How To Freeze Okra In 4 Easy Steps

Learning to Freeze Fresh Okra is easier than you may believe. It only requires 4 simple steps, and you will have your freezer full for those winter months ahead.

Introducing the simplest way to freeze okra– a quick and effortless method that ensures your freezer is always stocked with freshly frozen okra, ready to elevate your meals at a moment’s notice. Whether you’re dealing with garden-fresh or farmers’ market finds, freezing okra is a breeze. No blanching – only a straightforward technique, and I’ll guide you through the entire hassle-free process.

Sweet Summer Time is in full swing, and with it comes the flourishing garden, baskets of fresh produce, and an overabundant supply of okra. Here on the farm, those sunny months from June to September bring about a beautiful bounty of vegetable delight. At the height of okra season, the okra multiplies with each harvest, and it leaves us with a ton of okra; the question arises: What to do with all of that okra? The simple answer– freezing. Freezing our homegrown okra ensures the season’s flavors linger throughout the year. 

What Is Okra?

Okra is a garden plant that produces elongated rib pods that contain edible seeds. The pods are harvested when they are young and tender. Okra is known for its unique texture, which releases a gel-like substance when cooking. This makes it a key ingredient in dishes like gumbos, soups, stews, stir-fries, and other dishes around the world. The most popular way to serve okra in the South is Fried Okra. 

When Is The Correct Time To Harvest Okra

Okra plants can produce new pods rapidly, so check frequently for new and tender pods to harvest. Cutting the okra every 2-3 days may be necessary during the peak growing season to ensure you are cutting the pods at their tender stage. You will need pruning sheers or a sharp knife to cut okra from the plant. Snip them at the stem. If the plant has large okra pods or if the okra is hard, it is likely too mature to eat. By paying attention to the okra plants, small pods, color, and texture, you can expect a bountiful vegetable harvest.

Ingredients Needed For Freezing Okra

Fresh Okra – This is the star of the show! Choose young and tender pods of okra for optimal flavor and texture. Avoid overripe or tough pods, for they will not freeze well and will be too hard to chew. As okra matures, it becomes hard and fibrous. Ensure they are clean and free from any dirt. 

How To Freeze Okra From The Garden

Freezing Okra From The Garden is a quick, straightforward, and easy process. Okra is one of the easiest vegetables to freeze during the gardening season and allows you to enjoy this versatile vegetable throughout the year. I have found this is the best way and the easiest way to get okra from the plant to the freezer in no time. By following these steps, you can ensure that your frozen okra maintains its flavor and texture, allowing you to enjoy it even when it’s out of season.

Wash— Wash pods of okra by filling your kitchen sink or a large bowl with cold water. Drop okra in the water and swish around to remove any dirt from the pods. Rinse clean. Remove from the water and place on a dishtowel or paper towels.

Chop— Chop the okra into 1/2 inch rounds (or smaller if desired). You are slicing it into bite-sized pieces. Discard the stems. You may also decide NOT to chop and leave whole okra pods. This is also another great option for freezing.

Freeze— Freeze the sliced okra (or whole pods) by placing it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will keep the okra from freezing in a giant blob; place the okra in a single layer. For best results, make sure they are not touching or overlapping. You will flash freeze the okra. This will allow the okra to freeze in individual pieces- making it easier to use what is needed. Place into the freezer for at least 2-4 hours.

Transfer— Transfer to freezer bags. Once the okra is frozen, remove it from the freezer and place it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag—seal and label with the date. This will last in the freezer for up to a year.

How To Flash Freeze Okra

Flash freezing is a method that involves freezing food quickly before packing it in individual containers for long-term freezer storage. It makes it easier to grab the amount of okra you need without having to thaw out the entire container. This is very useful when you need soups, stew, or fried okra, and you can enjoy the convenience of okra at any time during the year. Here are a few easy steps for flash-freezing okra that only require a short amount of time.

1. Wash and dry the okra. Make sure the okra is free from any dirt or black spots.
2. Slice the okra into 1/2-inch rounds. Arrange the okra on a lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching or overlapping.
3. Flash Freeze the okra by placing the sheet pan with the okra into the freezer for 2-4 hours. This prevents the okra from sticking together when placed in a plastic bag or freezer container.
4. Transfer the frozen okra pieces to freezer bags or freezer containers, label and date, and place them into the freezer until you are ready to cook with them.

Can You Freeze Okra Without Blanching?

Yes! Honestly, I never blanch my okra. I really don’t see this step to be necessary. The okra freezes well, and the taste is the same.  Okra is one of the vegetables that doesn’t require blanching before freezing. The process of blanching is a common step for many vegetables to preserve their color, flavor, and texture. However, okra does not have to be blanched before freezing, making this step optional.

Be sure to check out my Crispy Southern Fried Okra recipe for a delicious side dish or appetizer.

How To Cook Using Frozen Okra

When you are ready to cook with frozen okra, remove the amount you need from the bag, either thaw it for frying or drop it into the dish you are cooking.   Frozen okra is great in soups, stews, and even fried. You can directly incorporate it into your recipes; the okra will cook as the dish cooks. Be sure to check out my Crispy Southern Fried Okra recipe for a delicious side dish or appetizer.

How To Thaw Frozen Okra

Thawing okra is quite simple. If you plan on frying the okra, remove the amount you need from the freezer. Put it in a bowl and fill it with warm water. Fill the bowl several times until the pods are thawed. This only takes a few minutes, and this is the method I use. If you are using the okra in soups, stews, or other dishes, there is no need to thaw the okra beforehand. Whether you decide to thaw the okra first or use it straight from the freezer, either method will result in a delicious dish.

Ways To Use Frozen Okra

Experiment with different ways to use frozen okra. This is a versatile vegetable and can be used in a variety of dishes.

Gumbos, Stews, or Soups: Add frozen okra directly into gumbos, stews, or soups. The okra acts as a thickening agent.

Fried Okra: Thaw okra in a bowl of warm water, drain, and then bread in cornmeal and flour.

Casseroles: Add frozen okra to casseroles for added textures or flavors.

Okra Fritters: Make okra fritters by combining flour, egg, seasonings, and okra.

Learning How To Freeze Fresh Okra allows you to use frozen okra year-round. Plus, it freezes it in individual pieces, allowing you to use only the amount needed for the recipe. This saves on waste and also makes it easier to thaw. It’s convenient, and you can have a year-round supply of okra even when it’s not in season. The goal is to freeze it for taste and texture for future enjoyment.

What To Serve With Fried Okra

Okra pairs well with various dishes and makes a great side dish to many meals. Feel free to experiment with this vegetable with some of your favorite main dishes.

Pasta Dishes

Lasagna

Meatloaf

Chicken

Fish

For more tips on How to Freeze Vegetables and Fruits, be sure to check out the pages below.

How to Freeze Strawberries
How to Freeze Onions
How to Freeze Peaches