Three Ways to Cook Okra Perfectly

Okra is rich in essential nutrients and vitamins, yet it's not a common side dish in many households. It's naturally slimy texture can be unappealing to some, but once you learn these foolproof cooking methods, you might just find yourself including it in your regular meal rotation.

What is Okra?

Okra is technically a fruit but does well with typical vegetable cooking methods. It grows in warmer climates, like South Asia. The okra part that is eaten is the seed pods. 

Fun fact about okra: they are two different colors, red and green! 

One of the reasons that okra is less popular than other fruits and vegetables is that it has a slimy viscosity. This slime is inside the okra and is apparent after cutting into it. There are ways, however, to cook okra and reduce the slimy texture. Read on for tips to use while cooking okra. 

Tips to Keep in Mind Before Cooking Okra

• Fresh okra still has the viscosity or slime. To reduce the amount and prepare a better texture, cook okra fast and on high heat. For this reason, frying okra is one of the favorite cooking methods used. 
• Small okra pods have less slime inside of them. 
• Do not overcrowd the okra while cooking. Overcrowding leads to reduced heat.
• Okra does well with acidic liquid. These include vinegar or lemon juice and even tomatoes. 
• Take it further and give your okra a vinegar bath before cooking. Simply soak the okra pods in the vinegar. Do this for around 30 minutes to help dissolve some of the slime. After 30 minutes, completely dry the okra with a paper towel. 
• Play around with the size of the okra slices. Opt for larger slices or lengthwise strips.

The Benefits of Eating Okra

Eating okra can come with many benefits. It is packed with plenty of nutrients that we need daily. One unique feature of okra is its protein, which is not typical of fruits and vegetables. 

Okra also contains fiber, vitamins C and K1, B6 and A, magnesium, and folate acid. Since okra contains folate acid, it is an excellent source of nutrients for pregnant women. 

Okra also contains antioxidants, like polyphenols and flavonoids. These antioxidants help protect our bodies against free radicals and can even benefit our heart health. 

Studies point towards more health benefits of eating okra may include: 

• Promoting brain health by reducing inflammation. 
• Lowering heart disease chances. 
• Okra contains lectin, a protein. This protein may stop human cancer cells from growing. 
•  By lowering blood sugar, Okra may also benefit those with high blood sugar and prediabetes. 

How to Cook Okra, Perfectly

Okra may not be someone's first choice for a delicious side dish. The slimy substance seems offputting and intimidating. However, there are ways to cook okra perfectly! To reduce the slime, try cutting larger chunks of the okra or cutting in lengthwise strips instead of small pieces. Lower the slime by cooking okra on high heat in fast methods. These include frying and sauteeing. With these cooking methods, you will start cooking okra to perfection in no time! 

How to Cook Fried Okra 

Frying is one of the more popular ways to prepare okra. The crunchy outer layer adds texture while keeping the inside soft and flavorful. Frying okra also reduces the amount of the slime because it utilizes very high heat. 

The Time it Takes: 4 minutes for each batch

What You Need

• Deep-fryer 
• Slotted spoon
• Olive oil
• Okra
• Cornmeal
• Seasoning of choice
• egg wash 

Instructions

The very first step is to rinse your okra and then pay dry. Next, slice the okra into 1/2-inch slices or whatever you consider bite-size. 

Then, combine cornmeal and seasoning for the coating. Also, prepare an egg wash. 

Note: an egg wash typically consists of a beaten egg and one tablespoon of water or milk.

Prepare the deep-fryer by heating the oil to 365 degrees Fahrenheit. 

While the oil is heating, start prepping the okra. Dip them first into the egg wash and then cover the okra with your cornmeal coating. 

When the oil is ready, start frying the okra. Do this step in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the deep fryer. 

Fry each batch of okra for around 4 minutes. 

Use a slotted spoon to remove the okra, and drain the rest of the oil by placing paper towels. 

The finished fried okra can go in the oven at a low temperature, around 300 degrees, while frying the rest. This will keep it warm. 

How to Sautee Okra

Time it Takes: 8 to 10 minutes

What You Need

• Frying pan
• Spatula
• Okra
• Vegetable oil
• Garlic clove
• Seasoning of choice

Instructions

First, prepare your okra by rinsing it and then patting it dry. 

Cut the okra by removing stems and slicing lengthwise; smaller slices will work as well. Then, prepare the garlic glove by slicing it into small pieces or using minced garlic.

Next, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a frying pan. Make sure the bottom of the pan is completely coated. 

Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then add the okra to the pan and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. During this time, shake the pan and keep the okra moving often. You will know it is almost done when the okra begins to brown. 

After the okra becomes tender, remove from heat and serve as a delicious side dish! 

How to Boil Okra

Time it Takes: 10 to 15 minutes

What You Need

• A pot
• Stovetop
• Butter
• Seasoning
• Okra 
• Water

Instructions

First, prepare the okra by rinsing, patting dry, and cutting into desired slices. 

Next, add the okra to a large pot, cover it with water, and boil. Once the water begins to boil, cover the pot with a lid. Continue to cook for 10 minutes. The okra will start to become tender. 

After the okra is done cooking, drain the water. Move the okra to a separate bowl or return it to the pot. Coat it with butter and seasoning of your choice. Enjoy the okra while hot! 

Delicious Okra Recipes 

• Fried Okra Recipe
• Mediterranean-Style Okra Recipe
• Garlic Roasted Okra
• Okra with Tomatoes Recipe
• Easy Baked Okra
• Southern Fried Okra
• 3 Fabulous Southern Okra Recipes: Fried, Baked, “Succotashed” – Stacy Lyn Harris

One Finale Thought

Cooking okra may feel intimidating because it contains a slimy substance. However, there are many ways to cook the perfect okra side dish! Remember the few tips listed in this article before you start. Okra does best when cooked on high heat for a short time. Also, cutting the okra into larger chunks may reduce the slime. 

Okra has become a staple in Southern American cuisine. It is especially enjoyed in gumbo. However, many different ways to cook and eat okra don't involve putting it in a soup. Whether you love throwing it in a deep-fryer or sauteeing on the stovetop. There are plenty of options to choose from!

Okra contains many excellent nutrients, including protein, magnesium, and even folate acid, which is great for pregnant women! Once you learn to cook okra perfectly, you will want to continue to add it to your menu.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©matkub2499/Shutterstock.com.