Frozen okra is a versatile and nutritious vegetable, but many cooks have experienced the challenge of its slimy texture when cooked. However, fear not! In this article, I will instruct you on how to cook frozen okra without slime in 3 different ways.
1. How To Cook Frozen Okra in Oven
Ingredients
- 1 bag of frozen okra (about 12-16 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added spice)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Take the frozen okra out of the bag and place it in a colander. Rinse the okra under cold running water to remove any ice crystals.
Let the okra drain for a few minutes, then pat it dry with paper towels. Ensure it is as dry as possible to prevent excess moisture during cooking.
In a large bowl, combine the dried okra with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss the okra until evenly coated with the seasoning.
Spread the seasoned okra in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast the okra in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.
Once done, remove the okra from the oven and let it cool for a minute before serving. The result will be perfectly crispy okra without any slime.
2. How To Cook Frozen Breaded Okra in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 bag of frozen breaded okra (about 12-16 ounces)
- Cooking spray (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Remove the frozen breaded okra from the package and place it in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you desire a little extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the breaded okra with cooking spray
Cook the breaded okra in the preheated air fryer for 8-10 minutes.
About halfway through the cooking time (around 4-5 minutes), open the air fryer and gently shake the basket or flip the okra to ensure even browning on all sides.
Once the frozen breaded okra is crispy and golden brown, remove it from the air fryer basket and transfer it to a serving plate. Serve it immediately while it’s still hot and crispy.
Enjoy your delicious, crispy frozen breaded okra as a delightful appetizer, snack, or side dish. You can pair it with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or marinara sauce, for an extra burst of flavor.
3. How To Cook Frozen Okra on Stove
Ingredients
- 1 bag of frozen okra (about 12-16 ounces)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (14-ounce)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the vegetable oil or olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour the can of diced tomatoes, including the liquid in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the tomatoes cook uncovered for 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
Add the frozen okra to the skillet with the tomatoes. Next, sprinkle ground cumin, paprika, ground turmeric, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper over then stir well to ensure the spices coat the tomatoes and okra evenly. Cover with a lid and cook for about 8 – 10 minutes
Check the okra for desired doneness. The okra should be tender but not mushy.
Once the okra is cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serve the delicious and aromatic okra with tomatoes as a side dish alongside your favorite protein, or enjoy it as a hearty vegetarian main course with rice or bread.
Cooking frozen okra without slime is no longer a challenge with many home cook. However, by following these recipes, you can achieve perfectly crispy okra without the undesirable texture.
