Easy Freezer Prep Method: How to Freeze Fresh Okra

Use your fresh okra all year long with this easy freezer prep method on how to freeze fresh okra. Fresh okra can easily be stored in the freezer but a few steps must be followed to properly freeze it first. This is a game-changer, time-saver, and simple way to store extra okra!

Okra is possibly my favorite vegetable and one we always put in our garden, but it never fails we have an over abundance of it! The benefit is we use it all throughout the year, so I enjoy stocking up on it during the peak growing season. Once you learn how to properly freeze fresh okra the right way, you’ll be happy about all that extra okra!

What you’ll love about this easy Freezer Okra Method:

• Keeps okra tasting fresh for up to a year!
• Store in the freezer for 8-12 months.
• Easy to use straight from frozen or defrost first, whichever you prefer.
• Use it as a side dish or in soups and stews!

Ingredients:

• Fresh Okra
• Freezer-Safe Storage Bags

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Trim the okra stems, and cut if you would like into the size you prefer.
2. Boil a pot of water, then place the okra in the boiling water for exactly 3 minutes. While this is boiling, prepare a bowl with ice water.
3. Remove and drain the okra from the boiling water.
4. Immediately toss the okra into a bowl of ice water for 3 minutes.
5. Drain and cool.
6. Cut them if you have not already and place them in a freezer safe bag, place flat in the freezer, and store in the freezer for up to 12 months.

Tips for Freezing Okra:

• If you want to avoid having them stick to each other, do a flash freeze by placing the okra on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze it for 1-2 hours or until firm, then add to the freezer-safe storage bag.
• Once in the storage bag, lay it flat in the freezer so that it takes up less space.
• Blanch the okra to keep the flavor and texture intact.
• Use proper freezer-safe storage bags or airtight freezer safe bags to protect the okra from freezer burn.
• Okra DOES NOT need to be thawed before using, it can be added straight to recipes or the skillet for cooking.

Why should you blanch okra before freezing it?

Blanching okra before you freeze it keeps all the flavors intact.

Blanching helps prevent loss of flavors and colors. It helps to stop the enzyme process that breaks down produce.

The process of blanching is simple, it means that you will first boil the okra for exactly 3 minutes, and then immediately drain and toss it into ice water. Once this is done, then you can store the okra in a freezer-safe bag.

I like to cut my okra before blanching; however, you can do it after as well. One of the most important factors in blanching is to be sure to watch the times.

Each vegetable has a different blanching time appropriate for what it is, and it is very important to keep to that guideline. If you under-blanch, you could be worse off than if you didn’t blanch them at all. This chart will give you a great overview of the times of each vegetable.

Recipes to use Frozen Okra With:

• Gumbo and Stew – Add it directly into the stew or gumbo for a great texture and taste.
• Soups
• Skillet Meals or for Fried Okra
• Air Fryer Okra
• Roasted Okra

Storage Tips:

Use freezer-safe storage bags or containers. Okra will stay frozen for up to 12 months in a standard freezer, but up to 18 months in a deep freeze. For best results, use it within 12 months.

It can be thawed overnight; however, frozen okra can be used in most recipes in the frozen state and will cook as the ingredients cook.

Freezing fresh okra is one of the easiest ways to preserve your garden-fresh okra and save time throughout the year with okra ready to go! This takes very little prep but the reward is great.