Looking for tips on How To Freeze Okra and keep it fresh for later? Freezing okra is an easy and effective way to enjoy this versatile veggie all year long. I’ll guide you through the simple steps on freezing okra so it stays tender and perfect for all your favorite dishes, whether it’s gumbo, stir-fries, or more!
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What Is Okra
Okra, also known as lady’s fingers, hibiscus, or huksi, is a type of flowering plant in the mallow family Malvaceae. It is a tender perennial plant with a swollen stem and heart-shaped leaves.
Okra is indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and America. This tropical vegetable has thick, juicy green pods.
Okra is a popular food in some parts of the world and a staple in others. It can be eaten fresh or cooked and is typically used in stews, soups, and curries.
Okra is a good source of fiber, folate, Vitamin C, and potassium. It is also a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamins A and B.
Types of Okra
There are many varieties of okra, which differentiate it from other types of vegetables such as eggplant and tomatoes. Here is a list of some of the popular types of this edible herbaceous plant that can be found in the United States:
- Green okra
- White okra
- Purple okra
- Crimson Okra
- Okra in a pod
- Dancing ladies okra
- Sunglow Okra
- Alabama seedless okra
How to Freeze Okra
Freezing Okra is very easy. For freezing, follow these steps.:
Place your fresh okra into a large colander. A large cooking pot or large pot with ice and water.
Top tip: Buy or pick the freshest okra if you want the best results.
Wash the Okra and then transfer the okra into a colander, washing it under running water. Remove the stems and drain off any water residues from the okra properly.
Now, blanch the okra to make it perfect for freezing. For this, plunge them into an Ice Bath. Next, separate the larger okra pods from the smaller ones. When the water starts to boil, add the larger okra pods into it and boil them for about 4 minutes. Now, blanch the smaller pods of okra in boiling water for about 3 minutes.
After allowing the okra to cool off for a few minutes in ice water, you can transfer them into a colander and drain off excess water.
Now the okra is ready to freeze. Pack your blanched okra into a Freezer Bag or transfer them onto a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer.
What Does Blanching Do to Okra?
Blanching is a way of preparing vegetables, especially for freezing. Boiling or steaming the okra quickly makes the vegetable more tender and tasty when you cook it later on.
It can also give your dishes a bright color due to its antioxidant content, such as vitamin C. This helps the okra retain its bright green color and makes it a vibrant vegetable to cook with even after freezing.
How to Avoid Freezer Burn?
Freezer burn of Okra is the discoloring or darkening of food that occurs due to exposure to air. Freezer burn can make okra taste old and stale. To avoid freezer burn, make sure to dry okra after blanching, as moisture can lead to freezer burn.
What Are the Easiest Ways to Freeze Okra?
The easiest way to freeze okra after blanching it is to lay it flat in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Make sure the okra is not touching each other when laying it out. Then put the cookie sheet into your freezer for at least 2 hours before you freeze it. After two hours, get the okra out and place it into a Ziplock Bag ensuring all the air is removed.
Another way to freeze okra is the freeze-drying method. Freeze drying is an alternative that not only preserves the nutrition of the vegetables but also preserves their texture. It also gives ultimate preservation against diseases and lengthens their shelf life for several months.
To freeze dry, Okra, simply cut the okra into thin matchsticks and then spread them on a cookie sheet. Place in your oven at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 24 hours. After 24 hours, place the okra in a ziplock bag and freeze.
Once frozen, okra can keep for up to six months, giving you plenty of time to use it before the next season of vegetables grows.
Do I Need to Chop Okra Before I Freeze It?
Chopping okra before freezing is optional. Slicing the okra before freezing can make things easier when frying or adding to a stew later on. However, this is up to you.
You can freeze okra chopped or whole. The most important thing is to keep both chopped and whole okra in an air-tight bag and then any slices or whole pieces will remain in good condition without changing their texture.
What Is the Best Way to Store Fresh Okra?
If you want to freeze some Okra and store some fresh for another day, then fresh okra can be stored in the fridge perfectly fine for up to five days before it needs to be used. The best way to store fresh okra for a short period would be in a sealed container with an airtight lid in the fridge. Here are some fantastic Freezer Storage Containers you may want to check out!
How to Cook Frozen Okra
When you are ready to defrost your frozen okra, you will need to take it out of the freezer and thaw it naturally. To cook your frozen okra, simply cook it in boiling water for 10 minutes. If you are using fresh okra, then it is best to saute or steam it before adding it to boiling water.
Boiling or Steaming Okra
The best ways to cook okra are to boil fry, steam, sautee, or bake. If you desire to steam the okra, you should soak it in cold water for an hour before cooking to rehydrate it. The okra should be cooked in boiling water for 10 minutes and then steamed for 20 minutes.
Frying Okra
Frying is another cooking method that can be used to cook okra. This technique requires the okra to be soaked in water for an hour before cooking. The okra is then cooked in boiling oil until the pods are golden brown. This technique is best used with fresh or frozen okra. If using canned okra, the pods should be drained before cooking.
How to Sautee Orka
Okra can also be cooked by sauteeing it over low to medium-high heat. The okra should be cut in half lengthwise and then the pods will need to be sauteed in a pan for about 3 minutes.
Some Quick and Easy Ways to Make a Dish With Okra
Okra is a great and versatile vegetable that can be added to many dishes including curries, soups, stews and stir-fries. Here are some quick and easy ways to make a dish with okra.
- Saute the okra with garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper in your Instant Pot.
- Fry Okra in a pan with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Okra can be added to your favorite stovetop Vegetable Soup or added to your Instant Pot stew.
- Fry Okra. as a crispy snack.
- Or simply add Okra to your favorite dish.
5 Okra Recipes You Need to Try
1. Okra and Tomatoes Stir Fry
This is a traditional dish that can be easily prepared in minutes. This dish is not only delicious but nutritious, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknight meals. Ingredients 1 lb fresh okra 2 tbsp vegetable oil 2 tsp black mustard seeds ¼ tsp turmeric powder …
View Full recipe here: Pan-Fried Okra, Onion And Tomatoes
2. Slow Cooker Chicken and Okra Stew Recipe
This delicious and easy recipe combines the soft texture of okra with hearty vegetables like potatoes and carrots to make a stew that is full of flavor. Ingredients 3 cups water 1 cup chicken broth 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs 3 medium carrots, chopped 3 medium..
View Full recipe here: Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken And Okra
3. Indian Okra Masala Recipe
This is the easiest dish in the world to prepare and offers a delicious take on traditional okras that people across India love. If this dish sounds like something you would love then check out the recipe:
View Full recipe here: Bhindi Masala
4. Crispy Baked Okra Recipe
If you are looking for a perfect snack or side dish recipe, then this crispy baked okra recipe is exactly what you need! The crispiness of the baked okras will be sure to impress anyone who tries them and they are sure to quickly become one of favorites.
View Full recipe here: Crispy Baked Ocra. This goes well with Mango Chutney.
5. Slow Cooker Gumbo Recipe
This slow cooker gumbo recipe uses okra as the main ingredient to give it a beautiful flavor. This is a dish that can be prepared in minutes and cooked all day for an amazing end result. The perfect comfort food!
View Full recipe here: Slow Cooker Okra Gumbo
There you have it. Now you know how to freeze fresh Okra! Freeze your okra so it is as delicious as when it was first frozen and then make it bring vibrant color to your favorite Okra dishes.
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