Okra can be one of those tricky vegetables to figure out how to cook. I like the taste of okra, but I don’t like how slimy it can get when it’s steamed or sautéed.
The first few times I cooked okra, I steamed it. But I found myself almost having to gag it down because it was the consistency of snot – EWE! Baking okra gets rid of the slime, and the easiest way to bake it is to make baked okra fries.
Red Okra And Flower
Harvesting Okra
Okra makes a colorful addition to the vegetable garden, especially if you grow red burgundy okra. It’s important to harvest okra at the right time, before it gets too big.
Okra is ready to harvest when it’s about 4-5 inches long. After harvesting okra, it’s best to use it within a couple days. Okra that is too large, or has been in the fridge too long will become woody and inedible.
Okra Ready To Harvest
How To Make Healthy Baked Okra Fries
It’s super easy to make delicious baked okra fries. If I can do it, anyone can! Here’s how I make them…
Step 1 – Slice okra: First, cut the top and ends off the okra. Then slice each one the long way. I slice thicker ones into thirds. You could remove the seeds if you want, but I leave the seeds in my okra fries for an added crunch.
Slice Okra To Make Baked Okra Fries
Step 2 – Spread Okra on Cookie Sheet: If I have a small amount of okra from the garden, I use my toaster oven to bake okra fries. For larger batches I use my regular oven. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the okra slices on the cookie sheet and put them into the oven. I set my oven somewhere around 350-400 degrees.
Related Post: Homemade Sun Dried Cherry Tomatoes
Bake Okra Until Crispy
Step 3 – Bake Okra Fries: Bake the okra slices until they’re crispy. It doesn’t take long, about 10-15 minutes in my toaster oven. I check them after 10 minutes to see how crispy they are. Bake them until they get to your preferred level of crispiness.
That’s it, super easy right? I eat my okra fries plain. You could add salt or other spices to jazz them up if you want. There might also be a dip that you could eat them with. Let me know if you come up with anything good and I’ll give it a try. Baked okra fries are easy to make, healthy and delicious!
If you want to start growing okra in your garden, here are some great, quality seeds you can buy to get started… Green Okra Clemson and Red Burgundy Okra
More Recipes To Use Up Garden Vegetables
- Fast And Easy Homemade Chili Recipe
- 15 Ways to Use Zucchini From the Garden
- How to Make Zucchini Spaghetti Noodles
- Homemade Sun Dried Cherry Tomatoes
- How To Make DIY Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
What’s your favorite way to cook okra?
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Anonymous says
Dip: 1/2 cup mayo, 2 tbls ketchup, sprinkle cayenne pepper, salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
Amy Andrychowicz says
That sounds delicious, thanks for sharing!
Carole Coates says
I love slimy boiled okra–maybe because I grew up with it, but if our okra makes it this year will definitely try this! Looks delicious.
Amy Andrychowicz says
LOL Carole. The first time we harvested okra, we steamed it. Then both my husband and I gagged our way through it. I can’t stand the slime! We never had it growing up though.
Amy
Marie says
I had no idea okra was so pretty on the vine! I totally want to grow some now just to decorate my garden! Thanks for sharing the delicious recipe with us at Merry Monday this week!
Amy Andrychowicz says
I know, I didn’t realize that either. Isn’t that funny!
Laura | Food Fun Family says
Wow what a interesting idea! Love it! Thanks for sharing with the Delicious Dishes Recipe party this week!
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome, thanks for stopping by!
Marisa says
I never had Okra at all, I’d love to try it! Thanks for sharing!