Grilled okra, a delightful side dish, offers a perfect blend of smoky char and crisp texture. With minimal effort, this simple recipe transforms okra into a flavorful, delight that adds a tasty and unique element to any meal.
Related Okra posts:
Fried okra might be the most popular way to enjoy okra in my house, but grilled might be my favorite. I don't think there's anythin' more temptin' than a plate of smoky, charred goodness straight from the grillin the form of grilled okra.
With its tender insides and just a hint of crunch on the outside, this Southern delicacy dances on the taste buds like a two-step on a summer night. So take a chill pill, let the grill work its magic, and get ready to savor some down-home, finger-lickin' goodness with this lip-smackin' grilled okra!
This Grilled okra is simply seasoned and grilled directly over coals for an easy, delicious side that can be ready in a few minutes.
My two favorite ways to enjoy this tasty vegetable is in the form of fried okra or grilled okra. 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.
What is Tajin?
Tajin is like a wonder seasoning mix common in Mexican food. It's often used on fruit like watermelon, mangos, and pineapple. It's like a seasoned salt with chili powder and tart lime.
Beats and Eats (music to pair with grilled okra)
As the sweet notes of Baby Rose's song "Show You" fill the air, the aroma of sizzling grilled okra wafts through the Southern breeze, creating a harmonious symphony for the senses. Just like the soulful lyrics of the song, the grilled okra showcases its tender and flavorful side, promising to "show you" a whole new world of delectable delights.
With each bite of the smoky-charred goodness, you'll find yourself lost in the velvety texture of the okra, just like Baby Rose's voice caresses your heart. The lyrics' emotions intertwine with the dish's earthy flavors, leaving you with a sense of contentment and warmth.
Just like Baby Rose's music transcends boundaries, the grilled okra invites everyone to gather 'round the table and share in the joy of this Southern treasure. So as the melody and the dish dance together in perfect harmony, let "Show You" by Baby Rose be the soundtrack to your culinary journey, as you savor the delightful taste of grilled okra and let its soulful charm "show you" the beauty of Southern cuisine.
Okra Ingredients
This is a two ingredient affair - just fresh okra + tajin seasoning. If you use olive oil then I guess technically it's three ingredients.
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 avocado oil or olive oil and tajin. Thread okra on double skewers. Place the okra on the cooking grate.
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 meats like hanger steak, piri piri shrimp, or beef suya skewers.
What To Serve With Grilled Okra
Grilled okra makes for a tasty side. When serving it, you'll want to complement its flavors and textures with dishes that enhance the overall meal. Here are some delicious options:
- Dipping Sauce: Prepare a tasty dipping sauce like a garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or a spicy yogurt dip. The sauce adds creaminess and tanginess to the grilled okra.
- rice: Serve grilled okra with a side of steamed rice, either plain white rice or flavored rice like lemon rice or coconut rice.
- Couscous: This North African staple is quick to make and goes well with grilled okra. Season it with herbs like parsley or mint for added freshness.
- Grilled Meats: Pair the okra with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp. The smoky flavors of the grill will complement each other.
- Cornbread: A classic Southern favorite, cornbread is a perfect side for grilled okra. The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread works well with the okra's crispiness.
- Mango Salsa: Prepare a refreshing mango salsa with diced mangoes, red onions, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of chili for some sweetness and heat.
- Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the grilled okra.
Variations on the Recipe
There are several delicious variations on the grilled okra recipe that you can try to add different flavors and textures to this dish. Here are some ideas:
- Spicy Cajun Okra: Toss the okra in a mixture of Cajun seasoning, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder before grilling. Depending on how much cayenne you add you can get some tasty spicy grilled okra.
- Asian-inspired Okra: Marinate the okra in a blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil. Grilling will infuse the okra with these Asian flavors.
- Lemon-Pepper Okra: Drizzle the okra with olive oil and season with lemon zest and freshly ground black pepper before grilling. The citrusy and peppery notes will brighten up the dish.
- Tandoori Okra: Mix yogurt with tandoori spices (like cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric) and coat the okra with this marinade before grilling. This Indian-inspired version is full of rich and aromatic flavors.
- Garlic and Parmesan Okra: Toss the okra in minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil before grilling. This combination offers a savory and cheesy twist to the dish.
- Za'atar Okra: Sprinkle za'atar spice blend (a mix of thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt) over the okra before grilling for a unique Middle Eastern flavor. Douse with a bit of fresh lemon juice as a finishing touch.
Okra Cooking Tips and Considerations
Grilling okra is a really simple thing, but here a few tips you'll want to consider.
- 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. I have cast iron grill grates which get super hot and retain their heat for a long time. A grill basket is another option.
- 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.
- You can replace the tajin with your favorite seasoning mix or simply go with the never fail formula of kosher salt and black pepper.
- You can use an indoor grill pan to cook on your stovetop. Just heat your pan on medium high heat and follow similar steps as if you were outside.
- Reheat leftover okra in an air fryer for best results
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
How do I choose fresh okra for grilling?
Look for small to medium-sized okra pods that are firm and vibrant green in color. Avoid larger pods, as they can be tough and fibrous.
Do I need to trim the okra before grilling?
Yes, it's recommended to trim the stems of the okra pods before grilling. You can simply cut off the tough ends.
What's the best way to prevent okra from sticking to the grill? T
o prevent sticking, make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the okra on them. You can also toss the okra in a little oil before grilling.
Can I use a grill pan or oven instead of a barbecue grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or roast the okra in the oven at high heat if you don't have access to a barbecue grill.
For other okra based recipes you might like try these:
Make This Okra Recipe
And there you have it, folks! Grilled okra, a true Southern gem that's as delightful as a sweet tea on a scorchin' day. From its humble roots in the gardens of Dixie to the sizzlin' grates of our beloved barbecues, this little green wonder has won the hearts of many a soul with its simple yet exquisite flavor.
So next time you find yourself gathered 'round the grill with kin and friends, don't forget to toss on some okra and let that smoky charm work its magic. Whether it's a side dish or the star of the show, grilled okra is sure to steal the spotlight and leave y'all cravin' for more.
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.
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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.