Steaming Okra: A Quick, Healthy, Delicious Treat

Steamed okra is a simple dish that can be made in under 20 minutes. It is a healthy and tasty option that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. Okra is believed to have originated in Africa or Southeast Asia and is now a staple in the American South, where it is often fried, grilled, or pickled. When steaming okra, it is important to ensure that the pods are thoroughly washed and dried before cutting off the tough stem ends and splitting them in half lengthwise. The steaming process itself is quick, with most recipes recommending no more than 5-10 minutes of cooking time to retain the desired texture and colour.

How to prepare okra for steaming

Preparing okra for steaming is a simple and quick process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, select fresh and whole okra pods that are smooth, unblemished, and without any brown spots or shrivelled ends. Rinse the okra thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or residue. You can also use frozen okra pieces, but fresh okra is ideal for steaming.

Next, prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil in a steamer pot or a large pan with a steamer rack. Ensure you have enough water, about 1 to 2 inches, and that the water level does not exceed the steamer rack. While waiting for the water to boil, you can dry the okra with a paper towel and cut off the tough stem ends.

Once the water is boiling, carefully place the whole okra pods or frozen pieces into the steamer basket or onto the steamer rack. Cover the pot or pan and let the okra steam. The steaming time will depend on your preference for texture. For crisp-tender okra, steam for about 4 to 6 minutes. If you prefer it softer, steam for up to 8 to 10 minutes.

When the okra is steamed to your desired doneness, carefully remove it from the steamer. You can now season the okra with salt, pepper, vinegar, or any other desired spices or sauces. You can also toss it with butter for added flavour and a glossy finish. Serve the steamed okra warm or at room temperature.

Preparing okra for steaming is a quick and easy process that can be customised to your preferred texture and taste. Enjoy your healthy and delicious steamed okra as a side dish or even as a simple snack!

How to steam okra

Ingredients

• Okra
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Vinegar
• Water

Optional Ingredients

• Chilli peppers
• Vegetable oil
• Soy sauce
• Balsamic vinegar
• Shrimp paste

Utensils

• Double boiler or steamer
• Paper towel
• Knife
• Pan
• Small bowl
• Steaming basket
• Plate

Method

Firstly, rinse the okra in cold water and dry with a paper towel. Cut off the tough stem parts on the thicker end of the okra. You can leave the okra whole, or split each pod in half lengthwise. Place the okra pods on a plate with the inner sides facing up, if you've halved them.

Next, boil water in a steamer or a large pan with a steaming basket. Make sure the water level does not exceed the steaming basket. While you're waiting for the water to boil, prepare the other ingredients.

When the water starts to boil, place the okra in the steaming basket. Cover and steam for 4-10 minutes, depending on whether you want the okra to be tender or crisp.

If you want to add extra flavour, prepare a sauce while the okra is steaming. To do this, heat vegetable oil in a pan under medium-high heat. Peel and mince garlic cloves and cut chilli peppers into small pieces. Place the garlic and chilli in a small bowl, and when the oil is hot, pour it over the garlic and chilli, mixing thoroughly. Then, mix in soy sauce and balsamic vinegar.

Once the okra is steamed, carefully remove it from the steamer and scoop the sauce over each pod. The okra is now ready to serve. You can also sprinkle vinegar, salt, and black pepper on top, to taste.

For a simple Filipino dish, serve the steamed okra with shrimp paste. To make this, blanch the okra in ice water after steaming to maintain its crisp texture and colour. Then, arrange the okra on a plate and serve with the shrimp paste as a dipping sauce.

How to serve steamed okra

Steamed Okra with Bagoong

This is a simple Filipino appetiser or main dish. First, steam the okra for 8 to 10 minutes. Then, blanch it in ice water to stop the cooking process and retain its colour and texture. Finally, serve the okra with bagoong (shrimp paste) for dipping.

Steamed Okra with Garlic

Start by washing and drying the okra pods, then cut off the tough stem parts and split the pods in half lengthwise. Place the pods inner-side up on a plate. Next, peel and mince some garlic cloves and cut some Thai chilli peppers into small pieces. Heat vegetable oil in a pan and, once hot, pour it over the garlic and chilli peppers, mixing thoroughly. Add light soy sauce and balsamic vinegar to the mixture. Finally, steam the okra for 4 to 5 minutes and serve with the sauce.

Steamed Okra with Butter and Salt

Simply rinse the okra and place it in a steaming basket over 1 to 2 inches of boiling water. Steam for around 5 minutes, until tender but still crisp. Toss with butter and salt, and serve warm.

Steamed or Boiled Okra

Boil water in a double boiler and place the whole okra in the top half. Cover and steam for 10 minutes, then remove and serve. You can sprinkle vinegar, salt, and black pepper on the okra to taste. Alternatively, you can boil the okra for 8 to 10 minutes and serve with the same seasonings.

How to prevent okra from becoming slimy

Okra is known for its slimy texture, which is caused by mucilage, a sugar residue also found in aloe vera. This mucilage becomes slimy when it comes into contact with liquid. However, there are several ways to prevent okra from becoming slimy during cooking.

Firstly, it is important to pick the right okra. Look for tender, slim, blemish-free pods that are soft and smooth to touch. Avoid pre-packaged okra and always handpick them. When preparing the okra, ensure that your hands, chopping board, and knife are completely dry. Wash the okra under running water, but be sure to pat it dry with a cloth towel before cutting.

Secondly, adding a souring agent such as lemon juice, vinegar, amchoor (raw mango powder), or tamarind can help cut down on the sliminess. Additionally, it is recommended to add salt at the end of the cooking process, as salt releases moisture.

Another tip is to avoid covering the dish while cooking, as this traps steam and increases moisture, leading to slimy okra. If you are making a stir fry, avoid adding water and opt for oil instead.

For those who still want to enjoy the health benefits of okra without the slime, steaming is a great option. Steaming okra for a short period, around 4-10 minutes, can reduce the sliminess. You can also try dry frying the okra before adding it to a recipe to remove the slimy liquid without changing its texture.

By following these tips, you can enjoy okra without the slime!

How to cook frozen okra

Okra is a versatile vegetable that can be steamed, boiled, baked, or fried. Here is a guide on how to cook frozen okra in various ways.

Baked Frozen Okra:

This is a simple and healthy way to cook frozen okra, with minimal preparation required. Preheat your oven to 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a large bowl and add the frozen okra, olive oil, and your desired spices such as cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, turmeric, and garlic powder. Stir well until the okra is fully coated. Spread the okra on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Use a spatula to flip the okra slices and bake for another 15 minutes or until the desired crunchiness is achieved.

Air-Fried Frozen Okra:

For this method, you will need an air fryer and some basic ingredients like frozen okra, almond meal or tapioca flour, salt, and spices of your choice. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a mixing bowl, combine the frozen okra, spices, almond meal, salt, and olive oil. Transfer this mixture to the air fryer basket and spray a little oil on top. Cook the okra for 15 minutes, shaking or flipping it halfway through to ensure even cooking. If you desire extra crispy okra, you can spray it with a bit more oil before serving.

Steamed Frozen Okra:

To steam frozen okra, start by boiling water in a steamer or a large pan with a steamer rack. Ensure the water level is below the steamer rack. Wash and thoroughly dry the frozen okra pods, and cut off the tough stem ends. Cut each pod in half lengthwise and place them on a plate with the inner sides facing up. Once the water boils, place the plate of okra on the steamer rack, cover, and steam for 4-5 minutes. Serve warm with your choice of seasonings or sauces.

Boiled Frozen Okra:

Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring it to a boil. Add vinegar to the water, usually about 1/4 cup per batch of okra. Then, add the frozen okra to the boiling water and let it cook for 8-10 minutes until tender. Drain the water and season the okra with salt and black pepper, or any other desired spices.

Each of these methods offers a unique taste and texture to your frozen okra, so feel free to experiment and find the one that suits your preferences!

Frequently asked questions