14 Easy Overripe Okra Recipes

Overripe okra is one of those ingredients that many people overlook when they are looking for something new to cook.

It takes on a completely different flavor profile when it is over-ripened and it is so good it will surprise you.

These 14 easy overripe okra recipes will open your eyes and make you realize just how versatile this ingredient truly is!

Here are the 14 recipes we’ll cover in this post:

1. Steamed Cabbage and Okra
2. Crispy Fried Okra
3. Smothered Okra and Tomatoes
4. Okra Fritters with Sriracha Mayonnaise
5. Easy Baked Okra Recipe
6. Best-Ever Skillet Okra with Garlic
7. Okra Pilaf
8. Stewed Okra and Tomatoes
9. Bhindi Masala Recipe | Okra in Onion Tomato Curry
10. Crispy Oven-Roasted Okra
11. Corn Okra Creole
12. Pan-Fried Okra with Ginger Marinade
13. Boiled Buttered Okra
14. Spinach and Okra Soup

Read Also: How Long To Cook Okra

14 Easy overripe okra recipes

1. Steamed Cabbage and Okra

Okra is one of those vegetables that some people love and others hate. Personally, I think it depends on how it’s prepared. If it’s properly cooked, it has a wonderful, tender texture and mild flavor that’s similar to asparagus.

However, if it’s overcooked, it becomes slimy and has a much stronger flavor. That’s why I like to use it in dishes like this one, where it gets steamed until just right so it retains its natural sweetness.

2. Crispy Fried Okra

If you haven’t tried fried okra yet, then it’s time to give it a try!

This crispy fried okra recipe has all the flavor of Southern fried okra without the greasy after taste.

Plus, they are so easy to prepare and require no deep frying.

They are also perfect for parties, since they come in bite-sized pieces.

3. Smothered Okra and Tomatoes

This easy and delicious recipe is guaranteed to be a hit at your next potluck.

The smothered okra and tomatoes are complemented by the creamy, tangy sauce which adds a lot of flavor.

If you’re trying to get your hands on some overripe okra, be sure to look for it in the produce aisle in the back of the store.

4. Okra Fritters with Sriracha Mayonnaise

Overripe okra has a unique flavor that makes it perfect for dishes like these fritters.

They are made with a mixture of flour, eggs, and cornmeal, which keeps them light and airy.

Sriracha mayonnaise adds a spicy kick to this dish, so if you don’t like spicy food, feel free to omit it.

5. Easy Baked Okra Recipe

This is one of those “can’t fail” recipes that will be a huge hit at your next cookout.

Baked okra is a traditional Southern dish that goes great with barbecued meat or even fried fish. But the thing that makes this recipe stand out is the addition of ginger and lime.

Adding just a dash of both of these gives the okra a really unique flavor that is unlike any other okra dish you’ve ever tried.

You can serve this as a side dish, over rice, or even as a main dish by itself. It’s truly an easy and delicious way to get some fiber and iron into your diet.

6. Best-Ever Skillet Okra with Garlic

The best part about okra is how versatile it is. It can be used to make gumbo, soup, stews, and even salads.

See Also: What Vegetables Go in Gumbo? 18 Best Vegetables

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make an easy skillet okra recipe that will become your go-to side dish.

It has all of the flavor of regular okra, but without the slimy texture.

To take this dish up a notch, try adding some chopped onions, peppers, and other spices like cayenne pepper or chili powder.

7. Okra Pilaf

Okra has a natural sweetness that balances out the assertive flavors in this dish. This makes it the perfect addition to a variety of dishes, from curries and stews to fajitas and burgers.

This particular dish was created by executive chef Arron Bridges of San Francisco’s own restaurant, The Chapel, and it’s been a huge hit ever since.

Bridges suggests adding in some black or red lentils to the dish for an even creamier result.

8. Stewed Okra and Tomatoes

It also works really well in this tomato-based stew. The tomatoes give it a nice acidity and color, while the okra adds a bit of texture and flavor.

This is one of my favorite ways to eat okra, so I hope you enjoy it too!

9. Okra in Onion Tomato Curry

This dish is great for those nights when you don’t feel like making anything too complicated. It’s easy to throw everything into the slow cooker and go do something else. But come nightfall, you’ll be glad you made this simple meal.

The secret ingredient that makes this so great is curry. Not only does it give the dish a zesty kick, it also helps to tenderize the okra.

You can substitute a different green vegetable for the okra if you don’t like it. Try zucchini or asparagus.

10. Crispy Oven-Roasted Okra

Okra can be a little difficult to eat raw, so roasting it makes it easier on the digestion.

It also brings out the flavor in the pods as they get crispier and the skins get a nice brown color.

Try serving this with your favorite dipping sauce for a complete dish.

11. Corn Okra Creole

If you’ve never had okra, you’re truly missing out! It’s quite possibly the most underrated vegetable out there.

This dish incorporates overripe okra into a stew-like dish with tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Then, it’s spiced up with cayenne pepper and other seasonings.

It takes just a few minutes to make, yet it tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Great over rice, on a salad, or even by itself as a side dish.

12. Pan-Fried Okra with Ginger Marinade

I used to hate okra. I mean, really hated it. It would always turn me off no matter how it was prepared. However, after having my daughter, I started eating it and eventually came to love it.

This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of the okra and takes advantage of that by marinating it in ginger and honey.

13. Boiled Buttered Okra

This is a classic Southern dish. Often, when I make it, I use fresh green beans instead of okra because that’s what I have on hand.

But, if you do have okra, boil it until tender, then drain off the excess water and saute it in a pan with some butter until browned. Then, stir in some garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika.

Serve with a side of rice and you’ve got yourself a simple yet delicious meal.

14. Spinach and Okra Soup

Serve this delicious soup as an appetizer or main course and watch your guests go wild over it!

It’s got the perfect amount of kick from the cayenne, and the slight sweetness from the agave helps to cut the heat without taking away from the flavor. The ginger gives it some much needed digestive enzymes, which is important after eating spicy foods.

It’s creamy, comforting, and just plain delicious. What more could you want?