10+ Okra Recipes You’ll Love to Try This Season

Okra’s one of those veggies that doesn’t get enough credit. It’s got this mild flavor and a texture that’s honestly kind of fun.

You can throw it into all sorts of dishes, and it takes on spices like a champ. Simple okra recipes are surprisingly tasty and don’t take much effort.

Some folks love it roasted, others want it stewed or fried. Either way, okra’s a healthy addition to your meals.

Once you get the hang of a few basic recipes, you’ll see it’s easy to avoid any sliminess and really let the flavors shine. Cooking okra can actually be pretty satisfying—and quick, too.

1) Garlic Roasted Okra with Paprika and Fennel Seeds

Here’s a garlic roasted okra recipe that’s hard not to love. Paprika gives it a little kick, and fennel seeds bring a subtle, almost sweet note.

The okra crisps up in the oven and makes a killer snack or side. Just toss sliced okra with olive oil and minced garlic.

Add paprika, ground fennel seeds, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Spread it all out on a baking sheet. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Give it a good stir halfway through so everything cooks evenly. Serve it up warm.

Ingredients

• 1 lb okra, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp ground fennel seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix okra, olive oil, garlic, paprika, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Spread okra on a baking sheet in one layer.
4. Roast 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway.
5. Serve warm.

2) Classic Mediterranean Bamya Stew with Tomatoes and Jalapenos

This Mediterranean Bamya stew is a go-to for okra fans. It’s got fresh tomatoes, okra, and just the right amount of heat from jalapenos.

Garlic and warm spices round out the flavors without going overboard. It comes together fast, so you can whip it up on a weeknight.

You get a nice mix of tangy tomatoes and that signature okra crunch. Lime juice at the end brightens everything up.

Serve it with rice or a hunk of warm bread to soak up the sauce. Your kitchen will smell amazing while it simmers.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound fresh or frozen okra, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (jalapeño-infused works well)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 1 jalapeno, sliced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lime

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and jalapenos; sauté 2 minutes.
3. Stir in okra and cook 5-7 minutes.
4. Add tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Finish with lime juice before serving.

3) Oven-Roasted Okra with Olive Oil and Black Pepper

Roasting okra in the oven is about as easy as it gets. Toss the okra with olive oil and black pepper.

That’s it—just those two things help the okra crisp up while staying tender inside. Lay the pieces out on a baking sheet in a single layer.

This way, they roast instead of steam. Bake at 450°F (232°C) until golden and a little crispy.

You can eat it as a side or even a snack. The simple seasoning keeps the flavor clean and fresh.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh okra, washed and dried
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Toss the okra with olive oil, black pepper, and salt.
3. Spread the okra in one layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and crisp.
5. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

4) Crispy Air Fryer Okra with a Light Olive Oil Coating

If you’ve got an air fryer, you can make crispy okra in no time. Cut the okra into halves or bite-sized pieces.

Toss them with a little olive oil so they don’t stick and get a nice crunch. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Give the basket a shake or turn the okra halfway so everything crisps up. You don’t need breading for this—just let the okra shine.

Season with salt and pepper, or toss in some garlic powder and paprika if you’re feeling it. It’s healthy, easy, and barely takes any prep.

Ingredients

• 1 pound okra, cut in halves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
2. Toss okra with olive oil and seasonings.
3. Place okra in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
5. Check for crispness and cook 3-5 minutes more if needed.
6. Serve warm.

5) Buttermilk Fried Okra with Hot Sauce Dip

Buttermilk fried okra is pure comfort food. Slice the okra and let it soak in buttermilk mixed with hot sauce.

That little kick makes the coating stick and adds flavor. Next, dredge the okra in a blend of cornmeal and flour with some salt and pepper.

Fry the pieces until golden and crunchy. The hot sauce dip on the side is a must.

This one’s awesome as a snack or side. It’s quick, simple, and seriously satisfying.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces fresh okra, sliced
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl.
2. Add sliced okra to soak for 10 minutes.
3. Combine cornmeal, flour, salt, and pepper in another bowl.
4. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
5. Dredge soaked okra in the cornmeal mixture.
6. Fry okra in batches until golden, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve with extra hot sauce dip.

For more details, see the Fried Okra Recipe on Serious Eats.

6) Simple Roasted Okra with Salt and Pepper

Roasting okra doesn’t get much easier. You just need salt, pepper, a little oil, and you’re set.

The outside crisps up, and the inside stays soft. Spread the okra on a baking sheet so it roasts evenly.

Shake the pan halfway through to brown all the sides. It’s done in about 15 to 20 minutes.

Great as a snack or an easy side dish. Seriously, it’s that simple.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh okra, trimmed and sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the okra with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread okra out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 15 minutes, shaking the pan once halfway through.
5. Check that the okra is browned and tender before serving.

For a detailed recipe, see this Simple Roasted Okra Recipe.

7) Spicy Okra Stir-Fry with Garlic and Cumin

This spicy okra stir-fry has bold flavors and comes together fast. Start by sautéing garlic and cumin seeds for a warm, earthy base.

Toss in fresh okra and cook until it’s just tender but still has a bit of bite. Add green chili for some heat—adjust the amount if you want it milder or hotter.

It’s a light, healthy side or even a main if you’re feeling it. Low in calories, high in fiber, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 10 oz okra, washed and sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 green chili, minced
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Add cumin seeds and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
3. Add onion and green chili; cook until soft.
4. Stir in okra and salt; cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often.
5. Serve warm.

Find more details at Spicy Okra Stir-fry.

8) Creole Gumbo with Okra and Sausage

Making Creole gumbo with okra and sausage is honestly a treat. It’s a thick, bold stew with andouille sausage, chicken, and plenty of fresh okra.

Usually, folks serve it over rice, and I can’t blame them—it’s so cozy. The okra thickens the gumbo and gives it a texture you just don’t get with anything else.

Go ahead and toss in bell peppers or celery if you want more flavor. Creole spices? Absolutely necessary for that punchy, real-deal taste.

You’ll need to let it simmer for a while so everything really melds. The result is a rich, spicy, savory bowl that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 4 tablespoons Creole seasoning
• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
• 2 cups okra, sliced
• 1 pound chicken, cooked and shredded
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Cooked white rice

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot. Stir in flour to make a roux. Cook until dark brown.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in sausage and chicken. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add okra, Creole seasoning, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Lower heat and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
6. Serve over hot cooked rice.

You can find a detailed recipe for Creole gumbo with okra and sausage here.

9) Tempura-Fried Okra Bites

Tempura-fried okra bites are all about that light, crispy crunch. The batter’s thin, so you get the okra’s flavor without a heavy coating.

Skewer the okra before frying—it keeps the pieces from sticking together. You want the oil hot, around 375°F (190°C), so the okra cooks fast and turns golden.

Serve these bites with something fun, like sweet chili or lime ponzu sauce. It’s a snack that’s hard to stop eating.

This recipe’s quick and honestly a blast to make at home.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces fresh okra, stems trimmed
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup chilled water
• Peanut oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat peanut oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix cornstarch and chilled water to make a thin batter.
3. Skewer okra pieces through the middle.
4. Dip okra in batter and shake off excess.
5. Fry skewered okra until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove and drain on paper towels.
7. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

10) Sautéed Okra with Onions and Bell Peppers

Sautéed okra with onions and bell peppers is a quick, tasty dish. The onions add a bit of sweetness, and the bell peppers give it color and crunch.

Start by cooking the onions and bell peppers until they soften and get a little char. Then, toss in the okra and cook until it’s tender but still has some bite.

If you’re into more flavor, add cumin or a bit of chopped jalapeno. This dish works great as a side, especially with rice or flatbread.

It’s a simple way to let the fresh taste of okra shine.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh okra, sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small jalapeno, chopped (optional)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).

2. Toss in the cumin seeds and wait for them to start crackling.

3. Add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Let them cook for around 5 minutes, just until they soften up a bit.

4. If you’re using jalapenos, throw them in now. Stir in the okra right after.

5. Keep stirring every so often and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, until the okra feels tender.

6. Sprinkle some salt over everything and serve it up warm.

Give this easy recipe a try if you want something fresh and colorful. It’s fast, it’s tasty, and honestly, it’s a nice change from the usual.

Want to dive deeper into sautéed okra with spices? Check out Sauteed Indian Okra with Spicy Onion, Bell Pepper & Cumin.