Japanese Style Seasoned Okra Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Wash the okra and trim the stem ends, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, prepare an ice water bath by filling it with ice and cold water. Set it aside.
• STEP 2.Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Blanch the okra in the boiling water for about 1-2 minutes until they turn bright green and slightly tender.
• STEP 3.Quickly transfer the blanched okra to the ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
• STEP 4.In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and grated ginger to create the seasoning sauce.
• STEP 5.In a large skillet, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the okra and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to brown.
• STEP 6.Pour the seasoning sauce over the sautéed okra and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the okra is well-coated and slightly caramelized. Remove the okra from the heat, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and garnish with finely chopped green onions.

Cooking Tips

• Be careful not to overcook the okra during blanching, as they should remain slightly crisp. The ice water bath is essential to preserve their vibrant green colour and texture.
• Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the dish by altering the amount of sugar and soy sauce in the seasoning sauce to suit your taste.

Serving Tips

• Serve the Japanese-Style Seasoned Okra as a side dish with a bowl of steamed white rice.
• These seasoned okra make an excellent addition to a bento box or a traditional Japanese meal. Pair them with other dishes like teriyaki chicken, miso soup, and pickled vegetables.