What Goes Good with Okra – 8 Tasty Side Dishes To Try
As a lover of vegetables, I understand the challenge of finding good sides to serve with okra. It seems like every time you search for recipes online, you’re met with the same old dishes: fried okra, okra and tomatoes, or okra gumbo.
Don’t get me wrong – those are all delicious dishes. But sometimes you want something a little different. That’s why I decided to put together this list of sides that I’ve tried over the last few months.
I hope you find some recipes here that your family will love!
Side dishes for Okra
- Cornbread
- Coleslaw
- Tomato
- Lemon
- Rice
- Cheese
- Yogurt sauce
- Fried chicken
Cornbread
When it comes to Southern cooking, cornbread is a staple. A simple mix of cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, and milk, cornbread is delicious on its own or as a side dish.
When paired with okra, cornbread makes for a perfect complement. The sweetness of the cornbread offsets the earthiness of the okra, and the two come together to create a mouth-watering dish. Additionally, the cornbread helps to absorb some of the okra’s excess moisture, making for a less slimy final product.
So whether you’re looking for a new side dish for your next family gathering or simply want to try something different, give cornbread and okra a try.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish. When it comes to pairing it with other dishes, the possibilities are endless. However, one of my favorite combinations is Coleslaw with okra.
Coleslaw is rich in nutrients and vitamins, making it a healthy option for those looking for a lighter meal. The creamy texture of coleslaw also helps to offset the slightly slimy texture of okra. Furthermore, its freshness and crunch provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty okra.
So whether you’re looking for a healthy option or simply want to mix things up, Coleslaw is an excellent choice as a side dish for okra.
Tomato
Tomato is a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of dishes, both as a main ingredient and as a side dish.
When it comes to okra, Tomato goes particularly well as a side dish because of its unique flavor. You can make a tomato gravy, which enhances the taste of the okra, while the seasonings add an extra zing.
Tomato salad is also a delicious way to enjoy this fantastic fruit. The cherry tomatoes add a sweetness to the dish, while the greens provide a crunchy texture. Finally, lime juice helps to balance out the flavors and gives the dish a refreshing acidity. You can even cook the okra with tomato for a unique meal.
Lemon
Lemon is a versatile fruit that can be used in sweet or savory dishes. When it comes to okra, lemon is the perfect partner. The acidity of the lemon helps to cut through the richness of the okra, while the brightness of the lemon juice helps to highlight the flavor of the okra.
Lemon also has a way of making food seem lighter and fresher. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice, along with a little salt and pepper, can elevate any dish – including okra.
To get the most lemon flavor, be sure to add the lemon juice just before serving. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Lemon is a versatile ingredient, so feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices that you think would pair well with it.
Rice
Rice is a popular side dish for okra for a few reasons. First, it is simple and easy to make. Second, it is a neutral canvas that can be flavored to taste. Third, it helps to absorb the excess moisture from the okra.
Rice also has a long shelf life, which makes it an ideal side dish for busy families. There are many different types of rice, but long-grain rice is the best type of rice to use as a side dish for okra. It is light and fluffy, and it absorbs flavors well.
Plain white rice is the most popular type of rice to use as a side dish for okra. However, brown rice and fried rice are also popular choices. Rice is a versatile side dish that can be customized to suit any taste.
Cheese
Cheese is a classic side dish that goes well with just about anything. But why does it pair so well with okra? Cheese is savory and creamy, with a variety of different flavors that can complement the okra.
Feta cheese, for example, is a perfect match. The salty flavor of the cheese pairs nicely with the slight bitterness of the okra, and the creaminess of the cheese helps to offset the spiciness of the dish.
Likewise, your favorite cheese would also pair well with okra. It can be melted and used as a dip. The key is to choose a cheese that will complement the flavors of the dish without overpowering them.
Yogurt sauce
Yogurt sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make dip that goes well with okra. It is made with yogurt, spices, and herbs, and it has a creamy, savory flavor that complements the okra perfectly. Plus, it is quick and easy to make, so it’s a great option for a busy weeknight dinner.
Simply cook the okra according to your preference, then serve it with the Yogurt sauce on the side. The sauce will help to round out the meal and add an extra boost of flavor.
Fried chicken
Fried chicken is one of those comfort foods that everyone seems to love. The crispy, golden skin and juicy, flavorful meat is hard to resist.
When it’s paired with fresh, succulent okra, it makes for a perfect side dish. The okra provides a slight crunch and a garden-fresh flavor that balances out the richness of the chicken. Plus, the herbs and seasoning in the fried chicken complement the okra perfectly. So if you’re looking for a new side dish to try, give fried chicken and okra a try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the healthiest way of eating okra?
Okra is a healthy vegetable that is low in calories and high in fiber. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. When cooked correctly, okra can be a healthy and delicious side dish. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when preparing it.
First, be sure to cook the okra until it is soft. Overcooked okra can be tough and chewy. Second, avoid frying or boiling the okra. These methods tend to remove the flavor and nutrients from the vegetable.
How can you reduce the sliminess of okra?
One way to reduce the sliminess of okra is to coat it in cornstarch before cooking. The cornstarch will help to bind the proteins in the vegetable and reduce the amount of slime that is produced.
Another way is to cook it with tomatoes. Tomatoes contain acids that help to break down the proteins in the okra, which reduces the amount of slime that is produced.
Finally, you can also add a sour ingredient, such as lemon juice or vinegar, to your dish. The acidity will help to neutralize the slime-producing proteins.
Conclusion
There are many different things that you can serve with okra, from rice to cheese to yogurt sauce. Each of these dishes pairs well with the okra and helps to round out the meal. So if you’re looking for a new side dish to try with okra, be sure to add one of these to the menu. You won’t be disappointed.