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Stir-fried Sambal Okra (Ladies’ Finger)

written by Marvellina Published: November 18, 2021
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Ladies’ finger/okra is stir-fried with spicy and umami chili sambal. This side dish is popular in Southeast Asia.
Stir-fried Sambal Okra (Lady Finger)

What is sambal okra / ladies’ finger?

Sambal is a general term in Southeast Asia referring to any paste that has a chili-based. Okra is a vegetable that looks like fingers, and hence the name ladies’ fingers. In the U.S. they are called okra, but in Asia and European countries, they are known as ladies’ finger. The vegetables are stir-fried in delicious spicy and umami sambal.

Why is okra slimy?

If you never cook with okra, don’t be shocked that they will turn slimy when you cook them. This is just the nature of the vegetable itself. Okra is high in soluble fiber that makes it slimy when comes into contact with liquid. You can minimize the slimy by cutting and then rinsing them with water briefly before cooking.

How to cook sambal okra (sambal bhindi)

1. Cut okra into slices at an angle and then rinse with water to remove some of the slime (though the slime is actually good for you, but if you don’t like it in a finished dish, rinsing it will help to minimize the sliminess). Pat them dry with paper towel

3. Rinse the ikan bilis with water to get rid of some saltiness. Pat until really dry with paper towel. Preheat about 1 Tbsp of oil in a wok or pan. Fry the ikan bilis briefly until crispy and golden brown. Remove and set aside

4. In the same oil, add another tbsp of oil. Add the shallots and stir fry until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes

5. Add sambal oelek (or whatever sambal chili you choose to use) and shrimp paste and stir fry until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the okra and stir to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes

6. Splash with about 1 tablespoon of water and stir for another 10 seconds

7. Add seasonings and fried ikan bilis back into the wok. Have a taste and adjust to your preference. It should be savory with just a slight hint of sweetness

8. Transfer to a serving platter and serve as part of a multi-course meal
Stir-fried Sambal Okra (Lady Finger)

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Stir-fried Sambal Okra (Lady Finger)

Stir-fried Sambal Okra (Lady Finger)

Stir-fried Sambal Okra (Ladies' Finger)

Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 7 minutes mins
Total Time 17 minutes mins
Servings 4 servings as a side
5 from 1 review
REVIEW & RATE PRINT

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp small ikan bilis / ikan teri
  • 200 gr okra
  • 3 shallots finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp sambal oelek or use chili boh or sambal belacan
  • 1 tsp shrimp paste omit if using sambal belacan
  • 2 Tbsp cooking oil

Seasonings:

  • ½ tsp sugar
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the ikan bilis with water to get rid of some saltiness. Pat until really dry with paper towel
  • Cut okra into slices at an angle and then rinse with water to remove some of the slime (though the slime is actually good for you, but if you don't like it in a finished dish, rinsing it will help to minimize the sliminess). Pat them dry with paper towel
  • Preheat about 1 Tbsp of oil in a wok or pan. Fry the ikan bilis briefly until crispy and golden brown. Remove and set aside
  • In the same oil, add another tbsp of oil. Add the shallots and stir fry until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add sambal oelek (or whatever sambal chili you choose to use) and shrimp paste and stir fry until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the okra and stir to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes. Splash with about 1 tablespoon of water and stir for another 10 seconds. Add seasonings and fried ikan bilis back into the wok. Have a taste and adjust to your preference. It should be savory with just a slight hint of sweetness
  • Transfer to a serving platter and serve as part of a multi-course meal

*Nutrition facts are just estimates and calculated using online tools*

Nutrition Facts
Stir-fried Sambal Okra (Ladies' Finger)
Serving Size
 
1 serving
Amount per Serving
Calories
109
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
8
g
12
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Trans Fat
 
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
5
g
Cholesterol
 
19
mg
6
%
Sodium
 
440
mg
19
%
Potassium
 
246
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
 
7
g
2
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Protein
 
4
g
8
%
Vitamin A
 
368
IU
7
%
Vitamin C
 
15
mg
18
%
Calcium
 
64
mg
6
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Did you make this recipe?Let me know how you like this recipe and consider rating it! Tag me @whattocooktoday I'd love to see your photos/videos on Instagram
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