This is a simple, flavorful, and easy Baked Okra recipe. Seasoned with paprika, salt, and a pinch of cayenne, this okra makes a great snack or side dish.

I discovered okra about two years ago and instantly fell in love with it. This vegetable is so healthy and easy to prepare, and it tastes great! If you haven't had a chance to try it yet, now is the time. Below, I'll share with you my favorite way to enjoy okra.
Baked Okra Video Tutorial
HOW TO BUY AND STORE OKRA
When shopping for okra, look for smooth, blemish-free, bright green pods. Avoid pods that have a dry end because this is an indicator that the okra has been sitting out on a shelf for a while. Also, pay attention to the size. Don't buy okra that is above five inches long because it tends to have rough skin, and the seeds are tougher, too.
Okra is pretty perishable, so try to cook it within a day or two. In the meantime, store it in the refrigerator in a paper bag.
THE SEASONING FOR BAKED OKRA
In the recipe below, I am using paprika, salt, and a pinch of cayenne to season the okra. But I just want to mention one seasoning that works really well for baking okra, too. It is called Berbere. I learned about this seasoning from a comment on my Cabbage and Chicken recipe (thanks, Kate!), and I've used it in so many recipes since then. This seasoning has a great mix of spices and adds a nice touch to dishes. If you decide to try it, or already have it on hand, just use ½ tsp. of berbere seasoning instead of the paprika, salt, and cayenne.
CUT VS. WHOLE OKRA
You can cut the okra into pieces, or use whole okra in this recipe. If you choose to bake whole okra, it'll have a bit more of a slimy texture inside than cut okra. I personally don't mind it (I actually love it), but I know many people try to avoid it.
HOW TO MAKE BAKED OKRA:
1. Preheat the oven to 450F degrees.
2. Rinse the okra, and dry with a paper towel. Trim away the stem ends, and then cut it into ½ to ¾-inch pieces. Spread the okra on a sheet pan in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil, paprika, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir.
3. Bake the okra for about 15 minutes. The okra should be lightly browned and tender, with a nice seared aroma. Serve immediately.
Try these tasty recipes:
- Basic Cauliflower Fritters
- Classic Potato Pancakes
- Garlic Roasted Okra
- Vegan Eggplant Stew
- Baked Plantain Chips
EASY BAKED OKRA
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh okra
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. paprika
- salt to taste
- a pinch of cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
- Rinse the okra, and dry with a paper towel. Trim away the stem ends, and then cut it into ½ to ¾-inch pieces. Spread the okra on a sheet pan in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil, paprika, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir.
- Bake the okra for about 15 minutes. The okra should be lightly browned and tender, with a nice seared aroma. Serve immediately.
Regina says
Simple and tasty! Thank you.
Tania Sheff says
Thanks, Regina!
Christy says
Have you ever tried this recipe using frozen okra? I am having a huge crop this year so have been freezing a lot for the winter.
Tania Sheff says
Hi Christy! I haven't tried it myself, but I had a reader comment that they tried using frozen okra successfully. Let me know if you try it!
Brenda says
Thank you for this simple recipe. It’s a healthier version than usual frying…
I added extra spices - some pepper, smoked paprika, rosemary, oregano with the olive oil. After blending that, I poured over okra in bowl to ensure even flavouring. We love it!
Tania Sheff says
Awesome! Thanks, Brenda!
Peggy says
Thank you so much. I am trying today
Tania Sheff says
Thank you, Peggy!
Don says
I have been an okra fan for many years and have found that the small okra is less stringy / tough than the larger ones. Your recipes for okra are excellent mainly due to the variations in cooking and additions
Thank you Don
Tania Sheff says
Thank you, Don!