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Okra Stir Fry

Okra Stir Fry

Okra is such an interesting vegetable – some love it and some hate it. We are a fan! We usually cook this veggie with this recipe – by a simple Chinese Stir Fry Okra with garlic and dried chili peppers.

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?

First gather your ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp 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 tbsp 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.

Okra Stir Fry

Okra Stir Fry

Bite sized okra stir fried with smashed garlic and dried chili peppers makes an easy and delicious veggie side dish!

Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

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

Instructions

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. Add okra to the skillet, along with 2 tbsp of water. Stir fry everything together for about 5 minutes or until okra is cooked thoroughly
    4. Season with salt to taste and stir to combine.
    5. Remove from heat and serve.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 61Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 157mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 2g

The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information. Keep in mind that if there is a marinade, often times not all the ingredients will be consumed.

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Elsie Kang

Sunday 13th of November 2022

Simple & yummy recipes. I like it as it is easy to cook.

TinaTsai

Sunday 13th of November 2022

Thanks! yes it's quite easy :)

Anjana

Saturday 12th of November 2022

Its looks delicious

TinaTsai

Sunday 13th of November 2022

Thank you!!

jennifer

Sunday 30th of October 2022

Ta-da . . you made an okra-eater conversion. Typically I hate okra (but my husband loves it) . . . your photos made it looks so good actually that I had to give a chance, and it was actually really good! THanks

Janessa

Saturday 29th of October 2022

Such a simple yet flavourful way to cook okra. I can't wait to make it again!

nancy

Thursday 27th of October 2022

okras are one of my favourite veggies. This dried chili stir fry was lovely and satisfying!!

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