If you are searching for how to store cooked okra then you are at the right place. Below are some of the best methods for storing leftover cooked okra which you should try out. They will help you to preserve the texture and flavour of your cooked okra while also extending its shelf life.
Contents
What is okra?
Okra is a fruit although most people consider it a vegetable. It is derived from the Abelmoschus esculentus plant also known as okra plant. Okra is also referred to as lady fingers or gumbo depending on where you live. It grows best in climatic conditions that are humid. It has a natural slimy texture because it contains mucilage. The slimy texture of okra makes it a very good thickener for stews and gumbos.
How to store cooked okra
Store cooked okra in the freezer
NB: this is the best method for storing cooked okra. This is because it really extend its shelf life for up to 6 months.
Step 1
To store leftover cooked okra in the freezer start by letting it cool down completely. This is because if you store cooked okra in the freezer while hot the temperature of the freezer will change. This will then affect the shelf life of other foods.
Step 2
Once the cooked okra has cooked down, divide it into meal sized portions before placing it into freezer bags. This will help you in the long run since you can easily defrost 1 portion instead of the whole batch of cooked okra. Seal the freezer bags but, before sealing the bags take out as much air as possible. This will help to prevent freezer burn and premature spoilage.
Step 3
The last step is to label the bags with the date in which you are storing leftover cooked okra in the freezer. This will help you to remember when it’s most likely to turn bad. Also indicate how many people each portion serves. The last step is to store cooked okra in the freezer where it will last for 6 months.
Store cooked okra in the fridge
NB: this method only stores cooked okra for about 5 days. Therefore, only store cooked okra in the fridge when you are certain that you will consume it in a short space of time.
Step 1
When storing cooked okra in the fridge start by letting it cool down.
Step 2
Once it has cooked down place it into an air tight container or a freezer bag. The next thing is to store the cooked okra in the fridge where it will last for 5 days.
NB: when storing cooked okra in the fridge ensure that the temperature of the fridge is below 40F.
How to reheat cooked okra
Reheat cooked okra using a stove
NB: this method helps to revive the texture as well as the flavour of the cooked okra. However, you need to keep a close eye on the okra in order to ensure that it does not burn.
If the okra was cooked by frying then you need to take a frying pan and place it on a stove that is switched on to medium heat. Add a little bit of oil to the pan, and when it has heated up, add the cooked okra. Let it reheat for 4 to 5 minutes while turning it from time to time. If you want to reheat cooked okra that was incorporated in a stew then you need to place it directly in a sauce pan you do not need to add any oil. Let it reheat for a few minutes or until its temperature reads 165F.
Reheat cooked okra using an oven
NB: this method is ideal for reheating cooked okra that was cooked using the frying method.
In order to reheat cooked okra in the oven start by preheating the oven to 425 degrees. The next step is to take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Spray non-stick cooking spray on top of the parchment paper then add the cooked okra inside. Make sure the cooked okra is not over crowded in the baking sheet because it will not reheat evenly. Place the cooked okra in the oven and let it reheat for 10 minutes. You should flip the cooked okra once in a while in order to ensure that it reheats evenly.
Reheat cooked okra using the microwave
NB: this is the fastest method for reheating cooked okra. However, if your okra was cooked using the frying method then its texture might be sacrificed a little bit.
When reheating cooked okra in the microwave you need to start by placing it in a microwave safe bowl. Cover the bowl with wet paper towels or a wet cloth. Place the cooked okra in the microwave and reheat it for 1 to 2 minutes. Take it out of the microwave and check whether it has reheated evenly. If not you can add an additional 30 seconds. Serve cooked okra immediately after reheating.
How to tell when cooked okra has turned bad
In order to tell when cooked okra has turned bad you need to look at its appearance. If cooked okra has a brown like colour then it has definitely turned bad. Also look out for moulds on cooked okra. If there are any, then you need to throw the cooked okra away as it can make you sick. The other thing that will tell you that cooked okra has turned bad is the smell. If your cooked okra has an odd unpleasant smell then you definitely need to throw it away. Eating cooked okra that has turned bad can lead to sickness. Therefore, you need to avoid it as much as possible.
Conclusion
Cooked okra can be stored in either the freezer or the fridge. It is important to remember that cooked okra needs to be stored within 2 hours after preparation. This helps to reduce the risk of bacteria infecting the cooked okra. This is because bacteria usually affects foods that are stored between 40F to 140F.
