Spice up your side dish game with this sizzling recipe for Hot Mexican Okra! Featuring tender okra pieces charred to perfection, this dish is infused with the bold flavors of smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder, creating a smoky-spicy kick in every bite. Fresh jalapeño slices add heat, while a squeeze of lime juice brightens the dish with a zesty tang. Finished with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and optional crumbled cotija cheese, this vibrant recipe makes the perfect appetizer or side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal. Quick and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes, it's the ultimate way to transform humble okra into a flavorful, crowd-pleasing delight!
Wash the okra thoroughly and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel. Trim the tops and tails, and slice the okra into 1-inch pieces.
Thinly slice the jalapeño pepper and mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sliced jalapeños to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the sliced okra to the skillet, spreading it out in an even layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to develop a light char.
Stir the okra and continue cooking for another 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the okra is tender and slightly crispy around the edges.
Sprinkle the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper over the okra. Toss to coat the okra evenly with the spices.
Squeeze the juice of the lime over the okra and give it a final toss. Remove from heat.
Transfer the okra to a serving dish and top with chopped cilantro. If desired, sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over the top for an extra layer of flavor.
Serve immediately as a side dish or enjoy as a flavorful appetizer.
Calories |
587 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.6 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.0 g | 55% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 27 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 2249 mg | 98% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 51.3 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.0 g | 71% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.3 g | ||
| Protein | 18.7 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 678 mg | 52% | |
| Iron | 6.3 mg | 35% | |
| Potassium | 1710 mg | 36% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.