Mississippi Charred Okra with Lemon

Introduction

Grilled to crispy perfection, this Mississippi Charred Okra with Lemon is packed with smoky flavor. Cooked directly on the Arteflame Grill, this simple yet delicious recipe lets the fire enhance the natural flavors of fresh okra, finished with a touch of butter, salt, and bright lemon juice for the perfect bite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh okra, whole
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

• Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them inside the grill.
• Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
• Allow about 20 minutes for the grill to heat up.

Step 2: Prepare the Okra

• Rinse and thoroughly dry the fresh okra.
• Toss the okra with melted butter, sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using.

Step 3: Grill the Okra

• Place the okra directly on the Arteflame flat top griddle near the center where the heat is highest.
• Grill for about 5 minutes, turning frequently until charred and crispy on all sides.
• Move the okra to a slightly cooler area on the griddle to finish cooking for another 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

• Transfer the grilled okra to a serving plate.
• Drizzle with fresh lemon juice.
• Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips

• Ensure the okra is completely dry before grilling to achieve the best char and prevent steaming.
• Use larger okra pods for a meatier texture on the grill.
• For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the hot okra before serving.
• Move the okra to a lower heat zone on the griddle if you notice excessive charring.
• Enjoy this dish fresh off the grill for the best texture and taste.

Variations

• Spicy Cajun: Toss the okra with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne pepper before grilling.
• Garlic Butter: Add minced garlic to the melted butter before tossing with okra.
• Southern BBQ: Brush the okra with a light coating of BBQ sauce before grilling.
• Herb Infused: Add finely chopped rosemary and thyme to the butter mix for fragrant, flavorful okra.
• Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle crumbled feta or grated parmesan cheese over the grilled okra before serving.

Best Pairings

• Grilled Ribeye Steak with Reverse Sear
• Smoky Grilled Corn on the Cob
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers
• Southern-style Mac and Cheese
• Refreshing Lemon Iced Tea

Conclusion

Mississippi Charred Okra with Lemon is a fantastic dish that brings out the smoky, crisp flavors of okra while keeping it simple and delicious. The Arteflame Grill ensures an even char without burning, making this a must-try recipe for any grilling enthusiast.