Skip the fried okra and bake it instead! This method for roasted okra comes together quickly and tastes delicious – perfectly seasoned and a little crispy. It’s my fave way to prepare fresh okra.
If you’ve never had okra before, you’re in for a treat! And if you’re from the south and are thinking there’s no way this could be as good as fried okra… hear me out. With this method, it still gets crispy and it’s a bit healthier too!
This is hands down my favorite way to make okra. It’s so simple to make and pairs with basically any protein.
What is Okra?
Okra is technically a fruit, but is treated like a vegetable for cooking! It’s common in Southern cooking and it’s a key part of gumbo.
Okra is rich in vitamins C and K and surprisingly has a good amount of protein in it! Okra naturally has a slimy texture to it (thanks to the sugar residue called mucilage) which is great for thickening things (like gumbo) but not great for someone that isn’t a fan of that texture. Lucky for you, this method of cooking okra results in a crispy side dish, no slime!
Here’s What You Need
okra – make sure you’re using fresh okra for this recipe and be sure your okra is on the smaller side. Large okra tends to have a thick, woody texture that’s almost impossible to chew through.
olive oil– to coat the okra pieces for roasting and help the delicious spices stick.
seasonings and spices – I like using fresh or dried thyme, garlic powder, sea salt and pepper
optional – a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little spice!
How to Prep Okra
I have seen roasted okra prepared in two ways – by slicing it into long strips like I did, or by cutting it into discs. Either works for this recipe!
Start by cutting away the stem from the okra and the very tip of the end. Carefully cut the okra in half lengthwise and place in a bowl for seasoning. Easy peasy!
What to Serve with Roasted Okra
Honestly, this roasted okra can be paired with just about any protein option – beans, tofu, fish or chicken… the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas:
Move over fried okra! This method for roasted okra comes together quickly and tastes delicious – perfectly seasoned, not slimy at all and even a little crispy. It's my fave way to prepare fresh okra.
Trim the okra by cutting away the stem ends and the tips, just the very ends. Then cut the okra in half, lengthwise.
Place okra in a large bowl. Add oil and spices and toss to coat the okra halves.
Place okra on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, shaking or stirring the okra at least twice during the roasting time. You'll know the okra is ready when it's lightly browned and tender.
Serve hot as they tend to lose the crispy texture as they cool.
Made these last night and they were delicious! Really easy to whip up. They didn’t even make it to a plate – we just picked at them right from the baking sheet. Will make it again!
My neighbor offered me fresh okra from their garden. I remembered seeing this recipe on Instagram so I knew what I would make with the okra. This recipe is so simple to make and simply delicious!! I didn’t have thyme so I used 1/2 teaspoon of dried italian seasoning and added a 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder. Will definitely be making this recipe again and again!
Made these tonight and it was a hit! The recipe was easy to follow and yielded yummy results! I’m so glad we’re growing okra in our garden here in NJ and I found your recipe to add to my repertoire.
I am diabetic a eat okra to help lower my blood sugar. I am going totry this recipe for something different . I steep sliced okra, just one piece of okra in hot water , drink the waster and eat the piece of okra. It lowers my blood sugar about 50 points. I suffer from dawn effect and am type 2. Do a Google search
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Made these last night and they were delicious! Really easy to whip up. They didn’t even make it to a plate – we just picked at them right from the baking sheet. Will make it again!
Yay!! So great to hear these were a hit! Thanks so much for the review, Elizabeth. I really appreciate it!
My neighbor offered me fresh okra from their garden. I remembered seeing this recipe on Instagram so I knew what I would make with the okra. This recipe is so simple to make and simply delicious!! I didn’t have thyme so I used 1/2 teaspoon of dried italian seasoning and added a 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder. Will definitely be making this recipe again and again!
Yay! So pumped this recipe was a hit, Tracy! Thanks for the review. It means so much to me!
Made these tonight and it was a hit! The recipe was easy to follow and yielded yummy results! I’m so glad we’re growing okra in our garden here in NJ and I found your recipe to add to my repertoire.
Ah yay! This makes me so happy to hear, Jennifer! Thanks for trying it out and coming back to leave a review. It means so much to me!
We made this for dinner tonight and they were delicious! Will be making them again soon!!
Yay! So glad to hear you enjoyed this recipe, Bree! Thanks for the review and star rating. I really appreciate it!
I am diabetic a eat okra to help lower my blood sugar. I am going totry this recipe for something different . I steep sliced okra, just one piece of okra in hot water , drink the waster and eat the piece of okra. It lowers my blood sugar about 50 points. I suffer from dawn effect and am type 2. Do a Google search
Let me know how it turns out for you, Linda!