Craving a vibrant and flavorful side dish that's both quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than Garlic Chili Okra! This recipe transforms humble okra into a culinary delight, showcasing the vegetable's surprisingly tender texture and subtly earthy flavor. The secret lies in a simple yet potent garlic chili sauce, which perfectly complements the okra's unique qualities. Forget the slimy okra of your past; this recipe guarantees perfectly crisp-tender pods with a satisfying kick. We’ll use readily available ingredients and a straightforward technique to achieve maximum flavor in minimal time.
This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, you'll find this recipe easy to follow and incredibly rewarding. Ready to experience the magic of Garlic Chili Okra? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Bowl
- Chopping board
- Small pan
Ingredients
- Okra
- Salt: 1-2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 8 medium cloves
- Bird's eye chilies: 2
- Large red chili: 1 (seeds removed)
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
- Maggi seasoning
- Light soy sauce
- Black vinegar
- Sugar
- Oyster sauce
- Scallions: 1 tablespoon (thinly sliced)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Okra
- Clean okra under running water, soak in salted water (1-2 tbsp salt) for 10 minutes, then rub to remove fine hairs. Wear gloves if needed. Wash and drain.
- Bring water to a boil, add salt, and blanch okra for 2 minutes until bright green. Immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking and maintain color. Alternatively, steam for 10 minutes.
- Once cool, drain okra, cut off ends, and halve lengthwise. (It's best to blanch or steam whole okra and cut only after cooking.)
Step 2. Make the Garlic Chili Sauce
- Finely chop garlic, slice chilies thinly (reduce or omit bird's eye chilies if desired).
- Heat oil in a pan, sauté garlic for 1 minute, then add chilies and sauté for another 30 seconds until the raw taste is gone.
- Remove from heat, add Maggi seasoning, light soy sauce, black vinegar, sugar, salt, and oyster sauce. Mix well. (Omit Maggi and oyster sauce if needed for vegetarian option).
- Return to low heat and simmer until the mixture starts to boil. Add sliced scallions, mix well.
Step 3. Combine and Serve
- Arrange okra on a plate.
- Dress the okra with the garlic chili sauce and serve cold with steamed rice.
Read more: Easy Char Siu Chicken Roast: Sweet & Sticky BBQ Chicken Recipe
Tips
- Blanching or steaming the okra before cutting helps prevent it from becoming too slimy.
- Steaming okra is a healthier alternative to blanching, minimizing nutrient loss.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 200-250
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbs: 20-25g
- Protein: 3-5g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen okra instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
2. How can I adjust the spiciness?
Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili garlic sauce you add. Start with less and add more to your liking.
This quick and easy recipe for Chinese Okra with Garlic Chili Sauce delivers a burst of flavor in minutes, making it a perfect weeknight side dish. The combination of tender okra and spicy garlic sauce is irresistible, and sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy this delicious and healthy addition to your culinary repertoire!