BBQ okra is a delicious and unique snack that combines the smoky flavors of traditional barbecue with a crispy Cajun kick. This tasty treat is perfect for anyone looking to add some variety to their snacking routine or for those who love trying new and exciting flavor combinations. Whether you’re a fan of okra or just looking to switch up your usual snacks, BBQ okra is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
Why Is Okra a Uniquely Southern Dish?
Okra is a traditional Cajun recipe for several reasons. Firstly, okra has been grown in the Southern United States for centuries and has become a staple ingredient in many Creole and Cajun dishes. The vegetable thrives in the hot and humid climate of Louisiana, making it an easily accessible and affordable ingredient for Cajun cooks.
Additionally, okra is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from gumbo to fried okra to stewed okra and tomatoes. Its unique texture adds a satisfying crunch to dishes while also helping to thicken sauces and stews.
In Cajun cuisine, okra is often paired with other classic ingredients like bell peppers, onions, garlic, andouille sausage, shrimp, and chicken. This combination of flavors creates a rich and comforting dish that is beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Overall, okra’s long history in Southern cuisine, its versatility in cooking applications, and its ability to enhance the flavors of other ingredients make it a natural fit for traditional Cajun recipes. Whether you are enjoying gumbo at a local restaurant or trying your hand at making jambalaya at home, incorporating okra into your cooking will help you achieve that authentic Cajun flavor that has been passed down through generations.
Cajun BBQ Okra As An Appetizer or Snack
BBQ okra is unique and delicious snack or appetizer to serve at your next summer BBQ? This tasty dish combines the classic flavors of Cajun seasoning with the smoky goodness of BBQ sauce, creating a mouthwatering treat that is sure to impress your guests. We are going to use our own homemade Cajun rub for this recipe!
If you are interested in some other Cajun recipes, here are two smoked turkey recipes using Cajun rubs: Smoked Cajun Whole Turkey and Smoked Cajun Turkey Breast.
Look no further for your ingredients for a homemade Cajun rub:
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt
- paprika
- cayenne pepper (I used my own smoked cayenne peppers for this recipe)
- black pepper
- oregano
- ground thyme
All the measurements are in the recipe card. But this is real simple, combine them, if you are need to grind them up further for a finer rub but once combined you are ready to go.
When it comes to preparing the okra, its a simple process. Cut the stem off, sometimes they may come with the stem off already (that was the case for me). That is all you really need to do to the okra. For seasoning, you are going to want to lightly drizzle with some olive oil. The easiest method would be to put the okra in a bowl, add some olive oil and shake the bowl around to coat the okra.
After the okra is coated with olive oil, all you need to now do is start adding the Cajun seasoning. Continue to shake the okra in the bowl covering all the okra. Stir around with your hand if you need to. When that is done we are ready to start getting on the grill.
BBQ Okra
There are a couple of ways we can grill this. It does not matter if you are going to use a charcoal grill or gas. I will be doing this on my Weber Kettle, using the vortex. By doing the using the vortex, I can avoid having to turn these and will get a great char on them. If you are going to do this over direct heat, that is a great method as well, you will just need to rotate the okra.
Once you have the grill up and running, I am going to have my vortex running at around 500°. If you are going to do it over direct heat, around 400° will work just fine. Once you are up and running go ahead and throw the okra on!
This is going to be relatively quick, which makes these perfect for a snack or appetizer at your next BBQ. Go by look, since we are not interested in an IT. I like some char on mine but not too much. It will be about 20 minutes, give or take a few minutes on either side depending on what temperature you are running the grill at and how much char you want on them. Once you pull them, you just need to let them cool long enough to handle and you can eat and enjoy!
Enjoy BBQ Okra
Crispy Cajun BBQ okra is a delicious and unique snack or appetizer option for any gathering. Its crunchy texture and flavorful Cajun seasoning make it a crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together with friends or a formal dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. So next time you’re looking for something different to serve at your event, consider adding crispy Cajun BBQ okra to the menu for a tasty and memorable treat.
Thanks for being here and checking out this Cajun BBQ okra recipe. I hope you enjoy it! We always appreciate comments, 5 star recipe rating and social media shares. As always, keep that smoke rolling!
Need some other snack or appetizer recipes, here are some suggestions:
- Smoked Crispy Pork Belly Burnt Ends
- Authentic Elote Recipe
- Smoked Steak Bites
- Clams On The Grill
- Easy Grilled Shrimp
- Smoked Cream Cheese
- Smoked Pork Nachos
- Grilled Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
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Cajun BBQ Okra
Learn how to spice up your summer BBQ with a Cajun twist on classic okra.
Ingredients
- 12 oz okra
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Cajun Dry Rub
- 1 tbsp. of garlic powder
- 1 tbsp. of onion powder
- 1 tbsp. of salt
- 2 tsp. of paprika
- 2 tsp. of cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp. of black pepper
- 1 tsp. of oregano
- 1 tsp. of ground thyme
Instructions
- Get the grill up and running, my vortex was running around 500°, if you are using direct heat 400° will work
- Prepare the Cajun rub. Combine the ingredients, mix together and put to the side.
- If needed, cut the stem off, place the okra in a bowl and coat with olive oil
- Add the rub to the okra and shake the bowl to cover the okra
- Place the okra on the grill and if using direct heat, ensure to rotate on occasion
- After about 20 minutes, you can remove and wait to let cool and serve
Notes
If you want a little less heat, only use 1 tsp of cayenne peppers as opposed to 2 teaspoons
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 72Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1753mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 4gSugar: 2gProtein: 3g