Okra. You either love it or you hate it. The trick about okra is preparing it the right way. If cooked well, okra is a tender mild legume that’s absolutely delicious with all kinds of flavors.
These two okra recipes are absolutely drool-worthy ways to eat okra. They’re tasty and flavor-packed recipes that’ll have you eating okra tomorrow (even if you think you don’t like it).
Charred Okra Recipe
![Charred Okra Recipe](https://i0.wp.com/blog.gardenuity.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/image002.jpg?resize=870%2C580&ssl=1)
Charring is our new favorite way to prepare vegetables, and okra is no exception. With paprika, cumin, coriander, and a host of other spices, this okra recipe is a tasty and snack-worthy way to enjoy your fresh vegetables. It’s a perfect side dish for a nice, southern meal.
INGREDIENTS:
- ¾ tsp hot paprika
- ¼ tsp of ground cumin
- ¼ tsp of ground fennel seeds
- ⅛ tsp turmeric
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Pinch of ground fenugreek (optional)
- ¼ tsp of ground coriander
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb small okra, halved lengthwise
- Salt
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
HOW-TO:
- In a small bowl, blend the paprika with the cumin, coriander, fennel, turmeric, cinnamon, and fenugreek.
- Heat 1 Tbsp of oil each in 2 separate large nonstick skillets. Add okra, cut side down, and cook over high heat for 2 minutes. Reduce to medium and cook until browned on the bottom — about 4 more minutes. Turn the okra and cook over low heat until tender — about 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and sprinkle with the spice mixture. Cook, stirring, until fragrant — about 30 seconds. Drizzle the lemon juice over the okra and serve.
Orange Shoyu Okra Recipe
![Orange Shoyu Okra Recipe](https://i0.wp.com/blog.gardenuity.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/image001.jpg?resize=870%2C578&ssl=1)
This Asian-inspired dish is a flavor-packed and unique way to enjoy your okra. The fresh vegetable pairs perfectly with a touch of orange, ginger, and shoyu. Substitute it for your side salad and serve alongside noodles!
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 16 oz fresh okra
- 1 tsp prepared grated fresh ginger (bottled), plus some to garnish
- 2 Tbsp
Japanese sodium-freeshoyu (or soy sauce) - 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½
cup orange juice - 2 Tbsp honey
HOW-TO:
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan and add the okra. Add ½ cup water, reduce to medium heat, cover and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add ginger, lemon zest, and Shoyu. Stir and cook uncovered until almost dry.
- Add orange juice and honey. Stir frequently, turning okra to coat it. Cook until sauce is reduced and has become sticky. Remove from heat, place in a bowl of extra sauce.
- Garnish with extra ginger and serve.
If you try these recipes and want to try more, make sure to check out these other takes on okra.