Finest Grilled Okra Recipe – {Cajun-Spiced, Quick And Tender}

I grew up pondering okra wanted to be fried to be thrilling, and truthfully, I get it. However as soon as you set recent okra on a scorching grill, it turns into one thing completely totally different. The pods get vivid inexperienced, frivolously charred, and tender with these smoky little edges that make greens disappear earlier than the remainder of dinner is prepared.

This recipe may be very a lot a summer time aspect dish. It’s quick, it makes use of simply three elements, and it’s precisely what I need subsequent to grilled rooster, burgers, shrimp, or something coming off the BBQ. The Cajun seasoning offers it a little bit spice, however you should use no matter mix your loved ones already likes!

And sure, ranch is welcome right here. Spicy grilled okra dipped in cool ranch is an excellent yard snack scenario!

Earlier than You Get Began

A number of small prep selections make grilled okra simpler to deal with and higher to eat.

• Select recent okra: Search for vivid inexperienced pods that really feel agency and never limp. Smaller and medium pods are typically extra tender than very giant ones.
• Trim frivolously: Minimize away browned suggestions or robust stem edges, however hold the pods complete, so they’re simpler to skewer and grill.
• Soak the skewers: Soak wood skewers for at the least 20 to half-hour earlier than grilling so they’re much less more likely to burn.
• Seasoning swap: Cajun Seasoning provides spice and smoky taste, however grill seasoning, Blackening Seasoning, Lemon Pepper Seasoning, or Seasoned Salt all work.

The way to Make Grilled Okra

This can be a fast grill recipe, so have the okra seasoned and skewered earlier than it hits the warmth.

1. Prep And Season The Okra

Trim any browned edges from the okra, then toss the entire pods with olive oil and Cajun seasoning till they’re evenly coated. The oil helps the seasoning stick and encourages browning on the grill.

Professional tip: In case your Cajun seasoning may be very salty, begin with rather less and add extra after grilling.

2. Thread The Okra Onto Skewers

Thread the okra onto two soaked wood skewers so the pods sit like a little bit ladder. Alternate the route of every piece, with the stem finish pointing left, then proper, so the skewers really feel balanced and simpler to flip.

Professional tip: Utilizing two skewers retains the okra from spinning round whenever you flip it on the grill.

3. Grill Till Vibrant Inexperienced And Charred

Place the skewered okra on a preheated grill. Prepare dinner for 3 to 4 minutes on the primary aspect, till the okra turns vivid inexperienced and will get clear grill marks. Flip and cook dinner for an additional 2 to three minutes, simply till tender.

Professional tip: Pull the okra whereas it nonetheless has a little bit chunk. Overcooked okra can soften rapidly!

4. End And Serve

Take away the okra from the grill and style for seasoning. Add a little bit additional Cajun seasoning, salt, lemon juice, or recent herbs if wanted. Serve heat with ranch for dipping!

No-Skewer Grill Basket Technique

A grill basket is a good possibility whenever you need to skip threading the okra.

Toss the okra with olive oil and seasoning, then unfold it in a preheated grill basket in a single layer. Grill for six to eight minutes complete, shaking or turning the okra a couple of times, till it’s vivid inexperienced, frivolously charred, and tender. This methodology is very useful for smaller pods which can be tougher to skewer.

Recipe Suggestions and Tips

The following pointers assist you get smoky, tender okra with good texture each time.

• Use excessive warmth: A scorching grill helps the skin char rapidly whereas the within stays tender, which is one motive grilling works effectively for okra.
• Dry the okra effectively: Additional floor moisture encourages steaming, so pat the pods dry after washing.
• Hold the pods complete: Complete okra releases much less of its pure mucilage than sliced okra, which helps the feel keep cleaner on the grill.
• Don’t crowd the grill: Depart a little bit area between skewers so the warmth can flow into and provides the okra higher grill marks.
• Add acid on the finish: A squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar proper earlier than serving makes the Cajun seasoning style brighter.

Serving Concepts

Grilled okra is the little smoky aspect that works with nearly all the pieces coming off the grill.

Storage & Reheating

Right here’s the best way to hold leftover grilled okra tasting nearly as good as attainable.

• Storage: Retailer cooled grilled okra in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days.
• Freezer: Freezing isn’t really helpful as a result of okra softens after thawing and loses the grilled texture.
• Reheating: Reheat in a scorching skillet or air fryer for two to three minutes, simply till warmed via. The microwave works, however the okra will likely be softer.
• Leftovers: Chop leftovers into salads, bowls, omelets, or tacos, or serve them chilly with ranch as a fast snack.