25 Okra Recipes for a Taste of the South

A proper southern meal wouldn’t be complete without these okra recipes.

Okra is one of those delicacies that causes quite the fuss.

Some people can’t stand the texture while others can’t get enough.

If you fall into the latter category, you’ll love every one of these recipes.

From down-to-earth sides to spice-laden soups, these okra recipes are the best of the best.

I think even the biggest naysayers will find a dish or two that they can’t resist!

Here are some of my very favorite okra recipes.

Okra Recipes That Prove It’s Not Just for Gumbo

1. Garlic-Roasted Okra

Garlic-roasted okra is a simple side dish that pairs well with practically any protein.

It’s great with grilled chicken, roasts, barbecue ribs, and more.

Each tiny morsel is covered in garlic and paprika.

They’re also dripping with plant-based butter, so even vegans can enjoy this easy vegetable side.

2. Mediterranean-Style Okra

Rich and healthy dishes can be hard to come by. However, this Mediterranean-style okra dish accomplishes that and then some. 

It’s akin to a vegan stew full of veggies and rich tomato flavors.

It’s just a touch spicy, which you can tailor to your liking with more or less jalapeno. 

I think a good chunk of crusty baguette is in order. 

3. Fried Okra

Now, this is the good stuff! Snack, side dish, or main course, fried okra is a must for any okra lover.

This southern classic is crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Be sure to use cornmeal for the batter and toss in the right ratio of spice. Then dig in, my friends!

4. Okra Casserole

Have some frozen okra you need to use up? I have just the recipe. 

Frozen okra is the main feature of this home-style casserole.

It’s buttery, cheesy, and has a nice crunch from herb breadcrumbs.

Preparing this dish is a very simple task. However, it will need to bake for a bit. So kick back and enjoy your downtime.

5. Pan-Fried Okra

You might find some variations of pan-fried okra in the south.

However, one thing is pretty consistent across the board and that’s bacon grease. 

Bacon grease is a key ingredient that makes it rich in flavor. Fry it in that, and you can’t go wrong.

6. Okra Stew with Shrimp and Andouille

Okra takes on a slimy texture that can be off-putting to some. 

But when you toss it in a rich tomato broth with shrimp and andouille, I don’t think anyone will be able to resist it. 

Okra helps thicken the stew, while tomatoes make the base rich and satiating.

And the best part is you won’t have to decide between surf or turf because you get them both.

Meat lovers will flip for this okra dish!

7. Okra and Tomatoes

Speaking of okra and tomatoes, here’s a dish that’s rich in flavor and super cozy. 

Aside from the obvious ingredients, thick bacon fattens it up and apple cider vinegar adds some tang.

For more complexity, a few dashes of Worcestershire will do the trick.

When choosing onions, be sure to reach for Vidalia.

They’re a sweeter onion that adds yet another layer of yumminess to this dish.

8. Fried Pecan Okra

Fried pecan okra is a true southern delicacy.

The crunchy, nutty coating and sweet, mild okra are a mouthwatering combination. 

This recipe only takes 10 minutes, and you can make it with frozen okra. That’s great news because you’ll want this all year long!

I recommend serving this with some garlic aioli or a buttermilk dipping sauce. 

9. Seafood and Okra Gumbo

You haven’t lived until you’ve tried this gumbo. It’s overflowing with juicy shrimp, crab, and oysters all in a deep Creole sauce. 

It may not have andouille sausage, but it has a ton of sweet okra that thickens the base. 

10. Chicken Okra Stew

Between the chicken and the okra, this stew is the definition of southern comfort food. 

It has wonderful spices that are a little spicy, warming, and sweet.

Tomato paste and chicken broth also give this bowl more depth and flavor. 

And the veggies? This dish nails it with a minimal combination of carrots, onions, and okra. 

11. Creole Chicken Okra

Another tantalizing way to make chicken and okra is Creole style. This recipe is anything short of mundane.

The combination of flavors and textures is through the roof!

Jalapeno peppers and cayenne peppers pack it with heat. And okra and juicy chicken make it more homely. 

If you have a big hankering for some soul food, you can’t beat this dish.

12. Baked Chicken with Okra and Tomatoes

This healthy chicken dinner is great for date nights, special occasions, and boring Tuesdays that need some spice of life. 

The stock is rich in tomatoes, okra, and dried herbs. The rest is all about juicy browned chicken thighs.

I think a glass of red wine is in order for this one, don’t you?

13. White Bean Soup

This white bean soup has it all. There’s fatty ham hock, plump Northern beans, spicy green chilis, and bite-sized okra. 

Complexity like this doesn’t come quickly. It will need to slowly stew in the crockpot for most of the day. 

But come evening, dinner will be waiting.

14. Persian Okra Stew

I love Persian food, and this stew doesn’t disappoint.

It’s a rich, hearty bowl featuring whole okra and lamb in a stewed tomato sauce.

This classic is a must for any diehard okra lover. 

There’s so much flavor going on, you might want to serve this with some rice or flatbread to soak it all up.

15. Succotash with Bacon, Okra, and Tomatoes

Succotash is a classic side that pairs well with weeknight dinners and holiday spreads alike.

Corn and lima beans are key vegetables in creating this dish. 

What’s even better about this southern classic is there are some bacon bits and a couple of handfuls of okra.

16. Cajun Chicken Cassoulet

If cajun chicken weren’t already good enough, this recipe ups the ante and does it one better.

This one-pot dish is full of tender chicken thighs, savory cajun sausage, and the spices to match.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a southern twist without a heaping of okra. 

17. Pickled Okra

Did you get a bounty of okra out of your garden this season? Then whip up one of these scrumptious dinners and pickle the rest!

Pickled okra is a treat you can enjoy all year long. It’s tangy, garlicky, and super delicious.

18. Oven-Fried Shrimp and Okra Po’ Boys

I love a good po’ boy, and this one tops the list.

The juicy shrimp has the perfect crispy crunch and capers add a nice burst of salt.

The real secret to the sandwich is the okra is drenched in buttermilk, coated in Creole-seasoned cornmeal, and baked with the shrimp.

19. Fried Okra Salad

Fried and salad are two things that you usually don’t pair together. Well, that is until now.

This fried okra salad is sinfully delicious. Fry okra and the bacon, then toss it with some vegetables and a simple dressing. 

You can thank me later.

20. Cajun Shrimp Casserole

Guys, I need to talk to you about my new favorite casserole. It’s cheesy, spicy, and packed with shrimp.

Okra is the Cajun twist that gets even better with a splash of white wine and cream of shrimp soup.

Seriously, you’ll need to try this tonight!

21. Air Fryer Okra

Frying okra in bacon grease is a southern tradition that is undeniably amazing. However, it’s not the most healthy. 

That’s why this air fryer recipe is so great. You’ll get the fried okra you want with less guilt. 

22. Roasted Sweet Potato and Okra Salad

This side dish is sophisticated enough for Thanksgiving and humble enough to serve with a rustic chicken dinner. 

It’s sweet, earthy, salty, and a little bit tangy.

It mostly entails a lot of roasting, but you will have to prepare the okra and spinach separately. 

23. Smoked Okra Dip

I have a very good hunch even the biggest okra haters will gobble this right up.

This creamy dip is oozing with three types of cheese and the perfect balance of spices. 

Serve this with some crackers and grilled bread, then stand back. The hoards will come running!

24. Grilled Okra

If you’ve had enough of fried food, give this grilled okra a try!

This recipe is crisp, healthy, and has that char-grilled flavor you know and love.

It’s simply seasoned with salt, olive oil, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and it’s to die for!

25. Okra Stew with Spinach and Carrots

Here’s yet another tasty stew to warm you up on a chilly night.

This bowl is chock full of only spinach and carrots. But the ingredients also include fresh herbs, tomato paste, garlic, and seasonings.

It’s absolutely delicious served as is, or you can serve it over rice for a heartier main dish.