Spicy Chinese-style Okra Stir-Fry

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Indian Bendekaayi gojju is transformed into a Chinese-style stir-fry. The original dish typically includes ingredients like tamarind, jaggery, and Indian spices. In the Chinese version, these ingredients are replaced with a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and Chinese spices. The cooking technique also changes from slow-cooking to quick stir-frying, resulting in a dish with a different texture and flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Bendekaayi gojju, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) okra, sliced 500g (1.1 lb) okra, sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 green chilies, sliced 2 green chilies, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili sauce 1 teaspoon chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 16g, 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for 2 minutes until they start to soften.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced green chilies. Stir-fry for another minute.
4. 4.
   Add the sliced okra to the wok and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until they are tender and slightly charred.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, vinegar, chili sauce, sugar, black pepper, and salt.
6. 6.
   Pour the sauce over the okra in the wok and toss well to coat.
7. 7.
   Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the okra.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
9. 9.
   Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Okra — Make sure to wash and dry the okra thoroughly before slicing to prevent it from becoming slimy during cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili sauce or add some red chili flakes.
• Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce by adding more or less sugar and vinegar according to your taste preference.
• To reduce the sliminess of okra, you can lightly sauté it in a separate pan before adding it to the stir-fry.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Chinese-style Okra Stir-Fry as a main dish with steamed rice or noodles. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish alongside other Chinese-inspired dishes.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions to add a touch of color and enhance the visual appeal.