Oven Roasted Okra
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Published Aug 12, 2021, Updated Sep 16, 2024
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Skip the fried okra and bake it instead! This method for roasted okra comes together quickly and tastes delicious – perfectly seasoned and a little crispy. It’s my fave way to prepare fresh okra.
If you’ve never had okra before, you’re in for a treat! And if you’re from the south and are thinking there’s no way this could be as good as fried okra… hear me out. With this method, it still gets crispy and it’s a bit healthier too!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick – With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this roasted okra recipe comes together in no time, making it a perfect option for a quick side dish.
- Healthy & Light – Okra is packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, and roasting it with a little olive oil makes it a healthy, guilt-free snack or side.
- Perfectly Crispy – Roasting okra in the oven gives it a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender, without the sliminess that some people don’t love.
- Customizable – Whether you like a little heat from cayenne pepper or prefer milder flavors, this recipe is super easy to customize to your taste!
What is Okra?
Okra is technically a fruit, but is treated like a vegetable for cooking! It’s common in Southern cooking and it’s a key part of gumbo.
Okra is rich in vitamins C and K and surprisingly has a good amount of protein in it! Okra naturally has a slimy texture to it (thanks to the sugar residue called mucilage) which is great for thickening things (like gumbo) but not great for someone that isn’t a fan of that texture. Lucky for you, this method of cooking okra results in a crispy side dish, no slime!
Here’s What You Need
- okra – make sure you’re using fresh okra for this recipe and be sure your okra is on the smaller side. Large okra tends to have a thick, woody texture that’s almost impossible to chew through.
- olive oil – to coat the okra pieces for roasting and help the delicious spices stick.
- seasonings and spices – I like using fresh or dried thyme, garlic powder, sea salt and pepper
- optional – a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little spice!
Roasted Okra Variations
I love this recipe just as it is, but it’s always fun to experiment! Here’s some ideas you can try with this roasted okra:
- Parmesan Roasted Okra – For some cheesy goodness, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan over the okra in the last few minutes of roasting. It adds a nice, crispy layer of flavor that’s irresistible!
- Spicy Roasted Okra – Love a little heat? Add more cayenne pepper or even toss the okra with some red pepper flakes before roasting. You can also try smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Lemon & Herb – After roasting, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the okra and toss with extra fresh herbs like parsley or dill. It brightens up the okra and gives it a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Panko-Crusted – For an extra crunchy texture, toss the okra in a light coating of panko breadcrumbs before roasting. It adds a great crispy bite!
How to Prep Okra
I have seen roasted okra prepared in two ways – by slicing it into long strips like I did, or by cutting it into discs. Either works for this recipe!
Start by cutting away the stem from the okra and the very tip of the end. Carefully cut the okra in half lengthwise and place in a bowl for seasoning. Easy peasy!
Brittany’s Tip
I always dry my okra really well after rinsing it because any extra moisture can mess with the crispiness. Use a paper towel to pat them dry before adding the oil and spices—it really makes a difference in getting that perfect roasted texture.
What to Serve with Roasted Okra
Honestly, this roasted okra can be paired with just about any protein option – beans, tofu, tuna or chicken… the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas:
- Apple Cider Vinegar Chicken
- Easy Crispy Baked Tofu
- Vegan Bolognese
- Baked Chicken Nuggets
- Cilantro Lime Chicken Burgers
- Black Bean Burgers
Everything You Need to Make Oven Roasted Okra
Pyrex Smart Essentials 3-Piece Prepware Mixing Bowl Set
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Redmond Real Salt, 16 Ounce Pouch (1 Pack)
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Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Board
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Store any leftover okra in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back into the oven or air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes. This keeps it crispy—reheating in the microwave will make it soggy, which we don’t want!
Frequently Asked Questions
If your okra came out slimy, it’s probably because it wasn’t dried properly before roasting. I know it seems small, but making sure your okra is super dry is a game changer. Also, roasting at a high temperature really helps!
Yes, you can totally use frozen okra. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before roasting. Frozen okra tends to hold more moisture, so drying it well is extra important if you want that crisp!
More Roasted Vegetable Recipes to Try:
- Roasted Broccoli
- Roasted Kabocha Squash
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Roasted Spaghetti Squash
- Roasted Garlic
- Roasted Cabbage
- Roasted Summer Squash and Zucchini
- Roasted Asparagus
- Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Oven Roasted Okra
Ingredients
- 1 pound okra, rinsed and dried
- ½ Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ground pepper, to taste
- pinch of cayenne pepper, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Trim the okra by cutting away the stem ends and the tips, just the very ends. Then cut the okra in half, lengthwise.
- Place okra in a large bowl. Add oil and spices and toss to coat the okra halves.
- Place okra on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, shaking or stirring the okra at least twice during the roasting time. You'll know the okra is ready when it's lightly browned and tender.
- Serve hot as they tend to lose the crispy texture as they cool.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Five stars all the way! My four year-old and my texture-sensitive husband, and I all devoured it as soon as it was cool enough to eat! Thank you!
WOO! This makes me so happy to hear, Bethany. I am so glad you gave this recipe a try and it turned out great. Thank you for sharing your review & star rating, it means so much to me!
These are addictive! I changed up the seasoning due to preference but absolutely love the general idea and roasting instructions. I’ve only had okra fried and am excited that I equally enjoy it roasted.
YUM! I am so glad you gave these a try and they turned out great for you, Jennifer. Thank you for taking the time to share your review & star rating, I appreciate it so much!