How to Microwave Frozen Okra
Prep Time
1 minCook Time
3 minsFree Time
to practice deep breathing
Forget everything you know about cooking okra! With an Anyday dish and your microwave, you can enjoy perfectly steamed, vibrant, and tangy okra in no time. Plus, skip the hassle of thawing frozen okra—just pop it straight into the Anyday dish with its vented lid. This method keeps the okra from getting slimy and retains all its natural flavors. Add a splash of vinegar to preserve the okra’s texture and color. Whether you're a long-time okra fan or are trying okra for the first time, this quick and easy approach will make you love it even more!
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Small Dish
This dish’s superpower is evenly heating leftovers and cooking small portions.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 1 cup (100g) frozen okra, keep frozen
- 1 teaspoon vinegar (white, red wine, apple cider, rice, or sherry)
Preparation
- Place the frozen okra and your vinegar of choice in the Anyday dish. Cover with the lid, knob lifted.
- Microwave for 3 minutes until the okra is tender, bright green, and hot.
- Drain any excess water before serving or storing.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Smoky paprika: Sprinkle with paprika, garlic powder, and a small amount of cumin for a deep, smoky flavor.
- Tomato and basil: Combine with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and a bit of balsamic vinegar.
- Gumbo: Use it in our delicious Gumbo recipe for a classic meal.
- Okra fried rice: Add it to Golden Fried Rice for a delicious meal.
Recipe notes
- Adding lemon juice, white vinegar, or even tomato sauce helps reduce the naturally occurring sliminess when cooking okra. The acidity reacts with the mucilage, causing it to thin out and dissolve, which results in a more pleasant texture.
- Frozen okra does not need to be thawed! (This is the ultimate time-saving hack.)
- Select the wattage on your microwave in our recipe for the most accurate cooking time, or use the instructions on the back of the package as guidelines.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Microwave Match Up: Frozen Okra
See for yourself— microwaving frozen okra is simply faster, start to finish.
| Appliance | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Microwave in an Anyday dish | 2-3 mins |
| Stovetop* | 15-20 mins |
| Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* | 20 mins |
Everything You Need to Know About Microwaving Frozen Okra
What is okra?
| Ingredient | Vinegar | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup frozen okra | 1 teaspoon vinegar | 3 mins |
| 2 cups frozen okra | 1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar | 4-5 mins |
| 4 cups frozen okra | 2 1/2 teaspoons vinegar | 6-7 mins |
| 6 cups frozen okra | 1 1/2 tablespoons vinegar | 10-11 mins |
| 8 cups frozen okra | 1 1/2 tablespoons vinegar | 14-15 mins |
Okra is a green, long, and thin vegetable known for its edible seeds and mucilaginous (gel-like) texture. It is commonly used in various cuisines around the world, especially in Southern, Creole, and Indian cooking. Okra is rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition to many dishes.
Can I microwave frozen okra?
Yes, microwaving is a good way to cook okra- especially when frozen. It is a quick and convenient method that helps retain the vegetable's nutrients and vibrant color. Microwaving okra with a small amount of vinegar helps it cook evenly without becoming overly slimy. The Anyday vented lid allows you to trap in the right amount of steam to cook the okra without turning it mushy.
How long does it take it take to cook frozen okra in the microwave?
Microwaving okra typically takes about 2-4 minutes for 1-2 cups of okra when using an Anyday dish. Our lid helps trap the right amount of steam to cook the okra quickly preserving its nutrients. You can stir halfway through cooking to ensure even heating. Adjust the time based on your microwave's power and the desired tenderness of the okra.
Do I need to defrost okra before cooking?
No, you do not need to defrost okra before cooking it in the microwave. You can cook it directly from frozen by placing it in an Anyday dish, adding a small amount of vinegar, and microwaving it until tender. It does not get any more hands-free than that!
Why is okra slimy sometimes?
Okra's sliminess is due to its mucilage, a gel-like substance that is released when the vegetable is cut or cooked. This mucilage can thicken soups and stews, which is why okra is often used in dishes like gumbo. To reduce sliminess, you can cook okra quickly at high heat or add a bit of vinegar, lemon juice, or tomatoes.
Why do I need vinegar in this recipe? Can I skip the vinegar?
Vinegar is added to okra recipes to help reduce its sliminess. The acidity in the vinegar breaks down the mucilage, resulting in a less slimy texture. While you can skip the vinegar, the okra may retain more of its natural gel-like texture. If you prefer, you can substitute vinegar with other acidic ingredients like lemon juice or tomatoes.
What's the best way to store cooked okra?
The best way to store cooked okra is to let it cool to room temperature, then into the Anyday dish with the knob down for optimal freshness, and refrigerate it. Cooked okra can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
