Zippy Southern Charm Pickled Okra Bites Recipe
Southern kitchens buzz with pickled okra bites that capture generations of culinary magic.
Crisp green pods marinate in tangy vinegar solutions perfected by grandmothers across alabama.
Briny and bold, these little appetizers pack surprising flavor into every delightful crunch.
Quick to assemble and impossible to resist, they make perfect party snacks that spark conversation.
Guests will marvel at how something so simple can taste incredibly complex.
Pickle lovers and newcomers alike find themselves enchanted by these zesty little treasures.
You won’t be able to stop at just one bite of this southern delicacy.
What Goes In Southern Charm Pickled Okra Bites
For the Vegetables:For the Pickling Liquid:For the Spices and Herbs:Steps To Make Southern Charm Pickled Okra Bites
Step 1: Clean and Trim Okra
Rinse okra pods under cool running water, gently scrubbing away any dirt or debris. Pat dry with clean kitchen towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the stem ends without cutting into the pod’s flesh.
Step 2: Prepare Sterilization Setup
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Carefully submerge glass jars and lids completely, boiling for 10 full minutes to eliminate any potential bacteria. Remove with tongs and place on a clean kitchen towel to dry.
Step 3: Create Pickling Liquid
In a stainless steel saucepan, combine:Heat the mixture over medium flame, stirring continuously until salt and sugar completely dissolve. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Arrange Jar Ingredients
Carefully layer ingredients into sterilized jars:Step 5: Pour Pickling Liquid
Slowly pour hot pickling liquid over the arranged ingredients, ensuring complete coverage. Leave 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
Step 6: Seal and Cool
Wipe jar rims clean, then secure lids tightly. Allow jars to cool at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes.
Step 7: Refrigerate and Develop Flavors
Place sealed jars in the refrigerator. Allow pickled okra to sit for 48 hours, letting flavors meld and intensify.
Step 8: Store and Enjoy
Pickled okra will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. Serve as a tangy, crunchy side or appetizer alongside your favorite dishes.
Tips For Southern Charm Pickled Okra Bites That Work
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Southern Charm Pickled Okra Bites FAQs Answered
Okra has a perfect texture for pickling, absorbing flavors well while maintaining its crisp structure and providing a unique, tangy result that Southern cuisine loves.
Yes, you can customize heat by adding or reducing dried chili peppers according to your preference, controlling the spiciness of your pickle batch.
White vinegar provides a clean, sharp acidity that preserves vegetables effectively and creates a bright, clear pickling liquid without altering the color of the okra.
Basic kitchen tools like a non-reactive saucepan, clean glass jars, and a pot for sterilization are sufficient for creating delicious homemade pickled okra.
Why Southern Charm Pickled Okra Bites Stand Out
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Southern Charm Pickled Okra Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 48 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Southern pickled okra bites bring zesty southern hospitality to party appetizers. Crisp, tangy medallions packed with bold flavor will delight guests and make you the star of any gathering.
Ingredients
Okra and Vegetables:
- 1 lb fresh okra, whole
- 0.5 cup sliced red onions
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
Pickling Liquid:
- 1.5 cups white vinegar
- 0.5 cup water
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
Spices and Herbs:
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp dill seeds
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 small dried chili pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash okra pods, ensuring they are clean and free from dirt, then trim the stems without cutting into the pod.
- Sterilize glass jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes to create a hygienic environment for pickling.
- Combine white vinegar, water, kosher salt, and sugar in a non-reactive saucepan, heating the mixture until salt and sugar completely dissolve at a gentle simmer.
- Layer whole okra pods vertically in sterilized jars, interspersing with sliced red onions, peeled garlic cloves, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, dill seeds, bay leaves, and optional dried chili pepper.
- Carefully pour the hot pickling liquid over the okra and spices, ensuring all vegetables are completely submerged and leaving 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of the jar.
- Seal jars tightly with sterilized lids, allowing them to cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Refrigerate pickled okra for at least 48 hours to allow flavors to develop and intensify, creating a tangy and crisp Southern-style condiment.
- Once pickled, okra bites will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks, offering a zesty and crunchy accompaniment to various dishes.
Notes
- Use super fresh, tender okra pods for the crispiest pickled results, avoiding oversized or fibrous vegetables that might become tough.
- Slice garlic and onions thinly to maximize flavor infusion and ensure even distribution throughout the pickling liquid.
- Adjust spice levels by experimenting with different chili peppers like jalapeños or red pepper flakes for personalized heat intensity.
- Store pickled okra in dark, cool refrigerator sections to maintain optimal texture and prevent potential flavor degradation over time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Pickling
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jackson Reid
Founder & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training
Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.