Description
Pickled Okra is a crisp, tangy Southern favorite, made by preserving fresh okra in a seasoned vinegar brine. This straightforward recipe lets you achieve crunchy pickled okra with garlic, dill, mustard, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. It delivers perfectly preserved jars for snacking, garnishing, or including in relish trays. Ideal for canners and pickle lovers seeking a reliable homemade method.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh okra, washed and trimmed
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup canning salt or kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 teaspoons dill seeds
- 2 teaspoons mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 sprigs fresh dill
- 4 pint-sized canning jars with lids and bands
Instructions
- Sterilize the canning jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
- Wash the okra thoroughly and trim the stems, leaving the caps intact.
- In a large pot, combine the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve.
- Place garlic, dill seeds, mustard seeds, peppercorns, red pepper flakes, and fresh dill into each sterilized jar. Pack okra standing upright.
- Pour hot brine over okra, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles.
- Wipe jar rims, place lids and screw bands fingertip tight.
- Process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours. Check seals and store in cool, dark place.
Notes
For a milder flavor, omit red pepper flakes. Substitute apple cider vinegar for white vinegar for a fruitier taste. Use jarred dill if fresh isn’t available, or celery seeds in place of dill seeds. Pickled okra can be made ahead and will keep for up to a year if stored in a cool, dark place. Always ensure lids seal properly; unsealed jars should be refrigerated and used within 2 weeks. If brine clouds or pickles soften, review sterilization and sealing steps.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pint (about 1/2 cup)
- Calories: 28
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1350mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg