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.
Sweet Summer Time. It’s that time of year again when the garden is growing, and you are harvesting baskets of fresh produce, including okra.
Here on the farm, we tend to have plenty of okra during the months of June through September. It seems like it just triples every time I cut it. So what do I do with all of that okra? I freeze it, of course.
Follow this simple recipe, and you will have as much okra as you can possibly fit into your freezer for those winter months.
How To Freeze Okra From The Garden
Wash–Wash okra by filling up your kitchen sink 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.
Chop–Chop the okra into 1/2 inch rounds (or smaller if so desired). Discard the stems. You may also decide to NOT chop and leave the pods whole. This is also another great option for freezing.
Freeze–Freeze the okra by placing it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. To keep the okra from freezing in a giant blob, place okra in a single layer. Make sure they are not touching or overlapping. 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 4 hours.
Transfer–Transfer to a Freezer safe bag- 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.
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.
How To Cook Using Frozen Okra
When you are ready to cook with the frozen okra, just simply remove the amount you need from the bag, thaw, and cook. Frozen okra is great in soups, stews, and even fried. Be sure to check out my recipe for Crispy Southern Fried Okra for a delicious side dish or appetizer.
How To Thaw Frozen Okra
Thawing okra is really quite simple. If you are planning on frying the okra, remove the amount you will 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.
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 that is needed for the recipe. This saves on waste and also makes it easier to thaw.
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
How To Freeze Fresh Okra
Ingredients
- Fresh Okra sliced into rounds/whole
Instructions
- Wash okra by filling up your kitchen sink 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.
- Chop the okra into 1/2 inch rounds (or smaller if desired). Discard the stems. You may also decide to NOT chop and leave the pods whole. This is also another great option for freezing.
- Freeze the okra by placing it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. To keep the okra from freezing in a giant blob, place okra in a single layer. Make sure the pieces are not touching or overlapping. 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 4 hours.
- 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.
Once it is thawed does it get watery?
It does not get watery. I use frozen okra in many dishes. I even batter and fry frozen okra and it is so delicious!
I want to freeze whole pods of okra for about a week to eat as boiled okra. Will it be safe
Yes. Frozen okra will be fine to eat.
Do you put cornmeal on your okra after it thaws out or put it n before you freeze it
I batter my okra after it thaws. Thanks for the question.
I’ve never blanched my okra either. Since I mostly fry it, I go ahead and batter it and then freeze it. That saves me time later. ‘;D
I bought a whole bunch of okra that o couldn’t finish. Thanks for your tips on freezing thme