Oven Roasted Okra

4.19

Published Aug 12, 2021, Updated Feb 20, 2023

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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.

Fresh okra being chopped on a wooden cutting board.

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!

Ingredients measured out to make roasted okra: olive oil, pepper, salt, fresh okra, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and fresh thyme.

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!

Fresh okra in a mixing bowl seasoned with spices and herbs.

Side by side photos of okra on a baking sheet before and after being roasted.

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!

Roasted okra on a plate with a fork. A couple glasses of water and a stack of plates are beside the plate of okra.

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:

More Roasted Vegetable Recipes to Try:

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4.19 from 116 votes