Go Back
–+ servings
ladle scooping Okra and Tomatoes
Print

Cajun Okra and Tomatoes

This Southern dish of Cajun okra and tomatoes makes summer official! Our recipe adds bacon, onion, and some Cajun heat for a down-home flavor.
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword one pan meal recipes, Southern food
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 4 -6 servings
Calories 167kcal
Author Kathleen

Ingredients

  • 4 slices bacon
  • 24 ounces fresh okra stems + tips removed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 teaspoons white vinegar
  • 1 (28-ounce) canned whole plum tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 1 sweet onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons Slap Ya Mama cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
  • 2 green onions chopped
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, add the bacon slices and cook until crispy. Remove and cut into pieces, reserving the grease in the skillet.
    Step 1 how to make Okra and Tomatoes, Cook the bacon. Set aside.
  • Add the chopped okra (24 ounces) and vinegar (2 teaspoons) and cook, stirring occasionally, about 8-10 minutes, until most of the ‘slime’ has gone. Remove to the side.
    Step 2 how to make Stewed Okra and Tomatoes, Add the chopped okra and vinegar and cook. Set aside.
  • Add the vegetable oil (2 teaspoons) and heat over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened. Add the garlic (4 cloves) and cook for another 3 minutes.
    Step 3 how to make Okra with Tomatoes, Saute the onions
  • Add the canned plum tomatoes (28 ounces) and their juices, as well as the tomato paste (1 tablespoon) and chicken broth (1 cup). Using a wooden spoon, break up the tomatoes.
    Step 5 how to make Stewed Okra and Tomatoes, Add the canned plum tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Stir in the seasonings and the hot sauce, then simmer until the tomatoes have reduced some.
  • Stir in the seasonings (2 teaspoons) and the hot sauce (1 teaspoon), then simmer for about 30 minutes, until the tomatoes have reduced some.
  • Add the okra and bacon pieces back and cook for another 10 minutes.
    Step 6 how to make Okra with Tomatoes, Add the okra and bacon pieces back and cook.
  • Sprinkle with green onions, and serve over white rice or as a side dish.
    Stewed Okra and Tomatoes in a pan

Notes

  • Prep the okra first: To save time, trim the stems and tips from your okra and slice them into 1-inch pieces before you begin cooking. This helps everything move smoothly once the heat is on.
  • Don’t skip the vinegar step! Cooking the okra with a splash of white vinegar helps reduce its natural sliminess, giving the finished dish a better texture. Be patient here—it’s worth it!
  • Customize the heat: This dish packs a punch! Feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning and Tabasco sauce to suit your spice tolerance. You can always add more later.
  • Make it a meal: Serve over steamed white rice, or alongside grilled or blackened chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a hearty Southern supper.
  • Save the bacon fat: Bacon grease adds authentic Southern flavor—don’t drain it off! You’ll use it to build flavor with the okra and veggies.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 544mg | Potassium: 779mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1383IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 157mg | Iron: 3mg