Are you looking for a quick and easy recipe that delivers big on flavor? Then look no further! This recipe for quick pickled okra is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something delicious and healthy, yet don't have a lot of time. Forget those complicated, time-consuming recipes; this one is ready in minutes and offers a delightful tangy crunch that will elevate any meal. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best, a delicious dish perfect for a quick dinner idea or a tasty addition to your favorite barbecue.
Ingredients for the Best Pickled Okra Recipe
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it an easy addition to your meal planning.
- 1 pound fresh okra, trimmed
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Quick Pickled Okra
This quick pickled okra recipe is incredibly simple, even for beginner cooks. Follow these steps for perfect results:
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Prepare the Okra: Wash the okra thoroughly and trim the stem ends. You can leave them whole or cut them into smaller pieces, depending on your preference. Smaller pieces will pickle faster.
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Combine the Brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, red pepper flakes (if using), garlic, and onion (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
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Pickle the Okra: Once the brine is boiling, add the okra to the saucepan. Reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the okra is tender-crisp. Do not overcook, or it will become mushy.
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Cool and Store: Carefully remove the saucepan from the heat and let the okra cool completely in the brine. Once cooled, transfer the okra and brine to a sterilized jar. Seal 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!
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Pickled Okra
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Fresh Okra is Key: Using fresh, high-quality okra will significantly impact the final flavor and texture of your pickled okra.
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Don't Overcook: Overcooked okra will be mushy and unpleasant. Aim for tender-crisp.
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Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness. You can also experiment with other spices like dill seeds or mustard seeds.
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Sterilize Your Jars: This helps to ensure your pickled okra stays fresh for longer. You can sterilize jars by washing them in hot, soapy water and then rinsing them with boiling water.
Delicious Variations of Quick Pickled Okra
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Spicy Pickled Okra: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño pepper to the brine for extra heat.
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Garlic Lovers' Pickled Okra: Add more garlic cloves for a stronger garlic flavor.
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Dill Pickled Okra: Add a tablespoon of dill seeds to the brine for a refreshing twist.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving - Approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 30-40
- Fat: Negligible
- Carbohydrates: 5-7g
- Protein: 1-2g
- Fiber: 1-2g
This quick pickled okra recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy this delicious and refreshing treat as a side dish, appetizer, or even as a topping for your favorite grilled meats or salads. It's a simple yet flavorful example of delicious dishes you can easily make at home. Enjoy!