West African Spicy Stir-Fried Okra

Ingredients

In this West African adaptation of Oi bokkeum, the Korean stir-fried dish, we replace the Korean chili paste with a combination of West African spices such as cayenne pepper, ginger, and garlic. Additionally, we incorporate traditional West African ingredients like palm oil and onions to enhance the flavors. The dish is also served with rice or fufu, which is a departure from the Korean tradition of serving it as a side dish. We alse have the original recipe for Oi bokkeum, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh okra 500g (1.1 lb) fresh okra
• 2 tablespoons palm oil 2 tablespoons palm oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 5g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Wash the okra pods and trim the ends. Slice them into thin rounds.
2. 2.
   Heat the palm oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
4. 4.
   Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute.
5. 5.
   Add the sliced okra to the skillet and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, until they become tender.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the cayenne pepper, paprika, ground coriander, and salt over the okra. Mix well to coat the okra evenly with the spices.
7. 7.
   Continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes, until the okra is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
9. 9.
   Serve hot with rice or fufu.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Okra — Make sure to wash the okra thoroughly and trim the ends before slicing. This will help remove any dirt or impurities and ensure a clean and fresh taste.

Tips & Tricks

• To reduce the sliminess of okra, you can soak the sliced okra in vinegar or lemon juice for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference. Add more for a spicier dish or reduce it for a milder flavor.
• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the stir-fry.

Serving advice

Serve the West African Spicy Stir-Fried Okra as a side dish alongside your favorite West African main course, such as Jollof rice or grilled chicken. It can also be enjoyed as a vegetarian main course with a side of fufu or steamed rice.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve it in a vibrant West African-inspired bowl or plate to enhance the visual appeal.