Description
Crispy baked okra delivers a Southern-style crunch without excess oil. Seasoned with cornmeal and spices, this healthier alternative brings Louisiana’s comfort straight to your kitchen table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) fresh okra
Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash fresh okra under cool running water, ensuring all dirt and debris are removed.
- Pat okra completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to prevent excess moisture.
- Trim both stem and tip ends of each okra pod with a sharp knife, creating clean edges.
- Slice okra into uniform bite-sized segments approximately three-quarters of an inch thick for consistent cooking.
- Arrange okra pieces evenly across a rimmed baking sheet, creating a single layer without overcrowding.
- Generously drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the okra, ensuring each piece is lightly coated.
- Sprinkle ground paprika, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper across the okra, gently tossing to distribute seasonings uniformly.
- Position the baking sheet in a preheated oven set at 450 degrees Fahrenheit, placing it in the center rack.
- Roast okra for approximately 15-17 minutes, occasionally rotating the pan to promote even browning.
- Remove when okra develops a golden-brown exterior and appears slightly crispy around the edges.
- Let okra rest for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a serving platter, allowing excess heat to dissipate.
- Serve immediately as a delightful side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- Okra transforms from slimy to crispy when baked at high heat, creating a delightful texture that even veggie skeptics will love.
- Pat the okra completely dry to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent steaming instead of roasting.
- Choose fresh, small to medium-sized okra pods for the best flavor and least stringy texture.
- Spread okra in a single layer on the baking sheet to allow even browning and prevent soggy spots.
- Experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, cayenne, or za’atar to customize the flavor profile.
- Store leftover baked okra in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain its crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg