15 Okra Recipes That Prove It's Not Just For Gumbo

Whether fried, pickled, or grilled, okra is one of the South's signature ingredients.

By
Kimberly Holland
Kimberly Holland
Kimberly Holland
Kimberly Holland is a writer and editor with 15 years of experience in food, lifestyle, health, and nutrition content. She has been published in Southern Living, Real Simple, Allrecipes, EatingWell, Cooking Light, and other publications.
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Updated on June 10, 2024
Reviewed by
Brierley Horton, MS, RD
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Reviewed by Brierley Horton, MS, RD
Brierley Horton is a registered dietitian nutritionist with 15 years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets such as Cooking Light, EatingWell, Livestrong.com, and All Recipes. She has been the editor of articles that won journalism awards from the James Beard Foundation and the American Society of Journalists and Authors. She is also co-host and co-creator of the Happy Eating Podcast, a podcast that breaks down the connection between diet and lifestyle, and mental wellness.
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Fact checked by Elizabeth Berry
Elizabeth Berry is a fact checker and writer with over three years of professional experience in the field. She has fact checked lifestyle topics ranging from destination wedding venues to gift guide round-ups for a variety of publications including Brides, The Spruce, and TripSavvy. In addition to her fact checking background, she also has over six years experience of reporting, writing, and copy editing articles for digital magazines including Woman's Day and The Knot. Elizabeth also has a strong background in e-commerce content as both a fact checker and writer.
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Southern Living Smashed Oven-Fried Okra on a platter to serve with dipping sauce
Photo:

Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely 

Whether fried, pickled, or grilled, no other vegetable tastes quite like okra. Every Southerner has their favorite okra dish, and we've rounded up the best okra recipes we could find to showcase this traditional Southern veggie. From main dishes to sides, our best, crispiest okra recipes offer creative, tasty options for every day of the week.

You Don't Hate Okra, You Just Haven't Made It My Mamma's Way
01 of 15

Pan-Fried Okra With Cornmeal

Pan-Fried Okra with Cornmeal Recipe
Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Cooking in two skillets, or two batches, will allow the okra to get extra crispy. The surprising part is that it takes less than half-an-hour to come together.

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02 of 15

Okra And Rice Casserole

Okra and Rice Casserole
Hector Sanchez

This casserole is simple to make but is still packed with an amazing amount of flavor. The secret that makes this recipe so simple is that it uses two microwaveable pouches of rice.

Okra and Rice Casserole Recipe
03 of 15

Classic Okra And Tomatoes

Classic Okra and Tomatoes in bowls overhead
Monica Farber/Southern Living

This essential summer side features the most Southern pairing. Steeped in centuries of history, this combo cannot be missed.

Classic Okra And Tomatoes
04 of 15

Shrimp And Okra Gumbo

Shrimp and Okra Gumbo
Southern Living

Even though this dinner is made in one pot, it makes 12 servings. The okra is cooked low and slow here to help alleviate its sometimes slimy texture.

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05 of 15

Hearty Beef And Freezer Veggie Soup

Hearty Beef and Freezer Veggie Soup
Greg DuPree

Okra can be enjoyed year-round in a soul-warming soup like Hearty Beef And Freezer Veggie Soup. The grocery store should have everything you need for this recipe.

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06 of 15

Best-Ever Succotash

Best-Ever Succotash
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

The ultimate summer side: succotash. Need we say more?

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07 of 15

Cajun Chicken Cassoulet

Cajun Chicken Cassoulet
Photo: Iain Bagwell

Your family will love this one-pot, spiced-up version of the French meal. Your family will also appreciate that this recipe doesn't take all day like the traditional version. Dinner will be ready in a little over an hour with this recipe.

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08 of 15

Maque Choux With Sausage

Maque Choux with Sausage
Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

This Louisiana classic comes together in just one skillet and 25 minutes. While most often served as a side dish, we've made the recipe hearty enough to be the main.

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09 of 15

Shrimp And Sausage Gumbo

Shrimp-and-Sausage Gumbo
Photo: Iain Bagwell

Our Test Kitchen deemed this one of the best pots of gumbo they've ever put out. We make this cayenne-kissed dish with all the usual suspects.

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10 of 15

Cajun Shrimp Casserole

Cajun Shrimp Casserole

This is one of our go-to ways to serve up a flavorful casserole to friends in need. An unbaked casserole can be made up to a day in advance.

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11 of 15

Air Fryer Okra

Air Fryer Okra
Caitlin Bensel

We've found dozens of fun ways to make Southern classics in our new Air Fryers, and this is a Test Kitchen favorite. With no oily mess, it will quickly become your favorite way to make okra.

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12 of 15

Simple Roasted Okra

Simple Roasted Okra
Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Melissa Gray

Instead of turning to the deep-fryer, we cook this okra on high heat in the oven. Serve as a side with garlicky shrimp.

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13 of 15

Grilled Okra-And-Pepper Skewers With Dijon Dipping Sauce

Grilled Okra-and-Pepper Skewers with Dijon Dipping Sauce
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Okra and peppers bring color to the grill with these veggie-forward skewers. It's like summer on a platter.

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14 of 15

Fried-Okra Cornbread

Southern Living Fried-Okra Cornbread in a basket to serve

Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Prepare the bread basket. Two Southern icons–okra and cornbread–come together in one can't-be-topped recipe.

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15 of 15

Smashed Oven-Fried Okra

Southern Living Smashed Oven-Fried Okra on a platter to serve with dipping sauce

Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely 

Fifteen minutes of hands-on time and 45 minutes total, will have these Southern veggies on the table in no time. Roasting this breaded okra in the oven cuts down on the fat without sacrificing the crispy crust.

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