Blackened Okra

Name: Blackened Okra
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 tsp Black peppercorns; ½ tsp Cayenne pepper; 1 tsp Coarse sea salt; 2 tsp Coriander seeds, toasted; 1 tbsp Cumin seeds, toasted; 1 tsp Dried thyme; 1½ tsp Garlic powder; 1 tsp Onion powder; 2 tbsp Paprika; 1 tsp White peppercorns; ½ lb Small to medium okra; 1 tbsp Peanut oil; 1½ tsp Sea salt for blanching water

Recipe GLPRe9ebb788564a47

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Cajun

Side Dish

45 min

158 cal

Servings: 2

Oven

SNAP eligible

Crispy broiled okra coated with a homemade blackened spice blend featuring warm cumin, coriander, and cayenne. Quick to prepare and wonderfully savory, this gluten-free and dairy-free side dish brings bold Afro-Caribbean flavors to your table.

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Ingredients

2 tsp Black peppercorns

½ tsp Cayenne pepper

1 tsp Coarse sea salt

2 tsp Coriander seeds, toasted

1 tbsp Cumin seeds, toasted

1 tsp Dried thyme

1½ tsp Garlic powder

1 tsp Onion powder

2 tbsp Paprika

1 tsp White peppercorns

½ lb Small to medium okra

1 tbsp Peanut oil

1½ tsp Sea salt for blanching water

Directions

Combine the black peppercorns, white peppercorns, toasted coriander seeds, toasted cumin seeds, coarse sea salt, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. Grind until the mixture forms a fine, uniform powder. Transfer the blackened seasoning to a clean, airtight jar and set aside.
Position the oven rack about 3 inches from the broiler element and preheat the broiler to high.
Bring about 6 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot over high heat. Stir in the sea salt for blanching, then carefully add the okra.
Blanch the okra for exactly 1 minute, then drain in a colander. Transfer the drained okra to a large mixing bowl.
Pour the peanut oil over the okra, then add 3 tablespoons of the blackened seasoning. Toss vigorously until every piece of okra is evenly coated with the oil and spice mixture.
Spread the seasoned okra in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place under the broiler and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, then carefully flip each piece and broil for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the okra is deeply browned and crispy at the edges.
Remove from the broiler and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Comments

Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff4.5

Okra is a Southern staple and readily available year-round at Charlotte chains like Harris Teeter and Food Lion; all spices are pantry basics found at any major grocer, and peanut oil is standard at ALDI and Walmart. Cost per serving runs around $2.50–$3.00, driven mainly by the okra itself, making this economical. The stated 45 minutes is honest for spice-toasting and pan-frying, though a family of four will need to double the recipe. The dish is best eaten fresh—the fried okra won't stay crispy on a second day—so plan for same-night consumption.