How to Freeze Okra in 9 Steps

The okra plant (Hibiscus esculentus) grows as a tall stalk with large leaves and butter-yellow flowers. The star-shaped, seed-filled okra pods are a popular veggie. Okra is a common ingredient in stews such as gumbo. You can also fry, bake, blanch, or pickle the small pods, or stir-fry okra with other vegetables and aromatics.

During the summer, you can easily find okra in grocery stores and farmer's markets. By freezing okra, you will be able to enjoy okra all year long. Below is the best way to freeze fresh okra:

1. 1. Select fresh okra. Choose fresh okra that is bright green and young, without bruises or blemishes.
2. 2. Wash the okra. Thoroughly rinse the okra to remove any dirt. You can also soak the okra in a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar for two minutes. This will remove pesticides and other dirty residue. After soaking the okra in the water-vinegar mix, rinse it with water and dry.
3. 3. Remove the okra stems. On a cutting board, use a sharp knife to remove the okra stems. If you see the white seeds or the seed cell of the okra, you’ve cut too far.
4. 4. Blanch the okra. Blanching will help maintain the green color, killing the enzymes that cause okra to brown and decay. Blanching will also help the okra retain its fresh flavor and tender texture, even after you freeze it. Heat a large pot of water on the stove until it’s boiling, then place the okra in the boiling water. Blanch for up to four minutes.
5. 5. Prepare an ice bath. Remove the okra from the hot water with a slotted spoon, then immediately place the okra in a big bowl of ice water. The cold water bath will stop the okra from cooking further.
6. 6. Drain the okra. Use a colander to drain the okra, then dry the okra completely using paper towels.
7. 7. Cut the okra. If you plan to use cut okra in a future recipe, cut the vegetables before freezing. You can also freeze okra whole or dredge in cornmeal and flour if you plan to fry for a later recipe.
8. 8. Place the okra in the freezer. Arrange the okra in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in the freezer. Freeze for at least four hours, or until the okra is completely frozen solid.
9. 9. Store the okra. After the flash freeze, which prevents the okra from sticking together, you can place the okra in a freezer bag or airtight container.

You can use frozen okra directly from the freezer, no thawing needed. You can fry, bake, blanch, or pickle frozen okra, or add it directly into any stew or recipe that calls for cooked okra. To make fried okra, cover the frozen okra in cornmeal and flour, then drop it in hot oil. If you breaded the okra prior to freezing, you can put it in the oil directly from the freezer. Avoid placing too many frozen okra pieces in the oil at once, or you will lower the temperature of the oil, which will prevent you from getting crispy okra.

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