It's Prime Time For Pickled Okra

While you may love it fried or roasted, it's time to consider pickling your next batch of okra. For the best pickled okra, choose the smaller pods, as the bigger ones can be tough, dry, and woody. You don't need to cut the ends from the okras for this recipe, but make sure they are free of dirt and debris. Since you are not going to store these pickles on the shelf for several months, you don't need to process them in a water bath. Instead, chill the pickled okra for at least two days before serving, and keep them in the refrigerator for up to two months.

Southern Living Pickled Okra out of the jar to serve
Photo:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Yield:
2 (16 oz.) jars
Southern Living Pickled Okra ingredients

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Ingredients

Pickle Brine:

  • 1 cup water

  • 1 1/3 cup white vinegar

  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 Tbsp. kosher salt

Pickled Okra:

  • 10 oz. fresh okra, trimmed

  • 2 mint sprigs

  • 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper

  • 1/4 cup shallot, thinly sliced (from 1 small shallot)

Directions

  1. Fill jars:

    Divide okra and mint sprigs between 2 (16-oz.) Mason jars.

    Southern Living Pickled Okra packing the okra and mint in the jars

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  2. Prepare Pickle Brine:

    Stir together water, vinegar, sugar and salt in a medium saucepan. Add shallot and crushed red pepper to brine mixture. Bring to a boil over high, stirring until sugar dissolves.

    Southern Living Pickled Okra preparing the pickle brine

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  3. Add Brine to jars:

    Remove from heat; cool 10 minutes. Pour over okra and mint sprigs.

    Southern Living Pickled Okra pouring the brine over the okra

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

    Cover with a tight-fitting lid; chill 2 days.

    Southern Living Pickled Okra jars filled and ready to serve

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  4. Store:

    Store, covered, in refrigerator up to 2 months.

    Southern Living Pickled Okra packed in jars after 2 days

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

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