I never liked okra. I know, I know – it’s a popular vegetable that a lot of people love. But for me, the texture was just too weird.
So when I started cooking more often, and recipes began calling for okra, I was stumped. What could I substitute in its place?
Thankfully, there are a few different replacement options that I’ve since come to love. I spent a few months trying them in different dishes until I found the perfect substitute for okra in each case.
In this article, I’ll share my findings with you. I’ll go over 11 substitutes for okra and how to use them, including the exact ratios to substitute. By the end, you’ll be an expert on swapping out this difficult-to-find ingredient.
So whether you’re like me and don’t enjoy eating okra or you just can’t find it at your local grocery store, read on for the best substitutes out there.
Substitute For Okra:
- Filé Powder
- Roux
- Cornstarch
- Arrowroot
- Zucchini
- Green Beans
- Asparagus
- Broccoli Florets
- Eggplant
- Summer Squash
- Lentils
Filé Powder
Filé Powder is a common thickening agent used in place of okra, especially in gumbo. It is a powder made from the dried and ground bark of the sassafras tree. It also has a slight flavor, which resembles that of root beer.
When using filé powder as a thickener, use one tablespoon of the powder for every two cups of okra. It will add thickness and texture to the food by only changing the flavor slightly.
Roux
Roux is a great substitute for okra. It has a toffee color and nutty flavor and is made by adding flour to the butter and cooking it until it reaches a thick, gelatinous consistency.
This thick roux can be used as a replacement for okra in many recipes. It is especially useful in gumbo and stews, where its thick texture can help to thicken the sauce.
Roux can acts as a flavoring agent in homemade stocks and soups. While it does not have the same slimy texture as okra, it can still provide a similar mouthfeel and flavor profile. As such, roux is an excellent substitute for okra in many recipes.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is another great substitute for okra, as it can be used in a variety of dishes.
To use cornstarch as a thickener, simply mix two teaspoons of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water to create a simple slurry. Then, add this mixture to the dish you’re preparing, and stir continuously until the desired thickness is achieved.
Cornstarch will give your dish a transparent look, similar to okra. It will help to thicken the soup or stew without changing the taste. So if you’re looking for a thickener that won’t alter the flavor of your dish, cornstarch is a great choice!
Arrowroot
Arrowroot powder is a flavorless, thickening agent made from dried roots of a tropical plant. It is often used as a substitute for okra in soups and stews. Arrowroot powder can be mixed with water to create a glossy, translucent paste that can be used to thicken sauces and soups.
Arrowroot powder is also vegan and gluten-free. It is important to note that arrowroot powder will not add any flavor to your dish, so be sure to adjust your seasoning accordingly.
When substituting arrowroot powder for okra, use a 1:1 ratio. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped okra, use 1 teaspoon of arrowroot powder mixed with 1 teaspoon of water.
Zucchini
Zucchini is a great substitute for okra because it is a versatile fruit that is easy to cook and grow. It has a mild, sweet flavor and gives a soft texture to the dish, just like okra. It is commonly used as a side dish, as fillings for bread, and even as noodles.
Zucchini can be used in place of okra in many recipes, such as stews, stir-fries, and curries. It is also a good source of phosphorus and magnesium, as well as potassium and fiber.
Green Beans
Green beans, also known as string beans, are a versatile vegetable that can be used as a substitute for okra in many dishes. Green beans are picked when they are young and tender and can be eaten raw or cooked.
When cooked, they have a crisp texture and can be used in a variety of ways, including steamed, sauteed, or stir-fried. Green beans are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and folate.
When cooking with green beans, it is important to note that they cook more quickly than okra and should be added towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that can be used as a substitute for okra in many recipes. While it is slightly more expensive than okra, it is available year-round and can be used in a variety of ways. Asparagus can be deep-fried in batter, similar to okra, or simply boiled or steamed.
It is a long, thin vegetable used instead of okra in recipes that call for sliced okra. In addition, asparagus has a similar taste and texture to okra, making it a good choice for those who are looking for a similar flavor without a slimy texture. Overall, asparagus is an excellent substitute for okra in both taste and texture.
Broccoli Florets
Broccoli florets are an excellent substitute for okra in many dishes. They are all edible parts of the flower and have a slightly strong flavor.
Broccoli florets are very nutritious, containing high levels of vitamins C, as well as fiber and iron. They can be eaten raw or cooked and are a great addition to stir-fries, soups, and pasta.
When substituting Broccoli florets for okra, it is important to remember that Broccoli florets will take longer to cook than okra, so be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Eggplant
Eggplant is a great substitute for okra. It belongs to the nightshade family, which also includes potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers. It is low in calories and fat while being a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
It is an edible flowering plant grown in warm climates around the world and is harvested in the summer months. Eggplant comes in many different sizes, shapes, and colors but commonly it is dark purple and resembles a big drop.
Eggplant has a similar texture to okra, making it a good replacement in recipes. It can be cooked in many different ways, including baking, frying, grilling, and roasting.
Summer Squash
Summer squash is a great substitute for okra. It has a different taste and color, but it can be used as a replacement in many cases. It is full of nutrients and has many health benefits. It is also low in calories and fat.
Summer squash can be cooked in many different ways. It can be boiled, baked, fried, or sautéed. It can also be cut into cubes and added to soups or stews. It is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different recipes.
Lentils
One great substitute for okra is lentils. Lentils are a great way to thicken up a dish, and they have a great taste and a variety of colors.
Green lentils are the most common, but you can also find brown, red, and black lentils. You can cook them separately or blend them into the dish.
When looking for a replacement for okra, green lentils are a great option. They’re easy to cook, they taste great, and they come in a variety of colors. So next time you’re looking for a substitute for okra, lentils should be at the top of your list.
Related Questions
How do you cook substitute for okra?
Cooking substitute for okra is easy. You can cook them in many different ways, including boiling, baking, frying, and sautéing. You can also cut them into cubes and add them to soups or stews. They are versatile vegetables that can be used in many different recipes.
What dishes can you make with substitutes for okra?
There are many dishes that you can make with substitutes for okra. Some of our favorites include stews, soups, and pasta. You can also use substitutes for okra in dishes such as gumbo or jambalaya.
What are the nutritional benefits of substitutes for okra?
Substitutes for okra are a great way to add nutrients to your diet. They are all high in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as calcium and iron. They are also low in calories and fat. So if you’re looking for a healthy substitute for okra, any of the vegetables listed above will work great.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for a substitute because you don’t like okra or you are trying to find a way to add more nutrients to your diet, there is an option out there for you.
All of the substitutes listed above have their unique benefits and tastes. So next time you’re looking for a replacement for okra, try one of the substitutes listed above, and we’re sure you won’t regret it!