Okra Stir Fry

Okra Stir Fry (炒秋葵) is a simple and flavorful Chinese veggie dish made with garlic and dried chili peppers. The okra turns tender yet slightly crisp, and the garlicky heat brings out its natural sweetness.

Jump to:

• What is Okra
• Dried Chili Peppers
• How to Stir Fry Okra (Step by Step)
• Storage & Reheating
• FAQ
• Okra Stir Fry Recipe
• More Delicious Chinese Vegetable Stir Fry Recipes!
• Pin for later!

What is Okra

Okra aka Okro is a vegetable used in many cuisines across the world - such as West Africa, Ethiopia, China, and more!

Okra is the edible green pods of the plant, and it's known for it's 'slimey' or 'gooey' texture when cooked. One way to make it less slimey is to cook it with something acidic, such as tomatoes, or soak it in vinegar for half an hour prior to cooking.

However if you are like me and don't remind the slime, you can stir fry it as is!

Okra is also high in nutrients including vitamins C which helps support immune systems. It also is high in K1 which is known for supporting blood clotting.

It also contains antioxidants that may prevent inflammation and decrease risks for serious illnesses. It contains polyphenols which support heart and brain health.

Unlike most veggies, Okra also contains protein.

Dried Chili Peppers

I like to use dried chili peppers with this dish to add some spiciness. However, it is completely optional.

For those of you that like spicy, this Dried Chili Peppers is a great ingredient to have around the house.

Depending on the one you buy it could be spicy vs. not that spicy - there's literally thousands of varieties.

The most common one I use is Tianjin pepper, aka Chao Tian Jiao, which actually directly translate to facing the sky because they grow pointing upwards! Chao Tian Jiao are commonly used in Hunan and Sichuan cuisine, so for example, often used in Kung Pao Chicken!

You should be able to find it at your local Asian super market, however, if you do not have one near you they are also available online, such as Amazon here.

If you are looking to learn more about Chinese sauces, condiments and other pantry items, check out my article here!

How to Stir Fry Okra (Step by Step)

First gather your ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 dried chili peppers (optional)
• 3 cloves of garlic, smashed
• 1 lb okra
• Salt, as desired

Prepare ingredients prior to stir fry - The dried chili peppers will need to be broken down to be more spicy. Break chili peppers into 3 parts. For the okra, using a knife cut it into 1-inch length. Smash the garlic.

Now heat vegetable oil in a wok or cooking pan over medium high heat. Add the dried chili peppers and garlic. Allow it to cook for about half a minute or a minute, until it starts sizzling and is fragrant.

Add okra to the skillet, along with 2 tablespoon of water. Stir fry everything together for about 5 minutes or until okra is cooked thoroughly.

Season with salt to taste and stir to combine.

Remove from heat and serve.

Storage & Reheating

To store:
Let the stir-fried okra cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat:

• Stovetop: Add a small drizzle of oil to a pan and stir-fry on medium heat for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent overcooking.
• If it seems a little dry, add a tiny splash of water or oil to bring back the shine.

Freezing is not recommended, as okra becomes mushy once thawed.

FAQ

Can I make this dish non-spicy?
Yes! Simply skip the dried chili peppers. You can also replace them with a few red pepper flakes or sliced bell peppers for color without the heat.

How do I reduce the slimy texture of okra?
If you prefer less slime, soak the okra in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of vinegar and water for about 20-30 minutes before cooking, then rinse and pat dry. Cooking it quickly over high heat also helps!

Can I add other ingredients?
Definitely. Try adding sliced onions, bell peppers, or some protein of choice for a heartier dish. You can even add a dash of soy sauce or oyster sauce for extra flavor!

What type of dried chili peppers should I use?
I like using Tianjin (朝天椒, Chao Tian Jiao) peppers - small, fragrant, and slightly spicy. You can find them at most Asian supermarkets or online.

More Delicious Chinese Vegetable Stir Fry Recipes!

Simple, fresh, and full of flavor - these easy stir fry veggie dishes make perfect sides or light meals any day.

• Chinese Broccoli Stir Fry with Garlic - Crisp Chinese broccoli (gai lan) stir-fried with smashed garlic and seasoned simply. A classic green veggie dish that's quick and delicious.
• Stir Fry A Choy (Taiwanese Lettuce) - Tender A Choy stir-fried with garlic, a favorite easy-to-make home vegetable dish that's both mild and satisfying.
• Chinese Green Beans Stir Fry - Fresh green beans quickly stir-fried with garlic for a crunchy, savory dish that pairs well with any meal.
• Yu Choy Stir Fry with Ginger - Tender Yu Choy stir-fried with fresh ginger, offering a bright, aromatic side dish that's healthy and delicious.

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