This Spicy Stir-Fried Okra is a quick and flavorful side dish that packs a punch of heat with minimal ingredients. With tender, crisp okra and a savory garlic-chili sauce, it’s ready in under 15 minutes!
I absolutely love okra, but not everyone in my house shares the same excitement.
You know those big packs of okra you get when you only need a few for sinigang or pinakbet? Yeah, that’s how this dish came to life! This easy recipe is a great way to use the excess with just five ingredients, making it a simple yet flavorful side dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fried fish, or even a bowl of plain rice.
Trust me, once you try this, even the okra skeptics will come around!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe?
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need five ingredients to create this flavorful dish.
- Versatile: Pairs well with rice, grilled meats, or fried fish.
- Spicy and Savory: A perfect balance of heat and umami flavor.
- Perfect for Okra Lovers: A fun way to enjoy a sometimes-underappreciated veggie!
What is Okra?
Okra (pronounced OH-kruh) is a green vegetable commonly found in warm climates. It’s a staple in many cuisines, including Filipino cooking, and can be prepared in various ways.
In the Philippines, okra is everywhere—it’s even easy to grow in your backyard! This versatile vegetable is often added to dishes like sinigang, pinakbet, and many stews. Its slightly slimy texture when cooked is unique, but when stir-fried like in this recipe, it becomes crisp and delicious!
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need:
- Okra: Fresh, bright green, sliced into bite-sized pieces.
- Garlic: Minced garlic for that aromatic flavor boost.
- Onion: Thinly sliced onion adds sweetness and depth.
- Chili Oil or Chili Garlic Oil: Adjust the amount to your preferred level of heat.
- Oyster Sauce: A salty, umami-packed sauce that ties all the flavors together.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitution and Additions
- Soy Sauce: Swap out the oyster sauce for soy sauce to make it vegetarian.
- Sesame Oil: Add a drizzle at the end for a nutty, toasted flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For an extra kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes along with chili oil.
- Fresh Lime: A squeeze of lime juice before serving brightens up the dish.
- Shallots: Swap the onion for shallots for a slightly sweeter, more delicate flavor.
How To Make Spicy Stir-Fried Okra?
- Prep the Okra: Wash and thoroughly dry before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the Garlic and Onion: In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Add the Okra: Toss and stir occasionally until it’s tender but still slightly crisp.
- Season: Add chili oil and oyster sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot alongside your favorite grilled or fried dishes.
Variations
- Spicy Okra with Shrimp: Add shrimp for a protein-packed version of this stir-fry.
- Lemon-Garlic Okra: Swap the chili oil with fresh lemon juice and garlic for a zesty twist.
- Curried Okra: Stir in curry powder or paste to give the dish a bold, spiced flavor.
- Okra with Tomatoes: Add diced tomatoes to create a saucy, tangy variation that goes well with rice.
- Okra and Tofu Stir-Fry: Add crispy tofu for a hearty vegetarian option.
What To Serve With This
- Grilled Chicken: The spicy, savory okra is the perfect complement to smoky grilled chicken.
- Fried Fish: Pair it with crispy fried fish for a satisfying meal.
- Garlic Shrimp: Double down on the heat with a side of spicy shrimp.
- Steamed Rice: Serve this alongside fluffy steamed rice to balance the spice and savoriness.
- BBQ Ribs: Works well with the sweet and smoky flavors of BBQ ribs.
- Fried Rice: Adds texture and flavor to fried rice, making it even more exciting.
- Atchara: A Filipino pickled green papaya relish that offers a tangy, sweet contrast to the spicy okra. The crunch and acidity of atchara cut through the richness of any fried or grilled meats served with the dish.
- Mango Salsa: A refreshing and zesty mix of diced mangoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. The sweetness from the mango salsa cools down the heat from the stir-fried okra, creating a delicious balance of flavors.
- Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumber slices mixed with vinegar, sugar, and a touch of salt create a light, refreshing side. The cool, crunchy salad is the perfect palate cleanser to enjoy with your spicy okra.
- Homemade Naan: Soft, fluffy naan bread is great for soaking up the savory sauce.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover okra stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
Expert Tips
- Choose Fresh: Fresh, firm okra gives the best texture in this stir-fry.
- Dry Thoroughly: This helps reduce the slime factor during cooking.
- Use a Hot Pan: Stir-frying on high heat ensures it stays crisp and doesn’t turn mushy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming it.
- Use Chili Oil Sparingly: Adjust the spice level based on your tolerance, starting with a little and adding more if needed.
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Recipes That Uses Okra
- Pinakbet: A Filipino vegetable stew featuring okra, squash, and eggplant, simmered in shrimp paste.
- Sinigang na Baka: A tangy beef and vegetable soup, with okra adding texture and flavor.
- Gumbo: This classic Southern dish uses it as a thickener for the hearty, spicy stew.
- Fried: Crunchy, golden fried okra is a popular side dish, perfect for dipping in sauces.
- Curry: A rich, spiced curry featuring okra as the main ingredient.
Recipe FAQs
While okra contains seeds like a fruit, it’s commonly used as a vegetable in cooking.
Yes, you can! Raw okra is crunchy and can be added to salads or eaten as a snack.
Dry the okra well before cooking and use high heat to minimize the slimy texture.
Stir-frying or grilling okra is the best way to keep it crisp and prevent it from getting too slimy.
No, soaking okra isn’t necessary. Just wash and dry it well before cooking.
Savory Sides
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Spicy Stir-Fried Okra Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Wok or skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil, canola oil
- 1 pound Okra ends trimmed
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- ½ cup onion chopped
- 2 pieces Bird's eye Chili Pepper, Red pepper flakes or Chili Oil (2 teaspoon)
- 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Okra: Wash and thoroughly dry the okra before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the Garlic and Onion: In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Add the Okra: Toss in the okra, stirring occasionally until it’s tender but still slightly crisp.
- Season: Add chili oil and oyster sauce, stirring to coat the okra evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot alongside your favorite grilled or fried dishes.
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