Grilled Okra and Grape Tomatoes: A Summer Side Dish Sensation
Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy the bounty of fresh, seasonal produce. Okra, often overlooked, shines when kissed by the smoky char of the grill. Pairing it with sweet, bursting grape tomatoes creates a vibrant and flavorful side dish that’s both healthy and incredibly delicious. This grilled okra and grape tomatoes recipe is simple, quick, and sure to become a summertime favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Simple and Quick:** This recipe requires minimal prep and cooks in just minutes on the grill.
* **Flavorful:** The smoky char from the grill enhances the natural flavors of the okra and tomatoes, creating a delicious and complex taste.
* **Healthy:** Okra and tomatoes are packed with nutrients, making this a guilt-free side dish.
* **Versatile:** This dish pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, steak, or even as a vegetarian main course served over rice or quinoa.
* **Uses Seasonal Ingredients:** Showcases the best of summer produce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* 1 pound fresh okra, washed and trimmed
* 1 pint grape tomatoes, washed
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Equipment You’ll Need
* Grill
* Grill basket or skewers (optional, but recommended for preventing vegetables from falling through the grates)
* Mixing bowl
* Measuring spoons and cups
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Okra and Tomatoes
Wash the okra thoroughly and trim off the stems. You can leave the okra whole or slice it in half lengthwise, depending on your preference. If the okra is particularly large, slicing it will help it cook more evenly.
Wash the grape tomatoes and pat them dry. There’s no need to cut them unless they are very large.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. This simple marinade will add a ton of flavor to the okra and tomatoes.
Step 3: Marinate the Vegetables
Add the okra and grape tomatoes to the bowl with the marinade. Toss gently to ensure that the vegetables are evenly coated. Let the vegetables marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, at room temperature. The longer they marinate, the more flavor they will absorb.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. If you’re using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are evenly distributed for consistent heat.
Step 5: Grill the Okra and Tomatoes
If you’re using a grill basket, place the marinated okra and tomatoes in the basket. If you’re using skewers, thread the okra and tomatoes onto the skewers, alternating between the two for visual appeal and even cooking. Be careful not to overcrowd the skewers or basket, as this can prevent the vegetables from cooking properly.
Place the grill basket or skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the okra is slightly charred and tender-crisp and the tomatoes are softened and starting to burst. Keep a close eye on the vegetables to prevent them from burning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the okra and tomatoes are grilled to your liking, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Grilling Okra and Grape Tomatoes Perfectly
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Grill:** Overcrowding the grill can lower the temperature and prevent the vegetables from charring properly. Work in batches if necessary.
* **Use a Grill Basket or Skewers:** These tools will prevent the okra and tomatoes from falling through the grates, making grilling easier and more efficient.
* **Don’t Overcook the Okra:** Overcooked okra can become slimy. Aim for tender-crisp, with a slight char.
* **Control the Heat:** Medium heat is ideal for grilling okra and tomatoes. Too high of heat can cause them to burn before they are cooked through.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to add other herbs and spices to the marinade, such as thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder. A squeeze of lemon juice after grilling can also brighten the flavors.
* **Choose Fresh, Ripe Produce:** The quality of the ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Look for okra that is firm and bright green, and grape tomatoes that are plump and juicy.
* **Consider Adding Other Vegetables:** Bell peppers, zucchini, or onions would also grill well alongside the okra and tomatoes.
Variations and Additions
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat.
* **Smoked Paprika:** Substitute some of the dried oregano with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor boost.
* **Lemon Herb:** Use lemon juice instead of balsamic vinegar and add fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the marinade.
* **Mediterranean:** Add crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives after grilling for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
* **Bacon:** Wrap the okra and tomatoes in bacon before grilling for a smoky and savory treat.
* **Honey-Glazed:** Add a tablespoon of honey to the marinade for a touch of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This grilled okra and grape tomatoes recipe is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Grilled Chicken or Fish:** The smoky flavors of the vegetables complement grilled chicken or fish perfectly.
* **Steak or Pork Chops:** Serve as a side dish alongside grilled steak or pork chops for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Vegetarian Main Course:** Serve over rice, quinoa, or couscous for a delicious and healthy vegetarian option.
* **Tacos or Fajitas:** Use the grilled okra and tomatoes as a filling for tacos or fajitas.
* **Salads:** Add the grilled vegetables to salads for a boost of flavor and nutrients.
* **Appetizer:** Serve as an appetizer with a dollop of hummus or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Make-Ahead Tips
* **Marinate the Vegetables:** You can marinate the okra and tomatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Prepare the Marinade:** The marinade can be made several days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Grilling Ahead:** While best served immediately, you can grill the vegetables ahead of time and reheat them briefly on the grill or in the oven. Be careful not to overcook them when reheating.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover grilled okra and grape tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the grill, in the oven, or in a skillet.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 120
* Fat: 9g
* Saturated Fat: 1.5g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 150mg
* Carbohydrates: 9g
* Fiber: 3g
* Sugar: 4g
* Protein: 2g
Recipe Card
**Grilled Okra and Grape Tomatoes**
A simple and flavorful summer side dish featuring grilled okra and sweet grape tomatoes.
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Marinating Time:** 15-30 minutes
**Cook Time:** 8-12 minutes
**Total Time:** 38-57 minutes
**Yield:** 4 servings
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound fresh okra, washed and trimmed
* 1 pint grape tomatoes, washed
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Wash and trim the okra and wash the grape tomatoes.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Add okra and tomatoes to the bowl and toss to coat. Marinate for 15-30 minutes.
4. Preheat grill to medium heat.
5. Place okra and tomatoes in a grill basket or on skewers.
6. Grill for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until okra is charred and tender-crisp and tomatoes are softened.
7. Serve immediately.
Enjoy this delicious and healthy grilled okra and grape tomatoes recipe! It’s a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of summer.
Related Recipes
* Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter
* Grilled Zucchini with Garlic and Parmesan
* Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
Keywords
Grilled okra, grilled tomatoes, grape tomatoes, okra recipe, summer recipe, side dish, vegetarian, healthy recipe, grilling, barbecue, balsamic vinegar, oregano, easy recipe, quick recipe