Do you love pickled okra but hate to pay grocery or specialty store prices? It really is so easy to make yourself especially since okra is so plentiful right now.
And let me tell you, we have plenty of it growing in our garden!
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We have about 20 plants and for the past few weeks, they have been producing plenty!
You see, okra loves hot weather which I wrote about here in my post Southern Fried Okra. And although I love fried okra, I have learned to love it roasted or grilled as well. But I guess my favorite is pickled okra. It is spicy and crunchy and not slimey at all! They disappear quickly if you put them on a relish tray.
And I especially like to use pickled okra as a garnish for Bloody Marys. So if you want to get ready for fall entertaining or some football, make up a batch of pickled okra.
First, you will need about 3 pounds of fresh okra. When selecting your okra pods, use ones that are about 3 to 4 inches long. If they are any longer, they will not fit inside pint sized jars.
Rinse the okra.
Next, you will need to trim the stem ends by cutting them with a knife.
Don’t remove the entire end cap or you truly will have a slimey mess! Leave about 1/4 inch of the stem.
You will also need 8 fresh jalapeno peppers, cut in half, and 8 peeled garlic cloves.
Wash 8 pint size jars in hot, soapy water and rinse well. Sterilize 8 jar lids (always use new lids) and screw bands in hot, simmering but not boiling water.
Now, you can either can your pickled okra using the water bath method, or you can make the pickled okra and store it in your refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you are canning it, pull out all your canning equipment which includes a canner with wire rack in the bottom, tongs, and jar and lid lifters.
Fill the canning pot (or a large stock pot) about 1/2 full of water and your jars. Add more water to the pot in order to totally submerge your jars. Bring the water to a boil and continue to boil for 10 minutes. Using tongs, remove the jars from from the pot and set on a clean, kitchen towel. I always place a cutting board underneath the towel to protect my counters. Evenly divide the jalapeno peppers and the garlic cloves between the jars.
To make the vinegar solution, you will need 4 cups white vinegar (5% acidity) and 4 cups water. Place in a large, nonreactive pot and add 1/2 cup canning salt (don’t use regular salt) and 1/4 cup white sugar. Bring to a boil and stir to dissolve the salt and sugar. Reduce the heat.
Add 8 tablespoons of pickling spice to the mixture and stir.
Adding 2 tablespoons of red pepper flakes is what makes the pickled okra really spicy so mix that in, too, and keep your mixture warm.
Place the okra in the warm jars, alternating stem-side-up with stem-side-down so you can pack the jars well. (Why, oh why, do my hands look so wrinkled in this picture?) Pour the vinegar mixture over the okra, filling to 1/2 inch from the top. Wipe the jar rims with a clean towel and immediately put on the lids and screw bands and tighten the bands snugly but not too tight. At this point, if you are not going to process the jars, allow them to cool and them place them in the refrigerator and use with 2 weeks.
But, if you want to preserve these babies for later use, add your jars to the canning pot and add additional water so that they are covered by 1-2 inches of water. Bring to a boil and process for 10 minutes. Be sure to begin timing when the water actually begins to boil, not from the time you placed the jars in the water. Remove the canner from the heat and allow the jars to cool for 5 minutes before removing them. Using a jar lifter, place them on a layer of clean kitchen towels and cool for 12-24 hours before storing.
Try to wait at least 2-3 days before eating any to allow the seasonings to be absorbed!
Oh my! I can hardly wait to break open a jar of these!
If you’d like a printable copy of this recipe, click HERE.
And to see more recipes for preserving the garden’s bounty, you may want to follow my new Pinterest board FRESH FROM THE GARDEN.
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Dee says
The brine is my new go to for pickled green beans, picked egg and okra! I leave out the pickling spice and use the brine for pickled jalapeno’s. Thanks!
Mark says
I added sliced garlic to the mixture. I looked at the jars today and the garlic has turned slightly blue…is that a problem or just a reaction from the Vinegar?
Jane Windham says
I’ve never seen that happen but I googled it and the answer is that it is safe and that the flavor will not be affected.
Mark says
Thanks for the info!😎
Melinda says
This looks so good! My husband likes a certain brand of pickled okra that is spicy and also sweet. Can I just add extra sugar for the sweetness?
Charmaine Thompson says
Do you use the jalapeño & crushed pepper? Thanks
Jane Windham says
I used both fresh jalapenos and dried crushed red pepper flakes in this recipe.
ashley says
Sounds delicious! Pickled okra is my favorite part of a bloody mary, thanks for the recipe!
Patti Rice says
I forgot to leave half inch from top
Will this be ok
THanks for recipe
Jane Windham says
Forgetting to leave a headspace may cause leakage when you are processing. Check to make sure that all jars have sealed and if so, they should be fine.
Jane Windham says
Check to make sure each jar has sealed properly because some of the liquid may escape when you are processing and it could affect the sealing of the jars.
Beth says
I am wondering if I only use part of the vinegar solution, can I save it for future canning??
Jane Windham says
I would only save it if I were canning something the next day.
Jill says
What about the jalapeño peppers? Does a half of one go in as you pack in the okra?
Seeded. Membrane removed? Thanks.
Pat says
We love pickled okra. So tell me when I packed my jars and processed them they left lots of room at the bottom. As if they shrunk. Why is that?
Jane Windham says
Pat, some of the jars in my first batch looked liked yours so the next time I made some, I jammed more okra into the jars. I alternated how I turned them to squeeze in as many as possible and that seemed to work better. Regardless, they are going to taste great!
Diane M. says
Yum, Love, love spicy pickled okra. Thanks for this recipe!
looking forward to trying this.
Have pinned it for later.
Ann says
Oh my I have never had Okra in my life but this looks easy and pretty tasty! The things that come out of your garden just amaze me. Good job!
Mary says
We love pickled okra in our Bloody Marys Jane! I’ve never grown it, but can remember helping pick it in my grandmother’s garden. I didn’t remember that beautiful bloom it had though 🙂
Pamela @ FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com says
I LOVE pickled Okra! But it is not carried in the local grocery stores. I had a friend who used to make it and share with me. She passed away and I never got her recipe. I am Pinning and saving this. Next year I am planting Okra in my garden for sure.
[email protected] says
My favorite bloody Mary garnish! Can’t wait to make this!
Patti says
Yum! I love okra. I’ll have to see if the farmer’s market is selling any and try this!
Jean Windham says
Wow those bloody mary drinks look fantastic. I bet they really taste great with the pickled okra. Look forward to the football games for a taste. Thanks for sharing. Jean
[email protected] Designs says
How great to be able to make such wonderful things from your garden…not a fan of Okra in general but love it pickled!…looks like a wonderful recipe…and did not know that Okra produces such pretty flowers!!!!…have a great weekend Jane and Leo!
Dawn says
I love deep fried okra, but have never had it pickled. Im pinning and sharing on my FB page 🙂