Simple Sauteed Okra Recipe With Garlic and Onions

Okra or lady finger is a very healthy vegetable that most of us don’t know what to make of it, and that is a shame really. Today I bring you my favorite sauteed okra recipe that makes a great side dish.

It is a perfect side dish for Sheppard’s pie, chicken steak, baked turkey, and other meaty dishes. No matter what you decide to serve with it, sauteed okra will make a good, and healthy side dish for your family and friends.

As a kid, I never liked eating okra because it was mostly slimy, but it was a constant dish during dinners with fried fish and steak. However, now I must say it has become a key part of my diet and one of the easiest side dishes that I can get ready within minutes.

If you also end up having slimy okra every time you try making one, this recipe will work for you as it turns out crispy, sauteed okra that is well-seasoned.

Table of Contents

What is the best cooking technique for okra?

According to my experience, grilling the okra is the best cooking technique. Just add okra, oil, salt, pepper, and some Cajun seasoning, and grill until the okra is light brown. Sprinkle with fresh lime and serve.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Serving: 4

Ingredients

1 pound okra
2 tbsp olive oil
1 chopped onion
1 garlic clove chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Take okra and remove the stems. You can either use it sliced or whole.
In a small pan, add 1 tbsp olive oil and toss in okra. Cook for 2-3 minutes, and keep aside in a bowl.
In the same pan, add 1 tbsp of olive oil, chopped onions, and minced garlic. Fry for 5 minutes until golden brown.
Add salt and pepper and fried okra. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the okra is soft.
Season with herbs if you want and serve hot.

Additions to the dish

I recommend seasoning okra with a few spices and ingredients such as:

Ginger
Cilantro
Lemon juice
Bell peppers
Tomatoes

How to cook Okra so it’s not slimy?

The best way to cook non-slimy okra is to take a pan, brush it with oil and fry okra for 5-10 minutes on low-medium heat. Don’t add any water or liquid and simply fry the okra. It will take out any slime, and you can then use it in your recipes easily.

What does Okra pair well with?

This sauteed okra recipe goes well with onions, beef, tomatoes, eggplant, rice, simple garlic, and lemon drizzle. I like to make okra with minced beef and tomato sauce which turns out absolutely delicious.

How to cook frozen okra without it being slimy?

If your okra is still frozen, you can cut it and cook it in a pan before it defrosts completely. Another way to get rid of the slime is to soak the okra in vinegar for half an hour before cooking.

How to reheat sauteed okra?

I always recommend heating okra in a skillet or a pan. Just add some olive oil into the pan, and let it heat. Add okra and toss it around for 5-6 minutes until there is no moisture left.