Refrigerator Pickled Okra Recipe (2024)

Using the refrigerator method makes this spicy pickled okra recipe quick and easy. The amount of heat can be dialed up or down according to your preference.

Why you'll love this pickled okra recipe

• The refrigerator method of pickling is so easy! I have never jumped on board with the waterbath canning method. I think the main reason is because I don't typically have huge amounts of anything to preserve. We also use this method for our Pickled Green Beans, Quick Pickled Asparagus, Pickled Carrots, and Homemade Pineapple Preserves.
• You can make it spicy or mild. If you're not into heat like we are that's the beauty of this pickled okra recipe. You can tone it up or down as you choose. Leave the red pepper flakes out altogether, add just a few, or go all out.
• You can use pickled okra in a variety of ways. We love to put them in a bloody Mary, set them out on a charcuterie board, or just snack on them!

Okra is distinctly southern

In the United States okra is known as a southern vegetable. But do you know where it came from originally? You'll find the answer to that and more in

Okra is also a key ingredient in our southern style soups: Vegetable Beef Soup and Chicken Vegetable Soup both depend on okra to give the broth extra "body".

And, if you loved old school southern fried okra you'll want to check out this healthier version. Air Fryer Okra is made using our favorite new appliance, and we don't say that often, but air fryers have stolen our hearts!

Ingredients for Pickled Okra

• Okra- Of course, whole, fresh okra is the star of this recipe. Be sure to select young, tender okra.
• White vinegar- It's important to use this type of vinegar for quick pickles
• Seasonings like garlic, bay leaves, fresh dill, salt, sugar, and whole black peppercorns will give your pickled okra a fantastic flavor.
• Red pepper flakes- While optional, we highly recommend adding these to give your okra a kick!

How to make pickled okra

1. In each of two pint-sized glass jars, add two garlic cloves and 1 bay leaf.
2. Arrange the okra pods in the jars, alternating them with stems facing up and down. Insert dill sprigs among the okra.
3. In a saucepan, bring water, vinegar, salt, and sugar to a boil.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and incorporate peppercorns and red pepper flakes, ensuring that the salt and sugar are fully dissolved.
5. Pour the vinegar mixture over the okra, filling the jars to about ½ inch from the top.
6. Allow the jars to cool to room temperature before sealing them tightly.
7. Refrigerate for a minimum of 5 days before consumption, and they can be stored for up to 2 months.

Expert Tips

• Be sure to select young, tender okra. If you've ever grown okra before, you know it can get woody when it is too mature and then it is too tough for pickles (or anything else, for that matter).
• Use un-iodized salt for this recipe!
• A pound of okra pods is slightly too much for two pint sized jars. I would happily throw any extras in gumbo, vegetable beef soup or cook it with a pot of peas. But, if you want exactly the right amount it should be just over ¾ pound.

Storage Tips

Pickled okra should be kept refrigerated for a minimum of 5 days before eating. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

We do not recommend freezing this recipe.

Items you'll need:

• Pint jars (these include rings and lids)
• If you have the jars but just need rings and lids you can order here
• A canning funnel really comes in handy

Keep in mind that with the refrigerator method it's okay to use rings that have been used previously. I've been told it's okay to reuse the lids too, but I prefer to use a new one each time. A box with just the lids can be ordered here.

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How to serve pickled okra

Sometimes referred to as okra pickles, you can use them anytime you would use a pickled cucumber - alongside a sandwich, as a snack on their own, with a hot dog or chopped up on a salad.

They are perfect on a cheese board, appetizer tray or charcuterie board alongside something like Ritz Carlton Inspired Pecans. This Southern Appetizer Board and Picnic Charcuterie Board wouldn't be the same without pickled okra.

A definite favorite too is with a Bloody Mary. You'll want to make yours spicy if adding them to a bloody mary bar (or bloody mary gift basket like this one).

For a fun and quick look at this recipe be sure to check out the Google Web Story.

Need more easy pickle recipes?

• Quick Pickled Carrots
• Quick Pickled Asparagus
• Refrigerator Pickled Green Beans

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