9 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 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
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.

  • 01 of 09

    Garlic Sautéed Okra

    Garlic sautéed okra with cherry tomatoes

    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 09

    Grilled Okra

    A pile of Grilled Okra on a white platter

    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 09

    Roasted Okra

    A pile of Roasted Okra on a white platter

    The Spruce Eats / Molly Watson

    Oven-roasting okra with high heat is another tried and true method that guarantees crispy, delicious results every time. For extra flavor, add slivered green onions and chopped chile peppers to give it a spicy kick.

  • 04 of 09

    Okra With Tomatoes

    High Angle View Of Tomatoes And Okras in metal bowls

    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.

    Continue to 5 of 9 below
  • 05 of 09

    Pickled Okra

    Spicy Okra Pickles in a glass jar

    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.

  • 06 of 09

    Chilled Okra Salad

    A Japanese Okra Salad in a dark bowl

    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.

  • 07 of 09

    Curried Okra With Onions

    Fresh Sliced Okra, Tomatoes, and Onions in a white bowl

    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.

  • 08 of 09

    Indian Crispy Okra

    Indian Crispy Okra in a white bowl

    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.

    Continue to 9 of 9 below
  • 09 of 09

    Stewed Okra in Tomato Sauce

    A stewed Okra in a 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.