How to Freeze OkraĀ Ā Freezing vegetables doesn’t get any easier than this.Ā Just a few minutes of effort will mean a freezer full of healthy okra ready to use at your convenience!
Okay fellow gardeners – your okra plants are bursting at the seams, struggling to keep up with the mass production of okra pods and you’re struggling to keep up with eating all of them.Ā So what do you DO with all of that excess abundance?Ā Okra doesn’t keep long in the fridge, your friends and neighbors are holding up their palms (“no more okra, please!”), and your kids are protesting your attempts at creative ways of sneaking it into every meal in an effort to use it up before it goes bad.
The solution?Ā Ā FREEZE ‘EM!Ā Okra freezes extremely well but to add to that good news is even better news:Ā It requires no special prep to freeze – no blanching required!
Ready to grab your garden fresh okra and starting freezing?
How to Freeze Okra
Let’s get started!
Wash the okra, thoroughly drain it, and cut off the stems.Ā Slice the okra in to 1/2 inch rounds or your desired thickness.
If you prefer, you can also freeze the okra whole.
Lay the okra out single file on a parchment-lined baking sheet.Ā Single layer will prevent the okra from sticking together in a big frozen mass.
Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze for at least 4 hours.
Transfer the okra to a ziplock freezer bag or freezer container.Ā Having been frozen in a single layer they will come off the sheet easily as individual pieces of frozen okra.
Label your freezer bag/container with the date and keep frozen until ready to use.Ā It will keep for 10-12 months.
To use the okra, simply remove what you need from the bag.Ā If you’re adding it to a soup or stew there is no need to thaw it.Ā If you’re planning on frying it, let it thaw and drain completely.
Be sure to also check out tutorials on freezing other vegetables:
- How to Freeze Kale (and other leafy greens)
- How to Freeze ZucchiniĀ
- How to Freeze Green Beans
- How to Freeze Leeks
How to Freeze Okra
Ingredients
- fresh okra
Instructions
- Wash the okra, thoroughly drain, and cut off the stems.Ā Slice the okra in to 1/2 inch rounds or your desired thickness. If you prefer, you can also freeze the okra whole.Lay the okra out single file on a parchment-lined baking sheet.Ā Single layer will prevent the okra from sticking together in a big frozen mass.Ā Ā Ā Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze for at least 4 hours.Transfer the okra to a ziplock freezer bag or freezer container.Ā (Having been frozen in a single layer they will come off the sheet easily as individual pieces of frozen okra.)Label your freezer bag/container with the date and keep frozen until ready to use.Ā It will keep for 10-12 months.Ā Ā To use the okra, simply remove what you need from the bag.Ā If you're adding it to a soup or stew there is no need to thaw it.Ā If you're planning on frying it, let it thaw and drain completely.Ā
Heather says
When you roast from frozen do you need to thaw first?
Kimberly Killebrew says
Hi Heather, it depends on how you’re using them. For example, if you’re just adding them to a soup or stew then you can add them frozen. If you’re wanting to bread them and fry them, you’ll want to thaw and drain them first.
Loretta Stroud says
So…can i freeze okra already seasoned? Need tips please. My okra are about 9 ft tall and producing like crazy.
Kimberly Killebrew says
Hi Loretta, yes you can. For another option you can freeze breaded okra for making fried okra :) https://www.daringgourmet.com/southern-fried-okra/
Bill says
Thanks for the info.
Freda Skaggs says
Joyce, I bread mine without frying. Okra is so sticky that the breading sticks well. my husband only likes cornmeal for his okra.
Chrisha D says
Just what I was looking for! Thanks so much!
Kimberly Killebrew says
You’re welcome, Chrisha, I’m glad it was helpful!
Joyce Green says
I am 80 years old & learned how to freeze okra to fry many years ago from an elderly aunt. This makes okra keep extremely well & then cook & serve from freezer so quickly & easily. Is delicious. Next best to fresh fried every time. I don’t have measurements. I successfully kept in freezer for years, if I had enough.. Maybe you can too. Most requested frozen or fresh dish I ever served anyone.
Wash, let okra dry & then de-cap tops & trim bottoms & discard. Slice very thin (or can quickly slice in food processor with largest slicing blade, pressing down with plunger as you slice.
Add thin sliced okra to large bowl. Add small amount of milk & gently toss to coat.
In same large bowl, then add some corn meal, small amount of self-rising flour & salt & pepper, as desired. Gently toss to coat okra.
Scoop up with hands, letting loose meal fall back into bowl. Fine for some slices to stick together. In warm skillet with desired oil, pre-fry only until light brown.
Spread on plastic lined paper towels to cool & drain. Pre-fry next batch.
After all cool, freeze in gallon freezer bags.
To prepare from freezer, can easily remove from freezer bag only amount desired to serve. Add frozen okra to lightly oiled skillet & cook as usual, either in skillet or oven.
Watch, as cooks quickly. Delicious.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Thanks so much for sharing, Joyce, that sounds like a very convenient way to have ready-made fried okra on hand!
Anonymous says
Thank you Joyce!! Going to give this a try!
JAMES TWARDOWSKI says
THANKS FOR SHARING THIS INFO. I HAVE A LOT OF OKRA GROWING IN MY GARDEN DIDNT REALLY KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THEM.I HAVE ALL MY NEIGHBORS SOME.
Catalina says
It’s seems so easy to freeze okra with your tips! Thanks for sharing!
Beth says
This was so helpful and I was so excited to have found this post. My husband and daughter absolutely love okra, so glad I can start freezing it for recipes later! Thanks!
Erik says
So helpful! Haven’t had okra in a while, but now I know how to freeze it. :)
Sandra says
Thank you so much for this! Really helpful!
Toni says
This is awesome! I didn’t know you can freeze okra! Thanks so much for this!
Krystle says
Thank you for this guide! I love having it on hand in the freezer for gumbo!
Amanda says
I love this, thank you so much for sharing!