4.3 100 Published Aug 12, 2021, Updated Sep 16, 2024
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!
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!
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!
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!
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
Storing Leftovers
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!
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
