Description

Garlic Chili Roasted Okra is a flavorful and spicy Southern-inspired side dish featuring fresh okra tossed with garlic, chili powder, and smoked paprika, then roasted to crispy perfection. This healthy and easy-to-make recipe is perfect for pairing with grilled meats, rice, or your favorite Southern meals.

Ingredients

Okra and Seasonings

1 pound fresh okra, trimmed and halved lengthwise
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

To Serve

Fresh lemon juice (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Toss the okra with seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the halved okra with olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the okra is evenly coated with the spice mixture.
Arrange on baking sheet: Spread the okra out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, placing them cut side down to encourage better browning and crispiness.
Roast the okra: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 18–22 minutes, flipping the okra once halfway through the cooking time to ensure even roasting. The okra should become tender and develop lightly crisped edges.
Serve with lemon juice: Remove the roasted okra from the oven and, if desired, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top to add a bright and tangy finish. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow the okra to crisp properly instead of steaming.
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, rice dishes, or classic Southern favorites.
You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the dish’s spiciness.
Using fresh lemon juice adds a nice fresh contrast but can be omitted if preferred.