2 Okra Recipes That You’ll Drool Over

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

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:

1. In a small bowl, blend the paprika with the cumin, coriander, fennel, turmeric, cinnamon, and fenugreek.
2. 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.
3. 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

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-free shoyu (or soy sauce)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ½ cup orange juice
• 2 Tbsp honey

HOW-TO:

1. 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.
2. Add ginger, lemon zest, and Shoyu. Stir and cook uncovered until almost dry.
3. 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.
4. 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.