It's okra season!!! This soul food roasted okra recipe is a healthy and tasty way to enjoy this tasty summer vegetable. The high heat of roasting intensifies the flavor of the okra, while also keeping it crisp.
Crispy vegan roasted okra is the perfect way to enjoy a healthy side dish. It's also a contender for my favorite okra dish. Crunchy, spicy and delicious, perfect for a side dish, snack or an appetizer. Plus it's only 3 ingredients.
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Despite its bad reputation, you can never have enough okra recipes. I admit though, I used to fear that okra slime! For the longest time I avoided okra like it was the plague, unknowingly depriving myself of all its beauty. Things done changed now; my okra game is nice and I got okra recipes galore from stewed okra to fried okra, vegan and non.
My preferred way to eat okra is grilled, fried or stewed. However, lately out of convenience I’ve been all about that roasted okra life. Also, if you’re looking for more healthy okra recipes, roasting solves this issue.
Why You Will Love This Dish
Overall, crispy roasted okra is a tasty, healthy, and easy-to-prepare dish that appeals to a wide range of palates, offering both familiarity and versatility in its preparation and presentation.
Delicious Texture
- Crispy Outside: The roasting process gives okra a delightful crunch on the outside.
- Tender Inside: While maintaining a tender and juicy interior, offering a satisfying contrast in textures.
Enhanced Flavor
- Natural Sweetness: Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of okra.
- Caramelization: It brings out a rich, caramelized flavor that is both earthy and slightly sweet, making it more appealing than its raw or steamed counterparts.
Simplicity and Versatility
- Easy to Make: Roasting okra is a simple cooking method that requires minimal ingredients and effort.
- Versatile Side Dish: It pairs well with a variety of main courses, from grilled meats to vegetarian dishes, making it a versatile side dish.
Less Sliminess
- Reduced Mucilage: Roasting significantly reduces the mucilaginous texture that some people find off-putting in okra.
- Improved Palatability: This makes the vegetable more palatable and enjoyable for those who are sensitive to its usual slimy texture.
Flavor Customization
- Seasoning Flexibility: You can easily customize the flavor with different seasonings like garlic, paprika, lemon zest, or even Parmesan cheese.
- Creative Dips: Pair it with various dipping sauces, from spicy aioli to tangy yogurt dips, for an extra flavor boost.
Recipe inspiration
Nelson Mandela once said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. ”Fear can push to greatness or keep you from achieving your greatness. It seems that lately fear tactics have been used as the tools of incompetence. Leaders appear to be more fear pimps vs. inspirational. Fear almost kept me from okra whisperer status.
I was somewhat hesitant initially as I feared I wouldn’t be able to get that crisp I so love. But I’m glad to admit I was wrong. There are few steps to achieve that desired level of crispiness, but it’s actually pretty simple. It’s primarily about okra selection. The smaller ones are preferred.
The end result is not potato chip crisp, but its a good crunchy bite and just as irresistible. The other key is to actually let them cook long enough for a good char. Don’t fear the burn; a good browning is actually a good thing. It both deepens the flavor and gets you to crispy.
Beats and Eats (music to pair with Roasted Okra)
Aaron Hall's song "Don't Be Afraid" pairs well with crispy roasted okra for several compelling reasons, creating a delightful fusion of sensory experiences:
"Don't Be Afraid" has a smooth, sensual R&B rhythm that evokes a sense of comfort and pleasure. This crispy roasted okra provides a satisfying crunch that complements the smooth and sultry tones of the song, creating a harmonious dining experience.
The song features intricate layers of vocals and instrumentals that keep listeners engaged, while the roasted okra offers a complex flavor profile with a slightly earthy taste enhanced by roasting, making each bite intriguing and enjoyable.
The song’s balance of smooth vocals and rhythmic beats creates a harmonious flow. The simplicity of roasted okra, with its balanced seasoning and crispy texture, mirrors the song's well-crafted blend of elements.
Key Ingredients Needed For The Recipe
- Olive oil
- Fresh whole okra pods
- Cilantro
- Mint
- Kosher or sea salt
- Black pepper
- Your favorite spice mix (cajun spice mix is excellent)
Baking Okra (step by step)
Roasting is a delicious way to enjoy okra.This is a really simple dish requiring very little instruction. Season - Roast - Eat! To roast okra, simply trim the ends off of the pods and toss them in olive oil. Then, spread them out on a baking sheet and roasted in a preheated hot oven for about 15 minutes.
- Combine seasoning in a small bowl.
- Preheat oven to 425 F. Line a prepared baking sheet with foil.
- Spread okra in a single layer on the baking sheet, then drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the seasoning and stir to coat.
- Add to the hot oven and Roast for 13-15 minutes (or slightly longer), until the ends are golden or lightly browned. Cook time will vary some based on okra size.
Serving suggestions
I typically eat this as is since the seasoning mix packs a lot of flavor. Occasionally, I'll doctor up some mayo with my favorite hot sauce or dry spice mix of paprika, salt, and pepper with a splash of lemon juice. These okra go well with any of these popular soul food meat dishes.
What To Serve With Okra
Roasted okra is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses and complementary sides. Here are some delicious options to serve with roasted okra:
Grilled Meats
- Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken complements the earthy taste of roasted okra.
- Barbecue Ribs: The sweetness and tanginess of barbecue ribs pair well with the crispiness of the okra.
- steak: A juicy steak and roasted okra make for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Seafood
- Baked Salmon: The richness of baked salmon balances the roasted okra's flavors.
- Shrimp Creole: A spicy shrimp dish enhances the okra's natural sweetness.
- Fried Catfish: Southern-style fried catfish and roasted okra are a classic pairing.
Rice and Grain Dishes
- Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness of coconut rice pairs well with the savory flavors of roasted okra.
- Dirty Rice: A spicy and flavorful rice dish that complements the roasted okra's texture.
- Pilaf: A vegetable or mushroom pilaf provides a hearty base that balances the crispiness of the okra.
Southern Classics
- Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread with butter is a perfect match for roasted okra.
- Collard Greens: Traditional collard greens provide a savory and nutritious side.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy macaroni and cheese offers a comforting and indulgent complement.
Sauces and Dips
- Spicy Aioli: A spicy aioli dip adds a flavorful kick to the roasted okra.
- Yogurt Dip: A cool and tangy yogurt dip with herbs balances the heat.
- Tahini Sauce: A rich tahini sauce provides a creamy and nutty flavor.
additional roasted okra cooking tips
- I like to clip the tips of the okra right down the center with a knife or pair of kitchen scissors. When cooked at high heat this will allow the okra to open up almost as if it were fanning open; visually think about a dolphin opening its mouth wide. Besides looking pretty cool presentation-wise, this helps whole okra to cook faster while killing off that slime.
- As mentioned earlier choose smaller, less than thumb size okra pods
- Season as simple as with salt and pepper or use your favorite spice mix. The okra holds up well to intense spices as well as your smokier versions. I make what I consider a cajun dust, which features smoky paprika, cayenne, garlic, and onion powders, and dried or ground oregano. Cumin or even garam masala are great complementary flavors too.
- A good dip or sauce is another option. Dip in hummus, a doctored mayo, or drizzle with your favorite hot sauce.
- Make a big batch and let the family eat them as an appetizer or tide me over until dinner is ready
- The key to making roasted okra is to cook the okra just long enough so that it is slightly charred and roasted but not burnt.
- I like to add a little bit of olive oil and sea salt to the okra before roasting it, but you can also add other spices like cayenne pepper, garlic powder or paprika.
- Once the okra is roasted, you can serve it as is or with dipping sauces
- For other ideas on how to cook okra checkout my okra guide which includes both stewed and grilled okra options.
- I do NOT recommend using frozen okra for this dish.
Storage Tips
Keep roasted okra in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Ensure as much air is removed from the container or bag as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the okra slimy?
High heat generally eliminates slime from fresh okra. Roasting qualifies as high heat, so you’re in luck. This recipe gets you in the slime-free zone.
Is okra keto friendly?
For that nice crispy yet tender texture opt for the smaller okra pods, i.e. 2-3 inches long. Larger okra pods tend to be pretty tough for chewing. If storing in the refrigerator make sure all moisture has been removed from the okra as it will lead to browning which is so unattractive. Moisture will also increase slime quotient. Best best is to wait til just about to cook before washing the okra.
Other Okra Recipes
For more information on cooking okra, check-out my tutorial on how to cook okra. Or for similar soul food okra based recipes recipes you might like, try these:
Charred Okra with Harissa Sauce
Instant Pot Smoked Chicken and Okra Soup
Making This Okra
If you’re looking for a new and delicious way to enjoy okra, look no further than this roasted okra recipe. The slightly crispy texture and the flavorful seasonings make this dish irresistible. So why not give it a try? We’re sure you won’t be disappointed. And if you are, be sure to let us know in the comments below. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.
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Ingredients
- pound fresh okra
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Freshly ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh mint chopped
- Optional cajun spice mix
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Rinse the okra, and drain on a kitchen towel, drying thoroughly. Clip the tips lengthwise down the center with a pair of scissors or sharp knife. Trim the ends if you prefer and then place the okra in a large bowl. Salt and pepper to taste, and toss with the olive oil until coated.
- Remove okra and place on a sheet pan in one layer. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes shaking the pan every five minutes. The okra should have a nice sear. If using larger okra you'll need to cook longer.
- Remove from the heat, toss with spice mix and fresh herbs, if desired. Transfer to a platter. Serve hot.
Notes
- I like to clip the tips of the okra right down the center with a knife or pair of kitchen scissors. When cooked at high heat this will allow the okra to open up almost as if it were fanning open; visually think about a dolphin opening its mouth wide. Besides looking pretty cool presentation-wise, this helps whole okra to cook faster while killing off that slime.
- As mentioned earlier choose smaller, less than thumb size okra pods
- Season as simple as with salt and pepper or use your favorite spice mix. Roasted okra holds up well to intense spices as well as your smokier versions.
- A good dip or sauce is another option. Dip in hummus, a doctored mayo, or drizzle with your favorite hot sauce.
- Make a big batch and let the family eat them as an appetizer or tide me over until dinner is ready