18/09/2025
Okra contains beneficial antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Its disease-fighting nutrients promote heart health, blood sugar management and better digestion. Okra also boosts bone health due to its calcium and vitamin K content.
How to eat okra:
You can eat okra fresh, pickled, or cooked in various ways like fried, roasted, grilled, or added to stews and gumbos to thicken them. To reduce its natural sliminess, try using high-heat methods like grilling or baking, which crisp the exterior, or leave the pods whole instead of slicing them into the seeds.
Preparation and Cooking Methods
Wash and Trim: Rinse the okra pods under cold water and trim the stem tips.
High-Heat Cooking (to reduce sliminess):
Grilling: Thread whole or halved pods on skewers with olive oil and grill until charred and tender.
Roasting: Toss whole or sliced okra with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at a high temperature (e.g., 400°F/200°C) until slightly browned.
Frying: Cut into thin slices or small pieces, coat with cornmeal and spices, and fry until golden brown and crispy.
Stews and Soups (for thickening):
For thickening: Slice okra into wheels and add to stews, gumbos, or curries, as the mucilage from the seeds acts as a natural thickener.
For a milder flavor: Add whole pods or large pieces to stews to avoid releasing too much of the thickening liquid.
Tips for Reducing Sliminess
Don't cut into the seeds: When cooking okra whole, avoid piercing the seed pods, as this releases the gelatinous mucilage.
Apply high heat: Cooking methods like grilling and frying at high temperatures help to crisp the okra and reduce its sliminess.
Cook quickly: Overcooking can increase the slimy texture, so avoid overcooking, especially when boiling.
Soak briefly: Soaking whole okra pods in water with a few slices of lemon for about an hour can help to eliminate some of the sticky liquid, according to some sources.
Ways to Eat Okra
Raw: Slice and toss into salads for a crisp texture, as suggested by Martha Stewart.
As a side dish: Enjoy roasted, fried, or grilled okra as a finger food.
In dishes: Incorporate it into gumbos, stews, casseroles, or curries for added flavor and texture.
Pickled: Pickled okra offers a tangy and crisp snack.