Tired of the same old side dishes? Craving something vibrant, crunchy, and bursting with flavor that’s ready in a flash? Then look no further! This Fridge Pickled Okra recipe is your answer. It's the perfect blend of tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet, making it a fantastic addition to any meal, from grilled meats to hearty sandwiches. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking time and readily available ingredients. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and healthy meal, but it’s also impressive enough for a dinner party. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh okra, trimmed
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Okra: Wash the okra thoroughly and trim the stem ends. If you prefer smaller pieces, you can slice the okra into 1-inch rounds. Leaving them whole also works well.
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Make the Brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
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Pickle the Okra: Once the brine is simmering, carefully add the okra. Reduce the heat to low, ensuring a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the okra is tender-crisp but still holds its shape. Overcooking will result in mushy okra, so keep a close eye on it.
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Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the okra cool completely in the brine. Once cooled, transfer the okra and brine to a clean glass jar. Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes!
Tips for the Best Fridge Pickled Okra:
- Okra Selection: Choose fresh, firm okra pods for the best results. Avoid those that are wilted or have blemishes.
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. For a milder pickle, use less; for a spicier kick, add more!
- Add-ins: Get creative with your additions! Consider adding other spices like dill seeds, celery seeds, or a bay leaf to the brine for a more complex flavor profile. Thinly sliced red onions or jalapeños also make delicious additions.
Variations:
- Sweet and Spicy Okra: Increase the sugar to 1/3 cup for a sweeter pickle.
- Garlic Lover's Okra: Add more garlic – up to 4-5 cloves – for a stronger garlic flavor.
- Dill Pickled Okra: Add 1 tablespoon of dill seeds to the brine for a classic dill pickle twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a serving of approximately 1/2 cup of pickled okra and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 40-50
- Fat: 0-1g
- Carbohydrates: 10-12g
- Protein: 1-2g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This quick and easy fridge pickled okra recipe is a delicious and healthy addition to your culinary repertoire. It's a fantastic way to enjoy this often-underutilized vegetable and a perfect example of how simple homemade cooking can result in delicious and satisfying meals. Serve it as a side dish, use it as a topping for your favorite burger, or enjoy it straight from the jar! It's that good.