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Steamed Okra might just be one of the simplest and healthiest side dishes you can make. This Southern favorite has a reputation for being slimy, but when it’s cooked right, it’s tender, fresh, and one of my family’s favorite summer side dishes.
Table of Contents
Whether you’re introducing it to kids for the first time or serving it alongside a piece of Simple Broiled Salmon for a quick and easy dinner, this recipe will show you exactly how to steam okra perfectly every time.
You don’t even need a fancy steamer pot to make it. If you have one, great, but you can easily steam okra on the stovetop in just minutes with whatever equipment you already have at home.
Why I Love This Recipe
This healthy steamed okra recipe is one of my favorite summer sides—quick, simple, and family-friendly:
- Perfect summer side dish: Done in about 10 minutes and pairs perfectly with Perfect Roast Chicken, Salmon Burgers, or Southern-style pork tenderloin.
- Simple & versatile: All you need is okra and a bit of water. Season how you like it with lemon, garlic, or spices.
- Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and nutrients. Okra is one of the healthiest side dishes you can make.
If you love okra as much as I do, check out my Air Fryer Okra and Okra Nuggets for more delicious ways to prepare it.
The Ingredients
You really only need one thing:
- Fresh okra: Look for bright green pods that are firm and not too big (smaller pods tend to be more tender). You can also use frozen okra.
Optional seasonings for after steaming:
- A pinch of salt
- Butter or olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Your favorite spice blend
How to Steam Okra
Step 1: Fill a pot with about 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a boil.
Step 2: Place a steamer basket over the water.
Step 3: Add the okra pods to the basket.
Step 4: Cover and steam. Whole okra should steam for 3-5 minutes, until tender but still bright green. Frozen okra pieces should steam for 2-4 minutes.
*If you don’t have a steamer basket, see tips below or the recipe card for instructions.
Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcook: Steam just until tender (3–5 minutes) to avoid sliminess.
- Whole vs. sliced: Whole pods stay less slimy; slice only right before cooking.
- Baby-friendly: Naturally soft when steamed—cut into strips or bite-size pieces for little ones.
- Flavor it up: Try lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, or Old Bay.
- Serving ideas: Great with roasted chicken, grilled fish, pork tenderloin, or rice.
- Leftovers: Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat in microwave or skillet.
- No steamer basket? Place okra in a pot with ¼ cup water, cover, and cook 3–4 minutes until tender.
FAQs
The key is quick cooking. Steam whole pods just until tender (3–5 minutes). Overcooking or cutting too far ahead releases more slime.
Absolutely. No need to thaw first. For whole frozen okra, just add a few extra minutes of cooking time. For frozen okra pieces, steam for a minute or two less.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat quickly in the microwave or a skillet.
More Simple Vegetable Side Dishes
Steamed okra is proof that the simplest recipes can also be the most delicious. With just a pot and a handful of fresh okra, you can have a nutrient-packed side dish on the table in minutes. Give it a try and let me know what you think! Leave a comment and rating below so others can see how it turned out for you too.
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Steamed Okra
Equipment
- Pot with Steamer Basket (or just a pot if boiling)
Ingredients
- 1 pound whole okra
- Optional: salt, butter, olive oil, lemon juice, or other seasonings to taste
Instructions
With a steamer basket:
- Fill a pot with 1–2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Place steamer basket over boiling water.
- Place okra in the basket, cover, and steam. Whole okra should steam for 3-5 minutes, until tender but still bright green. Cut okra pieces should steam for 2-4 minutes.
Without a steamer basket:
- Place okra and 1/4 cup water in a pot. Cover and cook 3–4 minutes until tender.
- Drain and season as desired.
Notes
- Don’t overcook: Steam just until tender (3–5 minutes) to avoid sliminess.
- Whole vs. sliced: Whole pods stay less slimy; slice only right before cooking if you want pieces.
- Frozen okra: No need to thaw. Add 1–2 extra minutes of cooking time.
- Baby-friendly: Okra is naturally soft when steamed. Cut into strips or bite-size pieces for little ones.
- Flavor it up: Try lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, or any seasoning you love.
- Leftovers: Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat in microwave or skillet.
[…] popcorn – every crisp bite called for another. But loving fried okra doesn’t mean you like it steamed or in other dishes. Frying eliminates some of the texture that people often object to and describe […]
When you steam the frozen okra pieces – do they get slimy? I just bought frozen okra pieces for the first time. The directions said to boil for 3 minutes. I didn’t know anything about okra – so I was a bit curious when I realized how slimy the pieces were after straining. Do they get slimy when you steam the pieces too?