Grilled okra - simply seasoned and grilled directly over coals for an easy, delicious side that can be ready in a few minutes.
This is simple soul food done well.

My favorite way to eat and cook okra is definitely grilled. I'll show you just how simple and good these babies are!
Mexican tajin seasoning is one of my go to ready made rubs. The citrusy mild heat is a perfect pairing with okra.
Okra Ingredients
This is a two ingredient affair - just fresh okra + tajin seasoning
How to Grill Okra
This is a recipe that doesn’t really require steps or directions. It’s literally season, grill, more seasoning then eat.
Step 1: Prep the okra
Clean and dry the okra. Toss in a mixing bowl with olive oil and tajin. Thread okra on double skewers
Step 2: Grill okra
Wipe the grill grates with an oil soaked napkin. Heat coals and reduce them until they are down to an ashy white. Grill okra for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Serving Suggestions
Top with additional seasoning. Serve with mayo dip, spicy aoili, or roasted red pepper sauce. Pair with grilled proteins like hanger steak, piri piri shrimp, or beef suya skewers.

Okra Cooking Tips and Considerations
- If using wooden skewers soak for at least 30 minutes before grilling
- Use dual skewers for each okra kebab for easier flipping
- Cook the coals down and grill when they’re at their hottest - the hotter the fire the crispier the okra. This also ensures any signs of slime are all nuked away
- The fresher the okra the better. I prefer to make grilled okra the same day I purchase the okra, but no more than 1 day afterward.
- Checkout my okra guide for ways to cook okra in other recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where to buy tajin seasoning?
Tajin has gone mainstream, so you should be able to find it in most general grocery stores. It will be in either the spice aisle or Hispanic/International aisle
Are these okra slimy?
Grilling okra directly over high heat is a surefire way to get get rid of the slime factor, so eat right away slime-free
For other okra based recipes you might like try these:
If you make this grilled okra recipe please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.
You can also keep up with my food exploits as well as original recipes! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. If you like any of the music you find on the site, visit me at Spotify to find curated monthly playlists.
Equipment
- Wooden or Metal Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh whole okra
- 1 tablespoon tajin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat grill for direct high-heat grilling
- Toss okra in olive oil and season with ¾ of the tajin seasoning.
- Skewer the okra with two skewers.
- Grill okra 3-4 minutes per side
Notes
- If using wooden skewers soak for at least 30 minutes before grilling
- Use dual skewers for each okra kebab for easier flipping
- Cook the coals down and grill when they’re at their hottest - the hotter the fire the crispier the okra. This also ensures any signs of slime are all nuked away
- The fresher the okra the better. I prefer to make grilled okra the same day I purchase the okra, but no more than 1 day afterward.
Jen
Sunday 4th of July 2021
This grilled okra is just what I needed! The okra was cooked to perfection and the smoky flavours brought the okra to life!
EA Stewart
Sunday 4th of July 2021
You've enticed me to eat okra! Love that you grilled it and added the tajin seasoning for a nutritious and delicious summer side dish!
Katie Crenshaw
Sunday 4th of July 2021
This is the best side dish for the summer! Grilling the okra takes away any sliminess okra sometimes has when you cook it. It is even good to eat the next day.
Alex
Sunday 4th of July 2021
Wow, you have so many okra recipes! I'm sad to say that I've never had it before. It looks like grilling is definitely the way to go.
Erin
Sunday 4th of July 2021
Slime-free. Haha. I wish we had okra here in Germany! I've never had it before. I'm intrigued!