this braised okra with tomatoes recipe. Pair with rice for a savory vegetarian main, or serve as a side with grilled or roast sausages.
04 of 08
Pickled Okra

Pickled Okra.
The Spruce Eats / Molly Watson

For an unexpected crunchy treat, try pickled okra to enjoy year-round. Customize the spice levels to your heart's delight in this easy-to-make side that pairs well with burgers, barbecue, and much more.
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05 of 08
Chilled Okra Salad

Japanese Okra Salad.
The Spruce Eats / Judy Ung

Chilled okra salad, a Japanese favorite, is a refreshing and delicious option for steamy-hot summer days. Blanched okra is shocked in an ice bath to retain its bright green color, then sliced, chilled, and served with a simple soy sauce dressing.
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Curried Okra With Onions

The Spruce Eats / Diana Rattray

Here, okra is stir-fried with onion, tomato, cayenne, curry, and turmeric to create a quick curried okra dish that's ready in about 20 minutes. It's fantastic over rice or served with naan bread.
07 of 08
Indian Crispy Okra

Aparna Balasubramanian / Getty Images

Kurkuri bhindi is a crispy Indian-style recipe. The okra is sliced thinly, dipped into a dry mixture of gram flour and spices, then deep-fried until crisp. Change up the seasonings, or try the oven-fried method if you like.
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Stewed Okra in Tomato Sauce

Hisham Ibrahim / Getty Images

Bamies latheres me domata is a Greek-style vegetarian stewed okra with tomato dish. Soaking the okra in a salt water-vinegar bath before cooking combats the okra's natural sliminess, resulting in an enticing side or light entrée.