How to Freeze Okra in 3 Easy Steps
The easiest process to enjoy okra all year long.
Heather D Moran/Getty Images
Okra is a staple in the South, where it grows abundantly in the summer. When shopping for okra at the grocery store, look for slim, evenly colored okra that’s firm to the touch but not too tough.
Although crunchy when raw, okra can become melt-in-your-mouth tender when cooked for long enough. Okra’s earthy, mellow taste takes well to a whole range of flavors, so it’s a good—and nutritious—addition to all kinds of soups, stews, and braises. However, even the biggest okra fans can struggle to cook their way through summer’s bounty, so it’s lucky that it can be frozen easily. Keep reading to learn how to freeze okra so that it’s ready-to-cook all year long.
Related: Can You Freeze Grapes? Here’s the Best Way to Do It
How to Freeze Whole Okra
We recommend slicing off the okra’s woody tops before freezing to save yourself some time later on.
Wash and dry the okra, then slice off the woody tops.
Lay out the okra on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze for around two hours, or until the okra is frozen solid.
Move the frozen okra into an airtight food storage container, like a sealed plastic bag, and return it to the freezer.
Related: Can You Freeze Peaches? How to Preserve the Fruit So You Can Enjoy It All Year
How to Freeze Okra Pieces
Make sure to slice the okra into shapes of roughly the same size so they cook evenly once defrosted for later use.
Wash and dry the okra, then slice it into 1/2-inch pieces (or whatever size you prefer).
Lay out the okra on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze for around two hours, or until the okra is frozen solid.
Move the frozen okra into an airtight food container, like a sealed plastic bag, and return it to the freezer.
How Long Does Frozen Okra Last?
Frozen okra lasts for about a year, so you can safely enjoy it in every season. Frozen okra doesn’t need to be thawed before you cook with it, and you can use okra that has been frozen in soups, gumbo, stir-fries, meals like this Grilled Chipotle Steak with Okra and Corn, and more.
Related: How Long Can Rice Stay in the Fridge? Here’s What You Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to blanch okra before freezing?
No, you don’t have to blanch okra before freezing. We haven’t found that blanching makes a big enough difference in the quality of the okra to justify an extra step.
How do you freeze fried okra?
To freeze fried okra, let it cool, then freeze it in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid. Then, transfer it to an airtight food storage container and return it to the freezer. Alternatively, bread (but don’t fry) okra slices before freezing them. This way, all you need to do is thaw the okra, fry it up, and serve it hot and crispy.
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