This Cold Okra Recipe is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for warm days or as a unique side dish. Combining tender okra with a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, this recipe offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. It’s easy to prepare and can be served chilled, making it an excellent addition to your meal rotation.
Ingredients
- 300 g okra
- Garlic (as you like), minced
- Chili (as you like), chopped
- ½ tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp chicken powder
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 250 ml water
- Cooking oil
- 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
- Water (for boiling)
- ½ tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add 1 tsp of salt.
- Add the okra to the boiling water and cook for about 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the corn starch with a little bit of the 250 ml water to make a slurry. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, heat a small amount of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped chili, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, ¼ tsp salt, and chicken powder to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the remaining water and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Slowly add the corn starch slurry to the boiling sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the sesame oil.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked okra and mix well to coat evenly.
- Allow the okra to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Tips
- Blanch the okra quickly to retain its bright green color and crisp texture.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and chili according to your taste preference.
- Make sure the sauce is fully cooled before mixing with the okra to keep the dish refreshing.
Nutritional Benefits
Okra is a low-calorie vegetable rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. This dish is also low in fat and can be a healthy addition to your diet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Cold Okra Recipe because it’s simple to prepare, refreshing, and packed with flavor. The combination of savory sauce and crisp okra makes it a delightful side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian (if chicken powder is substituted with a vegetarian alternative)
- Gluten-free (ensure soy sauce and oyster sauce are gluten-free)
- Low in calories
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it enhances the natural flavor of okra with a well-balanced sauce. The quick blanching method keeps the okra crisp, while the savory sauce adds depth and complexity to the dish. Serving it cold makes it a refreshing and satisfying side dish.
Conclusion
This Simple and Delicious Cold Okra Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the unique taste and texture of okra. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Serve it as a side dish or a light snack and enjoy the refreshing taste. Bon appétit!