Oven Roasted Okra
Deliciously spiced, this Oven Roasted Okra is a low-carb, low-calorie dish that is perfect as a side dish or appetizer.
In this easy Oven Roasted Okra recipe, frozen okra is tossed with tapioca flour, coriander, smoked paprika, and turmeric and baked until lightly crispy.
This is a no-fuss, super easy recipe. You do not have to thaw out the frozen okra. Just rinse it to get rid of any ice and blot dry with a paper towel or kitchen napkin. Then toss with spices and bake.
This recipe did not result in slimy okra. I am not sure if it is because frozen okra was used. Or, if the okra was baked at a high temperature. Or, if the tapioca flour played a role.
With fresh okra, usually, it is suggested to soak it in vinegar or lemon juice for half an hour before cooking it. But no soaking is necessary when using frozen okra and following this recipe.
I love this oven-roasted okra because it is:
- So tasty,
- Lightly crispy,
- Plant-based,
- Gluten-free,
- Perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer,
- So easy to make,
- Ready in 30 minutes, &
- Made with only 6 ingredients!
What are the ingredients needed to make this easy okra dish?
You will need the following 6 ingredients:
- Frozen okra
I used a package of frozen okra. I did not thaw it out at all. As the frozen okra I had, had been sitting in the freezer for a while, I just rinsed it out a bit. Then, I dried the okra on some paper towels. - Olive oil
This is the oil I had on hand. You do not have to use extra virgin olive oil, as I did. You can use whatever oil you prefer. If you would rather use canola oil or avocado oil, go right ahead. - Tapioca flour
I used tapioca flour, as it helps add a delightful crispiness when used as a coating. It is my go-to when I want to make some baked tofu that is ever so slightly crispy, like this Easy Sheet Pan Spicy Tofu. Tapioca flour is naturally gluten-free too. If you do not have tapioca flour, you can use arrowroot powder or cornstarch. However, if using cornstarch, you will need half as much as the amount of tapioca flour and arrowroot powder. - Coriander
Powdered coriander is the best option. It mixes well with all the other ingredients for a delicious coating, with tons of taste. - Smoked paprika
Adding a nice heady flavor, smoked paprika mingles so well with the other 2 spices used. - Turmeric
Powdered turmeric rounds off the spices in this recipe. It’s touted as a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Turmeric is said to help improve heart health and help prevent Alzheimer’s and cancer. Some say it may also help improve symptoms of depression and even arthritis.
While not added to the main ingredient list, salt and pepper are necessary to season this dish as well.
How do you make this baked okra?
This is one of the easiest okra recipes I have made. Simply rinse the frozen okra. Dry it with paper towels or a kitchen towel. Sprinkle it with oil. Then toss over the tapioca flour, coriander, smoked paprika, and turmeric and bake until lightly crispy!
Last week, I made this okra, along with this turmeric quinoa, and some pinto bean spinach curry.
And, I was so glad to have some leftovers in the fridge when I got back from a hiking trip this Sunday. Spicy and delicious, it hit the spot!
Okra is rich in vitamins C and K1. It is also low in calories and carbs. It also contains some protein and fiber. Baking okra (like in this recipe) helps to let okra’s benefits shine.
You definitely can. But, why would you want to? Frozen okra is cleaned and ready to go and just as nutritious (if not more) than fresh okra.
For me, baking okra at a high temperature for about half an hour or so helps get rid of the slimy texture.
You could enjoy this dish as a snack, an appetizer, or as a side dish. When serving as a side dish, it pairs beautifully with some turmeric quinoa, three bean curry, pineapple chutney, and some broccoli croquettes.
This okra is best enjoyed when made. You could store it in an airtight container in the fridge. But, when you thaw it out, it seems to lose its crispness.
Ingredients
- 1 12 oz pkg okra frozen
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp tapioca flour
- 3 tsp coriander
- 2 tap smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Rinse the frozen okra.
- Dry it with paper towels or a kitchen towel.
- Sprinkle it with EVOO. Using your hands or a spoon, toss the okra, so it is well coated with the oil.
- Then toss over the tapioca flour, coriander, smoked paprika, and turmeric and using a fork or spoon, mix well so okra is coated well with spices.
- Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and place the spice-coated okra onto the tray.
- Place the baking tray with okra in the oven and let bake for 30 minutes.
- When done, remove from the oven, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve with chili sauce.
These were just the perfect appetizers to have. These okras were seasoned just right and were absolutely delicious. I need to make more of these again!
These came out perfectly crisp! Will make again!
These look amazing! Especially with that blend of spices. I can’t wait to try them!
I’ve never tried oven roasting the okra before. Got to try it for sure – yours look amazing!
This side dish reminded me that I actually LOVE okra! Thank you for that wonderful reminder and this crispy, flavorful veggie dish.
Oh, this sounds like my cup of tea! I love okra, but I’m not sure I’ve ever made anything where okra itself takes center stage. (Usually it’s in things like gumbo or soup…) These sound easy and fantastic!!
Love okra, and this is such a terrific (and healthy!) recipe. Thanks.
BTW, just want to say we’ve just posted our last blog post. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your blog, and I’ll still be visiting. But we’ve got a lot of activities lined up that will be occupying my time, so my visits will be much more sporadic in the future. Best wishes to you.