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sealed jars of pickled okra.
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5 from 17 votes

Pickled Okra Recipe

My Pickled Okra recipe uses a quick pickle method with my Daddy's tried and true seasoning blend. Ready to eat in 10 minutes, or let sit for bolder flavor!
Prep Time20 minutes
Steep Time10 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Southern
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 196kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 lbs Okra
  • 12 cloves Garlic
  • 12 Dried chili peppers
  • 12 teaspoons Mustard seeds
  • 12 teaspoons Celery seeds
  • 1 cup Non-iodized salt
  • 2 cups White sugar
  • 2 quarts Water
  • 2 quarts White vinegar

Instructions

  • Wash okra and pack in 12 sterilized pint jars. Alternate the tips going up and down in the jar to pack them in.
  • Put equal amounts of garlic, peppers, celery, and mustard seed in jars.
  • Bring water and vinegar to a slow boil in a large pot. You’ll start to see bubbles forming. Then add the sugar, and salt and stir with a whisk until combined. Let boil for another minute and then turn off the heat. 
  • Pour liquid into jars. Place the lid on the jars, close, and let sit for 10 minutes. Let it sit even longer to develop the flavors.

To properly seal

  • Cap the lid and tighten: Snap a lid on each jar and twist on a canning ring or band until it’s snug. We want to go for fingertip tight so the air can escape during processing.
  • Time for a Hot Bath: Drop those jars into a big pot of boiling water and let them chill for about 10 minutes. This step helps to seal everything. My big mama would do this all the time when jarring.
  • Seal it up!: Once done, grab the jars with tongs or a jar lifter and let them relax for a few hours. This step is necessary because it sucks out that extra air so it seals super tight preventing bacteria for getting up in there. Once they cool, make them at home in a cool, dry spot away from the sun. They will last for up to a year this way.
  • After opening: Make sure you store it in the fridge after you open and enjoy from there.

Notes

Expert Tips And FAQs

  • Once a jar has been opened, store it in the refrigerator.
Can I use frozen okra for canning?
Unfortunately, frozen okra is not good for canning. The outside of the okra softens in the freezing process, meaning it won’t crisp up when it’s pickled.
Can I use other types of vinegar?
The only vinegar you should use for canning is one with an acidity level of 5%. Some vinegar varieties are classified in terms of “grain,” and 5% acidity is equivalent to 50 grain. Distilled white vinegar typically has 5% acidity, but it’s always best to double-check.
Is pickled okra slimy?
No, pickled okra is not slimy at all! Okra pods are mucilaginous, which means they can turn gooey or slimy once cut or cooked. The sliminess comes from a soluble fiber that is released from the vegetable. When you pickle okra, there is no cutting or cooking, so they remain crispy.

Nutrition

Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 7097mg | Potassium: 567mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 1319IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 191mg | Iron: 2mg