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, tuna 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.
This stuff is incredible. I may never go back to the pan fried version. I added a tad of chipotle chili powder. It was gone in about 3 minutes flat. Never made it to our plates. Will definitely be repeating this, while the okra lasts in our area.
OMG this is so so good and so easy! Fresh Okra is in season here in Alabama and I made this last night. It’s so good I am going back to the market today so i can make it again this week!
I am a retired chef from New Orleans, LA. I have been doing this for years. Roasting okra with a spatchcocked chicken is really delicious, too. FYI Gumbo is the Ethiopian word for Okra. Which is where the plant originated from. It was brought to this country by the slave trade.
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This stuff is incredible. I may never go back to the pan fried version. I added a tad of chipotle chili powder. It was gone in about 3 minutes flat. Never made it to our plates. Will definitely be repeating this, while the okra lasts in our area.
So simple and so good
Thanks,
Cindy
So glad you enjoyed this recipe, Cindy. Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I appreciate it!
OMG this is so so good and so easy! Fresh Okra is in season here in Alabama and I made this last night. It’s so good I am going back to the market today so i can make it again this week!
Yay! So glad you loved this recipe, Lauren. Thanks for the review. I appreciate it!
Super easy and delish!
Ah, I am so happy that you enjoyed this recipe, Angela! Thank you for leaving your star rating + review, I appreciate you being here!
I am a retired chef from New Orleans, LA. I have been doing this for years. Roasting okra with a spatchcocked chicken is really delicious, too. FYI Gumbo is the Ethiopian word for Okra. Which is where the plant originated from. It was brought to this country by the slave trade.
Interesting info! Thanks so much for sharing, Dan.