Okay, confession time. Even though it’s a classic southern side, I thought I hated okra. And that may still be partially true because I do hate the gooey mess of okra, but thanks to my good friend Amy with Greenbrier Farms, I was introduced to a whole different way of cooking fresh okra that makes it crispy and dry and deeeelicious (but it’s not fried okra, so it’s one of the more healthier okra recipes!). Some of the smaller pieces are so crispy and good you might even mistake them for French fries. Yep, it’s that good. So please do me a favor and give this super quick and easy okra recipe a go the next time you need a vegetable side dish, and then tell me if I’ve turned you into an okra lover as well! :)
The Best Roasted Okra I've Ever Had!
This is a pretty healthy okra recipe, all things considered. Instead of fried okra, you roast it in the oven which gives it a nice crispy texture. If you're feeling a little extra adventurous, you could put a twist on this classic southern side dish and add some creole seasoning to make it cajun okra.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Spread okra on a baking sheet and toss with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Bake just under the top rack of the oven for approximately 40 - 45 minutes, stirring with a spatula after 20 minutes and every 10 minutes after that until it begins to turn dark brown and crispy, but not burnt.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. The top stems can be eaten, but we personally just prefer the bottom portion.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
Here’s a picture of my friend Amy in her farm kitchen introducing us to this method of making okra…thanks friend! :)
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Now that I am living in Oregon, its impossible to find whole okra :( Ive been making the okra chips in my Ninja air fryer. I use Avacado Oil because its one of the few that can handle high temps without the oil burning. But most importantly it’s incredibly healthy. Its the best oil to use. You should try a mixture of Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, himalayan salt and cayenne pepper. They taste AhMazing!
Thanks for the suggestion! We’ll have to give it a try. – Nicole
Made these last night and they were tough texture, as in hard to chew.
Delicious flavor & really great texture! I sprinkled garlic powder over the okra after taking it out of the oven. Yum!
I just got a whole lot of okra so anxious to try this recipe. I love roasted Veggies and didn’t think to do this with the okra!
Can you use frozen okra?
Fresh is the to go with this recipe. The texture with frozen would not be the best.
OMG. Sorry guests. I ate them all before you arrived!
I love Okra, can’t get enough of it. Never tried crisping it, I will surely try when I can put my hand on them. In the past, we used to steam them and when cool, we dip them in a vinaigrette sauce and eat them like that. They are very nice this way also.
Hubby grew up in the south and LOVES okra…the consistency reminds me of buggers … so gross. BUT I’ll try these as I TRUST you and I’m willing to try everything once…
Lovely…what class
OOPS…yeah, that was too much. Sorry :(
Ok I followed recipe wasn’t loving it. Never had okra but are you supposed to eat the seeds and it wasn’t crispy. It was mushy maybe I didn’t leave it long enough
heyya.Never had it like this….I slice it round slices, dip in egg mixture, fry in coconut oil, s&p and it is delicious…..probably not as healthy as yours….but they say coconut oil is good for you…..
This roasting method works with a variety of other veggies as well – broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts……..all good.
Greenbrier Farms is right up the road from me. I haven’t tried this, though. May be the next thing on my list!
I call them OKRA FRIES,I usually cut them in half length wise and then oil them up and as
Th and pepper them too! They are one of our favorite veggies, also cheaper when they are in season so I’m always keeping my eye out! I should try them whole though, I’ve never done that!
Never had it like this….I slice it round slices, dip in egg mixture, fry in coconut oil, s&p and it is delicious…..probably not as healthy as yours….but they say coconut oil is good for you…..
Can’t wait to try this. I do love okra pickled as well! Yum!
I’ve had okra so many ways. I am southern after all. Grandmother used to make me stewed okra & tomatoes over rice (one of my favorites). Grandfather made pickled okra (I could eat a whole jar. Plus these are awesome with a Bloody Mary). Fried okra is a staple. My mom chops it up to put in vegetable soup. It’s very versatile.
You can do the same thing with brussel sprouts. They too taste like french fries.
So relieved to see this recipe! My gardening friends are always offering me okra, but when I ask them how they recommend preparing it, they say they only ever deep fry it. Not happening! This sounds worth a try!
We just “discovered” okra this way while in Charleston, SC during July and love it! The Man of the House is gonna be so excited when I tell him you taught me to make it at home!
Beckey
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We grew up on okra! My mother, a retired cook would put them in mixed greens. She would to that, after the greens were almost done. So good!!! I’ve also had them fried with cornmeal. You’ve been missing out:)