How To Cook Okra So Its Not Slimy

The South has a dearest affair with okra that the remainder of the state doesn't entirely share, or even understand. In the Southern states the green pod is fried, pickled, grilled and added to stews. It's believed that okra was brought to united states from Africa, so its stronghold in Southern cuisine makes sense.

In other parts of the country, y'all might find this vegetable served on Southern-inspired menus, but it'south not part of the nutrient culture. Why? Because not everyone knows how to cook okra. And when okra isn't cooked right, it can be slimy and wholly unappetizing.

What's the deal with okra slime?

Okra is related to the mallow plant, which is where the original version of marshmallows came from. Both plants contain mucilage (a thick, syrupy substance) that when used smartly tin be used to make chewy confections or thicken stews, such as gumbo. Simply if mucilage isn't properly addressed, information technology merely makes okra feel slimy.

Because gum is made of saccharide residues chosen exopolysaccharides and proteins called glycoproteins, its viscosity increases when estrus is applied. That increased viscosity is what makes gumbo so great, and it'due south also what makes sautéed okra not and then groovy.

And so, what's the all-time way to melt okra?

Equally nosotros've mentioned above, the best mode to cook okra is in stews where the pod can apply its glue every bit a thickening agent. But okra is also actually great when cooked quickly at high heat: call up deep-fried or grilled. When cooked quickly, the mucilage is kept at bay and what you get is a mild-flavored vegetable ― somewhat reminiscent of eggplant ― with a silky texture.

Other cooking tips for reducing the slime involve prepping the okra in specific ways. Some say soaking the okra in vinegar for xxx minutes to one hour before cooking can reduce the sliminess. Just make sure to pat it completely dry before cooking. Others recommend keeping the okra in big pieces considering the more you cut them, the more glue volition be released.

Now that you know, go ahead and endeavor it in these recipes below. We're confident you'll quickly become an okra fan.

Southern Fried Okra