Blackened Okra with Red Rice

By Dani Potts | September 29, 2025

Total time: 45 mins, Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS 

Rice

  • 2 tablespoons avocado or peanut oil
  • ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 5 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 large clove garlic, minced
  • 1 ¾ cups vegetable stock
  • 2 teaspoons of soy sauce or tamari

Okra

  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1 lb okra 
  • 2 tablespoons avocado or peanut oil
  • 3-5 tablespoons blackened seasoning

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. To make the rice: Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt, and sauté until golden brown and very soft, about 10 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring often, until any moisture evaporates and the rice smells slightly nutty, about 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and mix well to coat the rice and vegetables.
  2. Pour in the stock and tamari, increase the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let rest, covered, while you prepare the okra.
  3. To make the okra: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Bring about 12 cups of water to a boil in a large stockpot. Add salt, then the okra, and blanch for 1 minute. Drain well.
  4. Transfer the okra to a large bowl, drizzle with oil, and toss to coat. Sprinkle with blackened seasoning and additional salt to taste, and toss again until evenly seasoned. Spread the okra in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for about 25 minutes, or until crispy.
  5. To serve: Cut the roasted okra into thirds and serve on top of the rice. 

Inspired by: https://www.peta.org/recipes/blackened-okra-red-rice/

BENEFITS

Okra is a nutrient-dense vegetable rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support immune health and digestion. Its soluble fiber forms a gel-like texture, which can help stabilize blood sugar and promote heart health by lowering cholesterol. Okra also provides folate, important for cell growth and repair, and is naturally low in calories, making it a wholesome addition to balanced meals.