The okra plant (*Hibiscus esculentus*) grows as a tall stalk with large leaves and butter-yellow flowers, but it’s the immature, star-shaped seedpods that are consumed as a vegetable. Okra, sometimes called lady’s fingers, is unique in that it is the only member of the mallow family (relatives include cotton, [cacao](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cacao-guide), hibiscus, and durian) eaten that way.

Native to either Eastern Africa or Southwest Asia, [okra](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-with-okra) arrived in the Southern United States with the slave trade. The name “okra” may come from the Igbo “ókùrù”; while the Bantu word for okra, “ki ngombo,” or “gombo” for short, is the origin of the Creole word “gumbo.” Okra is especially popular in Africa, the Caribbean, India, the Middle East, and the Southern United States.

You can find this versatile vegetable at your local farmers’ market and in most grocery stores’ produce departments.
Okra’s exterior is crisp and crunchy (and sometimes spiny) when raw. Smaller pods tend to be sweeter and more tender, which is why okra usually gets harvested when unripe.

Okra is more notable for its slimy texture than its flavor. That slime is mucilage, a gelatinous substance that helps the seedpod retain water. Some find okra’s gumminess unpleasant, while others crave its slippery texture. The mucilage is useful for thickening soups and stews, so much so that dried, powdered okra is available for sale for just that purpose.
Okra is a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin K, and folic acid. Unlike many other veggies, it contains protein, though not as much as richer sources, like meat or eggs. Okra’s famous mucilage can bind with cholesterol during digestion and may help eliminate it from the body at the end of the digestive process.
It’s probably most famous as the defining ingredient of [gumbo](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-gumbo), but that’s just one of the many ways to cook okra. Here are some other ways to prepare the vegetable:

1. __Crispy roasted okra__: Roasting fresh okra at high heat until it becomes golden brown gives the outside a delightful crunch that’s a far cry from slimy stewed okra. You can also incorporate a range of spices into this simple preparation, including black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Learn how to make crispy [roasted okra](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/roasted-okra-recipe) at home.
2. __Fried okra__: Coating okra pods in buttermilk and dredging it in [Cajun spices](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cajun-vs-creole-seasoning-explained), cornmeal, and flour before frying it (either deep-fried on the stove or in the air fryer) creates the perfect side dish or appetizer for a Southern-inspired feast. Learn how to make perfect [fried okra](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/fried-okra-recipe).
3. __Gumbo z’herbes__: No list of okra recipes would be complete without gumbo. Try chef [Mashama Bailey’s gumbo z’herbes recipe](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/okra-gumbo-recipe-by-mashama-bailey), which incorporates charred okra rather than stewed.
4. __Okra chips__: Tossing sliced okra with spices and olive oil before roasting and drying yields a fragrant, crunchy snack. Here’s how to make [okra chips](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/okra-chips-recipe).
5. __Okra with shallots__: If you’re familiar with Southern-fried okra, [Madhur Jaffrey’s okra with shallots](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/okra-recipe-by-madhur-jaffrey) will provide a new perspective. The recipe involves frying the okra with spices like cumin and coriander, along with a healthy squeeze of lemon juice.
6. __Pickled okra__: Brining batches of okra in vinegar and hot peppers lends it a spicy, acidic kick and allows you to preserve it in your fridge for months. Learn how to make [pickled okra](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-pickle-okra-explained) at home.
7. __Southern okra and shrimp__: A classic of Southern cuisine, this [okra and shrimp](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/okra-and-shrimp-recipe) stew can accommodate fresh or frozen okra as well as whatever tasty vegetables you’d like to add to the flavorful broth.
8. __Succotash__: Another classic okra dish, succotash brings okra, corn, and beans together into a flavorful summery side. Try chef Mashama Bailey’s [succotash](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/succotash-recipe-by-chef-mashama-bailey) recipe.
Become a better chef with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Mashama Bailey, Gabriela Cámara, Niki Nakayama, Chef Thomas Keller, Yotam Ottolenghi, Dominique Ansel, Gordon Ramsay, Alice Waters, and more.
As a staple of Southern cuisine, okra is as versatile as it is divisive. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the vegetable, even if you’re not a fan of its signature slime. Start with these eight delicious okra recipes.

As a staple of Southern cuisine, okra is as versatile as it is divisive. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the vegetable, even if you’re not a fan of its signature slime. Start with these eight delicious okra recipes.

Top Okra Recipes: 8 Ways to Cook Okra at Home

The okra plant (Hibiscus esculentus) grows as a tall stalk with large leaves and butter-yellow flowers, but it’s the immature, star-shaped seedpods that are consumed as a vegetable. Okra, sometimes called lady’s fingers, is unique in that it is the only member of the mallow family (relatives include cotton, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cacao-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cacao-guide","linkCopy":"cacao","category":null}'>cacao</a>, hibiscus, and durian) eaten that way.Native to either Eastern Africa or Southwest Asia, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-with-okra' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-with-okra","linkCopy":"okra","category":null}'>okra</a> arrived in the Southern United States with the slave trade. The name “okra” may come from the Igbo “ókùrù”; while the Bantu word for okra, “ki ngombo,” or “gombo” for short, is the origin of the Creole word “gumbo.” Okra is especially popular in Africa, the Caribbean, India, the Middle East, and the Southern United States.You can find this versatile vegetable at your local farmers’ market and in most grocery stores’ produce departments.

What Is Okra?

Okra’s exterior is crisp and crunchy (and sometimes spiny) when raw. Smaller pods tend to be sweeter and more tender, which is why okra usually gets harvested when unripe.Okra is more notable for its slimy texture than its flavor. That slime is mucilage, a gelatinous substance that helps the seedpod retain water. Some find okra’s gumminess unpleasant, while others crave its slippery texture. The mucilage is useful for thickening soups and stews, so much so that dried, powdered okra is available for sale for just that purpose.

What Does Okra Taste Like?

Okra is a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin K, and folic acid. Unlike many other veggies, it contains protein, though not as much as richer sources, like meat or eggs. Okra’s famous mucilage can bind with cholesterol during digestion and may help eliminate it from the body at the end of the digestive process.

What Are the Health Benefits of Okra?

It’s probably most famous as the defining ingredient of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-gumbo' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-gumbo","linkCopy":"gumbo","category":null}'>gumbo</a>, but that’s just one of the many ways to cook okra. Here are some other ways to prepare the vegetable:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Crispy roasted okra: Roasting fresh okra at high heat until it becomes golden brown gives the outside a delightful crunch that’s a far cry from slimy stewed okra. You can also incorporate a range of spices into this simple preparation, including black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Learn how to make crispy <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/roasted-okra-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/roasted-okra-recipe","linkCopy":"roasted okra","category":null}'>roasted okra</a> at home. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Fried okra: Coating okra pods in buttermilk and dredging it in <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cajun-vs-creole-seasoning-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cajun-vs-creole-seasoning-explained","linkCopy":"Cajun spices","category":null}'>Cajun spices</a>, cornmeal, and flour before frying it (either deep-fried on the stove or in the air fryer) creates the perfect side dish or appetizer for a Southern-inspired feast. Learn how to make perfect <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/fried-okra-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/fried-okra-recipe","linkCopy":"fried okra","category":null}'>fried okra</a>. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Gumbo z’herbes: No list of okra recipes would be complete without gumbo. Try chef <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/okra-gumbo-recipe-by-mashama-bailey' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/okra-gumbo-recipe-by-mashama-bailey","linkCopy":"Mashama Bailey’s gumbo z’herbes recipe","category":null}'>Mashama Bailey’s gumbo z’herbes recipe</a>, which incorporates charred okra rather than stewed. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Okra chips: Tossing sliced okra with spices and olive oil before roasting and drying yields a fragrant, crunchy snack. Here’s how to make <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/okra-chips-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/okra-chips-recipe","linkCopy":"okra chips","category":null}'>okra chips</a>. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Okra with shallots: If you’re familiar with Southern-fried okra, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/okra-recipe-by-madhur-jaffrey' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/okra-recipe-by-madhur-jaffrey","linkCopy":"Madhur Jaffrey’s okra with shallots","category":null}'>Madhur Jaffrey’s okra with shallots</a> will provide a new perspective. The recipe involves frying the okra with spices like cumin and coriander, along with a healthy squeeze of lemon juice. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Pickled okra: Brining batches of okra in vinegar and hot peppers lends it a spicy, acidic kick and allows you to preserve it in your fridge for months. Learn how to make <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-pickle-okra-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-pickle-okra-explained","linkCopy":"pickled okra","category":null}'>pickled okra</a> at home. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 7. Southern okra and shrimp: A classic of Southern cuisine, this <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/okra-and-shrimp-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/okra-and-shrimp-recipe","linkCopy":"okra and shrimp","category":null}'>okra and shrimp</a> stew can accommodate fresh or frozen okra as well as whatever tasty vegetables you’d like to add to the flavorful broth. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 8. Succotash: Another classic okra dish, succotash brings okra, corn, and beans together into a flavorful summery side. Try chef Mashama Bailey’s <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/succotash-recipe-by-chef-mashama-bailey' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/succotash-recipe-by-chef-mashama-bailey","linkCopy":"succotash","category":null}'>succotash</a> recipe. </li></ol>

8 Top Okra Recipes

Become a better chef with the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Mashama Bailey, Gabriela Cámara, Niki Nakayama, Chef Thomas Keller, Yotam Ottolenghi, Dominique Ansel, Gordon Ramsay, Alice Waters, and more.

Want to Learn More About Cooking?

As a staple of Southern cuisine, okra is as versatile as it is divisive. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the vegetable, even if you’re not a fan of its signature slime. Start with these eight delicious okra recipes.

As a staple of Southern cuisine, okra is as versatile as it is divisive. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the vegetable, even if you’re not a fan of its signature slime. Start with these eight delicious okra recipes.
