Okra

Abelmoschus esculentus Vegetable

Okra Vegetable

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable

The Forktionary Angle

"Taming the slime: mastering okra for culinary delight."

Definition

A flowering plant in the mallow family, primarily valued for its edible green seed pods, often used in stews, gumbos, and fried dishes.

Nutritional Fact Rich in Vitamin C, K, and folate, plus dietary fiber.
Storage Tip Store fresh okra unwashed in a paper bag in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Usage Tip Frying or roasting okra at high heat can minimize its mucilaginous texture.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Okra are:

Grassy Green Slightly Earthy

Chef’s Secret

For less "slime," blanch whole okra in vinegar water for 2 minutes, then pat dry before slicing and cooking. The acid helps break down the mucilage.

Best Substitutes

Green Beans

for texture in stir-fries
Ratio 1:1

Zucchini

for mild flavor in stews
Ratio 1:1

Eggplant (1:1, for meaty texture). Note: No direct substitute for its thickening property

Buying Guide

Choose pods that are bright green, firm, and unblemished. Avoid soft or shriveled pods. Smaller pods are more tender.

Recipes Using Okra

Dietary Main Dish Meat Occasion

Beef Pilau

Experience the vibrant flavors of East Africa with this aromatic Beef Pilau! This incredible recipe blends the warmth of Indian spices like coriander with classic African ingredients such as peanuts, coconut milk, juicy tomatoes, and tender green beans. Tender beef stew meat simmers in a rich coconut and tomato sauce, infused with fragrant coriander, creating a dish that's both exotic and comforting. Easily adaptable, you can substitute okra for green beans if desired. Get ready for a culinary journey in just 100 minutes!

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30 Minutes Or Less Preparation 30 Minutes Or Less Low Fat

Beer Batter Fried Okra

Crispy, golden-fried okra with a zesty beer batter! This Southern favorite is the perfect side dish for grilled catfish or a delicious midnight snack. For the best results, use small, tender okra pods to avoid stringiness. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Course Healthy 2 Preparation Spicy

Barb's Gumbo

Dive into a bowl of Barb's legendary Gumbo! This flavorful recipe is easily customizable – make it with succulent shrimp, tender chicken, or both! Control the spice level to your liking, from subtly seasoned to fiery hot. This classic Southern comfort food is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready for a taste of Louisiana heaven!

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Lentils Course Occasion Yams Sweet Potatoes

Subru Uncle's Delicious's Indian Sambar Veg Curry We All Love

This family-favorite South Indian Sambar recipe, perfected over 13 years by Subru Uncle (a former Oman hotel chef!), is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Imagine the rich aroma of spices filling your kitchen as you create this authentic, flavorful curry. Served hot with rice, it's a complete meal that's perfect for everyday dinners or special occasions – it even disappears quickly at potlucks! Learn Subru Uncle's secret to a gold-star sambar and elevate your Indian cooking today. Pairs perfectly with our recipe #17933 (presumably rasam).

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Main Dish Chicken North American Low In Something

Authentic Chicken And Andouille Sausage Gumbo

A taste of New Orleans! This authentic Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo recipe is a culinary journey back to the heart of the city. Experience the rich flavors and comforting warmth of a true New Orleans classic, passed down through generations. This isn't just gumbo; it's a piece of history, simmered to perfection.

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15 Minutes Or Less Easy Course Time To Make

Pickled Okra Sandwiches

A taste of the South! This recipe, courtesy of Paula Deen, transforms crunchy pickled okra into an irresistible appetizer. Easy to make and perfect for parties or a quick snack, these bite-sized sandwiches are bursting with flavor. Creamy, tangy, and undeniably delicious – prepare to be amazed!

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Low Calorie North American American Preparation

Creole Chicken And Okra Recipe

Dive into the rich flavors of Louisiana with this authentic Creole Chicken and Okra recipe! Tender chicken simmered in a spicy tomato-based sauce with tender okra, bell peppers, and aromatic herbs. This comforting and flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready for a taste of the bayou!

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Cuisine Course 4 Hours Or Less North American

Authentic Trinidad Pepperpot

Experience the rich flavors of the Caribbean with this Authentic Trinidad Pepperpot! This slow-cooked pork hotpot is a classic example of Afro-Caribbean one-pot cooking, perfect for a cozy night in. Don't be intimidated by the ingredient list – it's surprisingly simple to prepare. This heartwarming dish boasts a deliciously warming blend of spices, surprisingly less spicy than you might think. Cook it in the morning and let it simmer all day for a depth of flavor that will transport you to the islands. A true testament to 'bung it all in and see what happens' cooking, resulting in a magical culinary experience.

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Time To Make Course Low Fat Low Sodium

Bean And Bean Gumbo

This vibrant and spicy Bean & Bean Gumbo is easier to make than you think! Packed with black-eyed peas, white beans, and a rich blend of spices, this comforting dish is perfect served over fluffy rice or alongside freshly baked cornbread. Get ready for a flavor explosion in under an hour!

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Healthy Low Calorie Low Sodium 60 Minutes Or Less

Bamya Alich A Ethiopian Style Okra

Experience the vibrant flavors of Ethiopia with this delicious Bamya Alich recipe! This hearty okra stew, adapted from "The Africa Cookbook," is perfect served hot or at room temperature. Tender okra simmers in a rich tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices. Don't like slimy okra? No problem! Simply split the pods, soak them overnight in water, and drain well before cooking for a perfect texture. This recipe is a fantastic vegetarian option and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Chicken Shrimp Soups Stews Poultry

Anita's Easy Slow Cooker Gumbo

Craving a rich and flavorful gumbo without the fuss? Anita's Easy Slow Cooker Gumbo is your answer! This delicious recipe uses a creole gumbo mix and your slow cooker to create a comforting masterpiece in just over 8 hours. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends, this no-fuss gumbo is sure to become a family favorite. Skip the long hours of stirring and enjoy the amazing taste!

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Freshwater Fish 60 Minutes Or Less Preparation Main Ingredient

Little Bear's Seafood Soup

Inspired by the beloved children's show, "Little Bear," this vibrant seafood soup is a fun and flavorful creation perfect for the whole family! We use catfish for its hearty texture, but feel free to substitute your favorite fish. This easy recipe blends the best of soup, stew, and gumbo, with a zesty tomato base and a touch of spice. Don't worry about precise measurements – it's all about creating a delicious, customizable meal that even picky eaters will love! Get ready for a culinary adventure!

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Dietary Main Ingredient Vegetarian Stews

African Peanut Stew

This hearty and flavorful African Peanut Stew recipe is a labor of love, inspired by a Rochester, NY restaurant! Years in the making, this recipe delivers a rich, nutty stew perfect for a cozy night in. Serve with crusty bread for dipping or add brown rice directly to the stew for extra heartiness. Get ready for a taste of Rochester!

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4 Hours Or Less Vegetables Low In Something Cuisine

Bamya Lamb Or Beef And Okra Stew

Experience the rich and savory flavors of the Mediterranean with this Bamya Lamb or Beef and Okra Stew! Tender lamb or beef slow-cooked to perfection with vibrant okra, fragrant spices, and juicy tomatoes. This hearty and flavorful stew is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Easy to follow instructions ensure a delicious outcome every time!

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Low Protein Course Vegetables Vegetarian

Bhindi Bhaji Fried Stuffed Okra

Experience a flavor explosion with our Bhindi Bhaji recipe! This fried stuffed okra dish boasts a subtle yet captivating spice blend, elevating the humble okra to new heights. Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender within, it's a vegetarian delight. Serve it as a star alongside dal, rice, bread, raita, and chutney for a complete Indian feast, or simply enjoy it as a delicious side dish. Prepare to be amazed by this easy-to-make, incredibly flavorful okra recipe!

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Indian Asian Indian 60 Minutes Or Less

Bhindi Gosht

A delightful blend of succulent chicken and tender okra, simmered in a rich and flavorful gravy. This Bhindi Gosht recipe is incredibly aromatic and satisfying, perfect served with warm roti or naan. Get ready for a taste of authentic Indian cuisine!

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4 Hours Or Less Beef Time To Make Egyptian

Bamya Meat And Okra Stew

Experience the rich flavors of Egypt with this authentic Bamya Meat and Okra Stew! This hearty, slow-cooked stew features tender meat (lamb or beef), vibrant tomatoes, aromatic spices, and perfectly prepared okra, eliminating any slimy texture. A perfect weeknight meal or special occasion dish, served traditionally with fluffy rice.

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Taste Mood Pasta Rice And Grains Main Ingredient Stews

Adzuki Bean Stew With Okra

This vibrant adzuki bean and okra stew is a quick, delicious, and healthy meal ready in under 30 minutes! Budget-friendly and packed with flavor, it's perfect served over brown rice with a drizzle of tahini and a side of cucumber or avocado. Experience the magic of warm spices and tender beans in this satisfying and inexpensive recipe.

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