Southern Charm: Crispy & Tangy Pickled Okra

Hankering for crispy & tangy pickled okra? This easy refrigerator okra pickles recipe is a Southern classic! Plus, a few tricks for the perfect crunch. Get the recipe now!

Recipe Introduction: Southern Charm in a Jar

Ever find yourself craving something tangy and crunchy? Honestly, that's me most days. And that's where this pickled okra recipe comes in. It's like sunshine in a jar!

A Taste of the South

Pickled okra isn't just a recipe, it's a piece of southern culinary history. these pickle recipes homemade offer a unique way to preserve this beloved vegetable.

Simple to make, this refrigerator okra pickles recipe requires just 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes cook time. plus, with a yield of about 4 pint jars, you'll have plenty to share… or not!

Why You Need This Pickled Okra Recipe Easy Refrigerator

One of the main benefits? pickled okra is surprisingly healthy. okra itself is packed with fibre and vitamins. serving it during a bbq or as a side with some fried chicken is a perfect occasion for serving.

But honestly, the zesty, tangy crunch of this picked okra is what makes it truly special.

Ready to dive into the ingredients and start making some Southern magic? Let's do this thing!

Alright, let's talk ingredients and equipment for pickled okra . You know, like your grandma used to make. This Pickled Okra Recipe Easy Refrigerator style is easier than you think.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Do This!

First off, let's gather what you'll need. This pickled okra recipe isn't complicated. I promise! I even managed it, and I once set fire to toast. True story.

Main Ingredients for the Best Pickled Okra Recipes

Okay, for that Southern charm, you'll need:

• Fresh okra: 2 pounds (about 900g ). small to medium-sized is best. you want those pods firm. avoid anything mushy, unless you're going for a mushy outcome, then go for it! i also enjoy this sweet pickled okra recipe canning .

• White Vinegar: 3 cups ( 710 ml ). This is your tangy base.

• Water: 1 cup ( 240 ml ). Balances the vinegar.

• Pickling Salt: 1/4 cup ( 60 ml ). Don't use table salt! Pickling salt is the key.

• Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup ( 50 g ). A little sweetness is heaven!

• Pickling Spice: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ). This is the flavor bomb.

• Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ). Add some heat, baby!

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Forget boring pickle recipes homemade . These flavors take our picked okra to the next level:

• Garlic: Optional, but highly recommended! 1-2 cloves per jar . Adds that punch we all crave.
• Black Peppercorns: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25 ml ) per jar. Little bursts of pepper.
• Dried Chili Pepper: One small pepper. For extra kick!
• Fresh Dill: A sprig per jar (or 1/2 teaspoon dried). Adds that classic dill pickle touch.

Honestly, the pickling spice is where the magic is. but don't be afraid to experiment! a little mustard seed never hurt anyone.

You know, home canning recipes are really easy when you get the hang of it, and you are ready for pickled okra recipe canning .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen for refrigerator okra pickles . Here's the basics:

• Large Pot: To boil the brine.
• Sterilized Pint Jars: Four of them. Cleanliness is next to godliness, right?
• Jar Lifter: (optional). It's super useful, but tongs work in a pinch.
• Wide-Mouth Funnel: (optional). Keeps things tidy. Trust me, it helps!
• Colander OR Large Bowl : for the okra prep.

Honestly, that's it! Now that we have our ingredients and gear ready, let's get to the good part of this pickled okra adventure. It's simple, even I can do it.

Okay, darlin', let's talk pickled okra ! i reckon if you're from the south, you've probably got a jar tucked away somewhere .

I grew up with this stuff. grandma always had a batch of home canning recipes going. think of this as an improved version of what she taught me.

Honestly, it’s way easier than you might think. forget those bland store-bought things. we're making something special today, y’all. i think you will enjoy this refrigerator okra pickles recipe

Gettin' Ready to Pickle!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Y'all!

Right then, first things first, let's get organised, yeah? this is our essential mise en place! wash and trim 2 pounds of fresh okra (aim for small to medium).

Chuck 'em in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt and cover with ice water. let them sit for about an hour.

Honestly, this helps draw out some of that… stuff okra sometimes has. safety first: sterilize those 4 pint jars , lids, and rings.

This is important! nobody wants funky pickles!

Step-by-Step: From Garden to Jar!

1. Drain the okra and give it a good rinse.
2. Sterilize those jars! This is crucial for Pickled Okra Recipe Canning .
3. In each jar, add 1-2 cloves garlic (smashed), 1/4 teaspoon of peppercorns, a small dried chili, and a sprig of dill.
4. Pack the okra TIGHTLY, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
5. In a pot, combine 3 cups of white vinegar, 1 cup of water, 1/4 cup of pickling salt, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of pickling spice, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Bring to a rolling boil .
6. Carefully pour the hot brine over the okra, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
7. Remove any air bubbles with a chopstick.
8. Wipe rims, seal with lids and rings (fingertip tight).

Pro Tips for Seriously Good Pickled Okra

Fancy some pickled okra recipes ? here are some things i've learned over the years. first up, don't overcook that okra! we're going for crisp-tender, not mush.

Secondly, this recipe is very well suited to be a pickled okra recipe easy refrigerator . a common mistake is not packing the okra tightly enough.

Now, here is my pro tip: add mustard seeds to the spice mix. it kicks it up a notch. want it sweet pickled okra recipe canning ? just add more sugar.

This picked okra is so addictive. serve it as a snack, add it to salads, or even use it as a garnish for a bloody mary.

You can even put the prepared home canning recipes of pickled okra into a charcuterie board for a little bit of down home appeal.

So there you have it. My version of grandma's pickled okra . Give it a go.

Alright, y'all, let's talk about these Refrigerator Okra Pickles after you've slaved away makin' 'em! Because honestly, the magic doesn't stop at the boil.

Recipe Notes: The Lowdown on Your Pickled Okra

This part is important. Knowing how to store your picked okra and serve it is key. It's like knowing the punchline of a joke! Makes all the difference!

How to Serve Your Southern Goodness

Okay, picture this: you’ve just whipped up a batch of my pickled okra recipe easy refrigerator . first, plating, right? don't just plop it on a plate! think pretty.

A small mason jar looks cute. adds a bit of that farmhouse charm, you know?

As for sides? forget boring. think southern comfort. fried green tomatoes. some crispy cornbread. and for a drink? sweet tea.

Always sweet tea. trust me on this one. or even better, use those pickled okra as a garnish for your bloody mary - pure genius.

Storing Your Treasure (aka Refrigerator Okra Pickles )

Right, storage tips . don't skip this. we don't want any funny business. these pickled okra recipes , since they’re refrigerator okra pickles , need to live in the fridge.

I usually say they're good for at least two weeks. make sure they’re submerged in that brine. nobody likes a moldy okra.

Freezing? Nah, I wouldn’t bother. They'll get mushy, and nobody wants mushy. As for reheating, you don't! They're pickles! Cold is where it's at! It's just Pickled Okra .

Variations – Spice It Up!

Want to play around? Oh, you know you do. Make them spicy! Add a jalapeño to each jar. Now that’s a sweet pickled okra recipe canning !

If you're watching the sugar, you can swap it out. I’ve used honey before. A little bit goes a long way. Pickled Okra can be adjusted to your taste buds.

Nutrition (the Boring Bit, But Important)

Okay, numbers time! each serving is about 50 calories. low in fat. a good dose of sodium (thanks to the pickling salt).

Look, it's not a salad, but it's a tasty way to sneak in some veggies.

And hey, if you are interested in Home Canning Recipes and Pickle Recipes Homemade I have some pretty awesome recipes as well!

So, there you have it! Now go forth and pickle. And don’t be afraid to experiment. That's where the real magic happens! You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my pickled okra slimy? Did I do a proper job?

Okra naturally contains mucilage, which can cause a slimy texture if not handled correctly. Soaking the okra in ice water with salt for about an hour before pickling helps to reduce this sliminess, a bit like giving it a cold shower after a workout! Also, avoid overcooking it during the pickling process. Crisp-tender is the aim of the game.

How long does pickled okra last, and how should I store it?

If you processed your pickled okra in a boiling water bath, it can last for up to a year in a cool, dark place, like a pantry. Once opened, or if you didn't process it, store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for several weeks. Think of it like your favourite jam – once opened, it’s fridge time!

Can I make spicy pickled okra, and what are some good variations?

Absolutely! Turn up the heat by adding extra red pepper flakes, a sliced jalapeño, or even a dried chili pepper to each jar. For other variations, consider adding more fresh dill for a dill-pickled version, or swapping white vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a sweeter, more complex flavour. It's all about finding your inner Delia Smith and experimenting!

I'm trying to eat healthier. What's the nutritional value of pickled okra?

Pickled okra is relatively low in calories and fat, but it does contain sodium from the pickling process. It also provides some fiber and vitamins. It's worth noting that nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients and amounts used. It is always best to check the label of any products you are eating or consult with a healthcare professional.

What kind of salt should I use when making pickled okra?

Pickling salt is the preferred choice because it doesn't contain iodine or anti-caking agents, which can darken the pickles and create sediment. If you can't find pickling salt, kosher salt is a good substitute. Avoid using iodized table salt at all costs, because it can discolor the pickles.

Why did my pickled okra turn out soft and not crunchy?

Soft, not crunchy pickled okra is usually a result of overcooking during the brining process or using okra that wasn't fresh enough to begin with. Using the freshest okra you can find is vital. Avoid overcooking by keeping a close eye on the okra while heating in the brine. Also, make sure you tightly pack the jars with okra as this helps maintain its texture. Nobody wants soggy okra, mate!

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