Okra Rice is a popular Caribbean side dish that blows plain old rice out of the water.
Vibrant and full of flavor, this okra perloo will help you add a bit of variety to your meals while packing in plenty of vitamins and minerals along the way.
Our Okra Rice recipe is fast, budget friendly and all cooked in one pan, making post-dinner cleanup a breeze.
Okra
Sometimes known as Ladies’ Fingers, okra is actually the seed pod of a plant that is used frequently in Caribbean, Indian and Southern recipes.
Okra is one of those love-it-or-hate-it ingredients. While its flavor is fairly mild, once cooked it can take on a certain sliminess (which is actually great for thickening up stews and soups!)
In this recipe, frying the okra for a few minutes helps to eliminate that slimy texture.
Okra is well worth trying, not just for its unique taste but also for its long list of nutritional benefits. It is a rich source of dietary fiber with plenty of vitamin A, vitamin C and many essential minerals like iron, calcium and magnesium.
Rice
This recipe is great for using up any half-used bags of rice that you have sitting in the cupboard, as it works with several different varieties including long grain and basmati (it also makes it pretty easy on the wallet). You could even use brown rice if you would prefer. Just try and avoid medium or short grain rice, as these will stick together in your pan.
The broth in this recipe helps to give the rice an extra helping of deliciousness. Don’t be tempted to skip the step of toasting the uncooked rice in the pan before you add your liquid. This enhances the nutty taste of the grains, adding even more flavor to your end dish.
What can I Serve With Okra Rice?
This recipe is a versatile side dish that could be served alongside almost any meat or fish, particularly when cooked with similar Caribbean-inspired herbs and spices. Because it is so flavorsome, this Okra Rice recipe can even be served on its own as a vegetarian lunch or light dinner dish.
Okra Perloo Tips and Tricks
Tempting as it may be, try not to over-stir your rice mixture as it is cooking. Hence why this rice is perfect in the instant pot. If you were to make this okra rice recipe on the stove, make sure you are using a low heat and a tight-fitting lid, and stir gently after 15 minutes. Stir much more than that and you will activate the starch in the rice and make it mushy.
As this recipe has Caribbean origins, there is a fair amount of spice involved. However, it’s totally adaptable according to your preferences, so if you’re not overly keen on spicy food, start with small amounts and work your way up, tasting as you go. If you are cooking for kids, you can always omit the chilli completely.
More Okra Recipes You’ll Enjoy
If you loved this okra rice / okra perloo recipe, try these Crispy Air Fryer Fried Okra Recipe next.
OTHER VEGAN RECIPES YOU’LL ENJOY
Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Also, we would appreciate if could give it a star rating below!
Instant Pot Okra And Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Lb. Okra Sliced
- 3 Cups Jasmine Rice Washed / Rinsed
- 3 Cups Water
- 3 Garlic Cloves Minced or chopped
- 1 Tbsp. Tomato Paste
- ⅓ Cup Haitian Epis
- 2 Tbsp. Oil Olive oil is okay to use
- 1 ½ Tsp. Kosher Salt Or to taste
- ½ Tsp. Black Pepper Or to taste
Instructions
- Wash and rince the rice. Set aside. On the Instant Pot, click on the sautee button and adjust the time 30 minutes. Add the oil and add the okra. Cook for 3 minutes. Next, add the tomato paste, epis and garlic. Stir and cook for 2 more minutes. Add the rice. Mix well. Then add the water, season with salt and pepper.
- Place the lid on the pot and turn the knob to sealing. Click on cancel, then press the rice button. Click on rice again so that the light is on the more button. The time should show 15 minutes.Quick release, fluff with a fork. Serve and enjoy.
- Serve and enjoy.
Michelle says
This looks so fabulous and flavorful. I love okra, but wish it wasn’t so hard to find around here!
Mirlene says
Thank you very much, Michelle
Angela says
This rice looks delicious! The instant pot is so handy for quick cooking.
Mirlene says
The Instant Pot makes it so much easier to make.
Shanna says
This was so yummy!! It reminds me a lot of a recipe my grandmother used to make.
Mirlene says
It makes me happy to hear that. Thank you.
Pam says
We love okra, but have never tried it this way. Can’t wait!
Mirlene says
Hope you get a chance to try it, Pam.
Toni Dash says
This is so good!! Love how flavorful it is!
Mirlene says
So Glad you liked it Toni.