Pickled Okra

I was introduced to pickled okra a few years ago at a party, and have not been able to get enough since then! I like my pickled okra really vinegar-y and spicy, but you can always alter my recipe to suit your tastes.

This is a quick version of pickled okra - it takes maybe a half hour to pull together and it'll keep in the fridge for weeks!

If you're scared of okra, this is a good route to go - it won't be slimy at all! Actually very crunchy and wonderful. And if you haven't tried pickled okra before, now a great time to start. It's super cheap to make your own! :D

Step 1: What you'll need:

•     1 pound okra, rinsed (I used a little over a pound)
•     2 cups white vinegar (or a mix, I'll explain below)
•     1 cup water
•     3-6 garlic cloves
•     2 tablespoons sea salt
•     1 tablespoon dried dill
•     1 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
•     1 teaspoon black peppercorns
•      jars for canning

Try to find nice, young okra without lots of wear and tear. :)

If white vinegar is too strong for you, considering doing half and half with another type - white wine, apple cider, rice wine. I like the extra bite of white vinegar - but you should play around and see what works best for you.

Garlic is all up to you, but I think okra pickles are best when they are super garlicky.

You can also adjust the seasoning quite a bit - if you think they'll be too hot, scale the crushed red pepper back. Or even add some mustard seed or something totally different! I bought some pickling spice and thought about using it, but it smelled too sweet for me. If you'd like them hotter you can add a little hot sauce or fresh jalapenos, if you like them sweeter, add a little bit of sugar.

The most important parts of this recipe is a 2:1 ratio of vinegar and water, the two tablespoons of salt, and having some kind of spice. :)

Comments

[cmcculloch2]

I used your instructions as a guide to make asparagus pickles. Thanks for the excellent write-up!

[modrod]

Nice Instructable. I'm growing okra for the first time this year and will try this. The family hates even the thought of okra but I'm interested in trying it when it's not all slimy, as I've had before. This could be the ticket. Thanks.

[jessyratfink]

I bet you'll all like it - you can even use it recipes once it's pickled. :D

[bajablue]

I faved this recipe to try when I successfully "try" and succeed in growing my own okra. ;-)

Thanks Jessy!

[jessyratfink]

Yay! You're welcome.

Good luck with the okra! :D

[Jobar007]

For people who don't like the slimy-ness of okra, pickled is the way to go. I, personally, like the flavor and consistency of okra in all of it's forms. I'm really glad to see an 'ible about this and look forward to when the farmer's market has it at the end of the summer so I can try this out!