Cover the dish and microwave fresh okra on high for approximately 5 to 6 minutes. In Season Now: Chanterelles, Butter Beans and Okra. Success! I’ve got a little story to go along with today’s recipe — which isn’t really a recipe, more of a feature -- but I felt like it made sense to post this today_, I was at the park recently with Kenya, playing and giving him dinner (yes, in spite of the choking risk, I do my fair share of chasing Kenya around during dinner time. We harvest okra weekly and while waiting for the next harvest, I wondered about the leaves. Steam the okra very briefly 4-6 minutes, checking frequently. What If I Don’t Have Leftover Rice? Grilling. Would you believe me it can be made in such ways that you wont even notice any slime? Enjoy Okra baby. Southern okra and tomatoes have a great flavor and texture and I can assure you â not slimy. He finds okraâs slimy taste off-putting. For a veggie with such a pretty nickname, okra has a bad reputation for being slimy. Since heat further activates the thickening of mucilage, batter and quick-fry chopped pods to a golden brown for a crunchy and slime-free (well, almost slime-free) appetizer or snack. Our Top 10 Southern Okra Recipes: http://www.southernliving.com/food/10-best-okra-recipes Okra is THE Southern vegetable. 12 okra Taking a look at Okra Slime. Bring steamer pot of water to a boil. In Malaysia, ladies’ fingeres are most often used in curries. Okra can make for a slimy mess on the palate if prepared improperly. I've given okra to several other kids with great success and Kenya, well, he could eat it by the pound. The mucilage in the pods only reaches its full potential in the presence of liquids, so using a dry cooking method keeps the okra slime-free. Add it to any good soup or gumbo for more body and delicious crunch. Okra tends to gets a bad rap for its slimy texture. Yes, bitterness is to ampalaya, as slime is to okra. The directions said to boil for 3 minutes. Scrub gently with a clean cloth, but be careful not to break open or bruise the pods. Chinese restaurants have perfected steamed rice, which is why it’s just easier and no stress to use for any fried rice dish. Okra, or Abelmoschus esculentus, is the edible seed pod of a tropical flowering plant in the mallow family. But I can tell you that steamed okra is outstanding. Craig 101 on July 12, 2010: Frozen okra: just hope all the water doesnât make it more slimy. Okra is a Southern staple also known as “ladies’ fingers” because of their long, finger-like shape. However, you can keep your okra slime-free and crunchy by following a few tips. A foolproof technique for avoiding the slime when cooking with okra is to use it for what it’s good at: thickening. But the absolute best way to eat okra is steamed. The girl’s dad was right. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies. While okra — a member of the mallow family, along with hibiscus and cotton — is praised for its taste and thickening qualities in soups and stews, many people refuse to eat it. I just bought frozen okra pieces for the first time. The mucilage of okra has an advantage when stewing, making soups or gumbo, because it acts as a natural thickening agent. Do not overcook, or it will be too soft. Quick-fried okra recipe. Itâs slimy. Place the okra in a microwave-safe dish with just the water that clings to the pods. Get one of our Steamed okra recipe recipe and prepare delicious and healthy treat for your family or … Seemingly, the secret to okra’s health-promoting power is in its fiber and mucilage properties, which gives it that slippery – often described as slimy – texture. What’s the right way to cook with okra? Cooking okra without the slime can be hit or miss for the first time. Okra can be served alone, or with ham, chicken, seafood, grits, polenta or rice. Make sure the okra doesnât touch the water or it may become slimy. […] popcorn – every crisp bite called for another. Steam whole okra for 6 minutes or frozen okra pieces for 3-4 minutes or until tender (you could also microwave frozen pieces for 2 minutes). Nutritionists and avid weightwatchers, however, offered various tips and tricks on how to make it less slimey as possible. Don't post stupid shit. Thanks for sharing the post. Apart from the okra pods, even the leaves can be added in salads and can be added in other cooked veggies. It's this characteristic that gives okra one of it's name GUMBO. Folksy Steamed Okra Salad. Stir frying. As it is probably one of the least liked vegetables next to ampalaya (bitter gourd), we’re writing this with a glimmer of hope that those who are not fond of it might give awesome okra a chance. Made of sugar residues called exopolysacharrides and proteins called glycoproteins, mucilage’s viscosity increases when heat is applied. Okra leaves and flowers are edible too. Steamed Okra Recipe: Whole Okra or Frozen Okra Pieces 1. Tips: â When stewed or cooked with liquid, okra can, indeed, get âslimy.â Quick cooking and dry heat, however, let the crisp, grassy flavor of fresh okra shine through â Do not cook Okra in iron, tin, copper, or brass pans. Place the whole okra in the top of the ⦠Yes, bitterness is to ampalaya, as slime is to okra. How Do I Reduce the Slime When Cooking Okra? Most people think slime or fried. Here are five ways to cook okra without the slime. Add a little more water and allow to simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the sauce. High cooking temperature + short cooking time = least slimy okra. Okra is notorious for producing slime -- the plant and its fruit contain mucilage, which is the same thing you'll find in aloe vera plants. Me (to the little girl): Would you like some?Dad A_ She won't like it.Me (to Dad A): Can I offer her some?Dad A_ I'm telling you she won't like it, but ok! Once the okra can be easily pierced with a fork, it is ready! Have you ever tried steamed okra? 28 February 2020 | Share. Iâm a Southerner and we always fry okra. How Do I Reduce the Slime When Cooking Okra? Summary Okra can become slimy when cooked. The same clear goop that flows through its leaves, known as mucilage, is also found in okra pods. What Is Natto And How Can You Make It At Home? It is really tasty and I cook this dish often because the guys enjoy it very much. Okra tends to gets a bad rap for its slimy texture. Frying eliminates some of the texture that people often object to and describe […], How Do You Fry Okra? Okra is a versatile vegetable if you like it. Kids tend to be much more open minded then we give them credit for when we don’t impose our dislikes on them. To steam okra: In a double boiler, heat water to boiling. I'm not usually a steamed vegetable fan -- steamed broccoli makes me particularly sad -- but steamed okra ⦠Get Steamed Okra Recipe from Food Network. Though I like it just about any way â stewed with tomatoes, in gumbo, breaded and fried â I get it. The fried okra is delicious and you can eat tomatoes with it. Kio can be steamed, fried, and used in curries. It's key for thickening soups, gumbos, and stews. Inside King's Row, The Chef-Founded Coffee Brand. Also if a paring knife will cut thru the pod we donât toss away. Cover the dish and microwave fresh okra on high for approximately 5 to 6 minutes. The preparation phase affects how slimy the okra is when cooked or served. At this point a gorgeous little girl with wide eyes walked up, staring at me and Kenya as to say "can I have some?". Why? If you're using frozen okra, microwave steam it for about 2 minutes. This will prevent release of slime when sliced. Preparation 1. When you steam the frozen okra pieces - do they get slimy? For a veggie with such a pretty nickname, okra has a bad reputation for being slimy. Okra does have a substance inside it that acts as a natural thickener, and this is useful if you are making gumbo or another dish where the ingredients need to come together in a stew. It’s either that and being armed with the Heimlich Maneuver or he goes to bed hungry). When steamed or stewed, it can get slimy, but there are easy tips to minimize it and cook a delicious plate of food! Pour 1/2 cup water into the pan and bring to a boil. Put 1/2 pound whole okra into any style steamer over a pan. Pick fresh and choose small ones. Freezing: Okra can be frozen after being blanched whole for 2 minutes. The Africans brought it and the French Creole championed it as a culinary staple. Bring steamer pot of water to a boil. Its spiky leaves were fascinating, but I had no idea what it was. Because you use less water, the steamed okra tends to be less slimy and drier than okra that's steamed on the stovetop. When I was a kid, I remember a particularly interesting houseplant that my mother always kept in the bright, sunny corner of the laundry room. Many people I have heard do not like Okra just because it is slimy. Okra steamed with ginger soy sauce Just slit the okra lengthwise halfway. She didn’t like it....she loved it! We intended to grill it, but the grill ran out of gas, and broiling worked perfectly. Ladies finger / okra / bendi. You can also slice and fry it, but handle it as little as possible. Why is okra so slimy? All Rights Reserved. Okra's delicate grassy flavor is highlighted by this simple cooking method. Rate this Steamed Okra With Tomatoes recipe with 1 lb package frozen whole baby okra, 3 large red ripe plum tomatoes, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic or garlic powder, fresh chopped basil or dried basil as desired, salt and pepper, optional: fresh grated parmesan cheese Okra cooked in a watery environment (steamed or boiled) releases more slime. Okra with Scallion, Lime, and Ginger recipe | Epicurious.com Bring the water to a boil, add 1/4 cup of cider vinegar, and allow the okra to boil for 3 to 5 minutes. To prevent this, follow the simple cooking methods above. Dad A_ What's that green stuff?Me_ It's okra.Dad A_ What's okra?Dad B_ It's a vegetable that people eat in the south. Other than to reheat food, the microwave has a bad reputation. 2. Step Four: Take cooked okra and place it into a bowl or serving dish. When you offer a meal to your child, try putting a veggie or fruit that you wouldn't expect them to enjoy and see what happens. There are many variations to the sambal dressing. And that makes the age of the okra doubly significant. I didn't know anything about okra - so I was a bit curious when I realized how slimy the pieces were after straining. But there actually are a few techniques for reducing all that sliminess, that is if you're willing to give it a try. If you trim it without piercing the pods and fry it, or roast it whole then it will crisp up on the outside while becoming tender inside. Fresh okra: Avoid covering the pan, as manisha suggests. How To Cook With Pig, Chicken And Cow Feet. The charred bits on grilled okra highlight the grass-like flavor of these ⦠Add it to the stew and stir. Some persons are turned off when you mentioned Okra because when it is cooked, it is slimy. I want my children to love it, if only because itâs cheap and plentiful in the summer. Steamed okra recipe recipe. Heat the oil in a large frying pan, then tip in the okra, keeping the heat relatively high. Okra is a Southern staple also known as âladiesâ fingersâ because of their long, finger-like shape. That's all it's about man. Southern Pantry With Linda Carman. Steamed Okra Pods. The bottom line. Wash uncut Okra under running water, and then pat it dry with a cloth towel before cutting. I didn't know anything about okra - so I was a bit curious when I realized how slimy the pieces were after straining. Close the lid. Yes, okra does make slime, called mucilage, but that doesn’t mean that all okra recipes create a slimy mess. Okra, also known as âLadyâs Fingersâ is a hairy finger shaped vegetable that is mostly used in salads, stews, soups and a lot of seafood dishes. But if mucilage isn’t properly addressed, it just makes okra feel slimy. When Okra is cut the sap is quite slippery. When steamed or stewed, it can get slimy, but there are easy tips to minimize it and cook a delicious plate of food! Photo:
rovingI on Flickr. In fact, any cooking method that involves intense heat. I didn't know anything about okra - so I was a bit curious when I realized how slimy the pieces were after straining. Crecipe.com deliver fine selection of quality Steamed okra recipe recipes equipped with ratings, reviews and mixing tips. It's really slimy. Deep frying. But those who think slime are usually remembering boiled okra. But I tried it, and then tried it again, and though it took some getting used to, it is now among my favorite foods. Trim the okra ends, then cut each one into 1cm pieces. Put the okra pods in the freezer for 10 minutes before cutting or slicing. We were hanging out with a bunch of neighborhood dads and their kids and one of the things I was feeding Kenya was some steamed okra. The slimy okra occurs when you add water and boil. Steamed okra recipe recipe. Popular in the southern United States, Japan, the eastern Mediterranean and India, Okra is an underrated vegetable elsewhere probably for two reasons: Some people don’t like the slime and others aren’t aware of all the wonderful things to do with it beyond Gumbo.The goo inside the pretty green pods is useful for thickening gumbo and other stews, but some are put off by it. Really, Okra is the simplest, easiest and cheapest soup to make. Okra tends to gets a bad rap for its slimy texture. Your encounter with a stringy, boogery bowl of boiled okra in your early 20s was passed on like a family ghost story: I moved to the South absolutely convinced that okra was a slimy horror, barely a vegetable -- just another Southern embarrassment. We use cookies to provide you with a great experience and to help our website run effectively. In order to retain the crunchiness and prevent the stickiness of the okra, I have decided to steam it before I mix them into the sambal. This works well for stews and gumbos, because the slime helps to thicken the broth, however as a side-dish slimy okra can be off putting. 2) Soak the Okra in Any Type of Vinegar. The plant to which I am referring is, as you may have guessed, the aloe vera plant. Yes, okra does make slime, called mucilage, but that doesnât mean that all okra recipes create a slimy mess. Okra is a nutritious food with many health benefits. Dec 9, 2018 - With its fresh, subtle flavor, okra can be a superstar side dish, as long as you follow a few preparation tricks to minimize the mucilage -- that notorious slime that helps thicken gumbo and can frighten even experienced cooks away from using okra by itself. 1 pound of whole okra pods; Kosher or sea salt, to taste; 1/2 cup of butter, melted; Instructions Rinse whole pods of okra and place into a steamer basket over a pot containing at least 1-1/2 to 2 inches of boiling water. The result was superb! Popular in the southern United States, Japan, the eastern Mediterranean and India, Okra is an underrated vegetable elsewhere probably for two reasons: Some people donât like the slime and others arenât aware of all the wonderful things to do with it beyond Gumbo.The goo inside the pretty green pods is useful for thickening gumbo and other stews, but some are put off by it. Here are five ways to cook okra without the slime. Despite the various health benefits, I initially couldnât get my husband to like it. 1. Learn how to cook great Steamed okra recipe . Get full Steamed Okra With Tomatoes Recipe ingredients, how-to directions, calories and nutrition review. It's one of our favorites and is truly fast food! He finds okra’s slimy taste off-putting. There were … Last night we broiled okra after tossing it with salt and olive oil. Here are five ways to cut down on slime when cooking this delicious Southern vegetable. This is how the conversation went_. Rinse the okra thoroughly in cold water. This should take 10 minutes, as oil begins to rise to the top. Nga choy / taugeh / bean sprouts Let them discover it for themselves. Both plants contain mucilage (a thick, syrupy substance) that when used smartly can be used to make chewy confections or thicken stews, such as gumbo. Okra Nutrition [Recipes & Infographic] Is to Keto, While okra for the low carb The Ketogenic Diet: keto friendly - This and tomatoes keto friendly - Aerospace Export Incorporated it is commonly known and keto diet tracker search and log over low-FODMAP diet. Next, place the okra in a large pot, add just enough water to cover the okra, and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt into the mix. Ladies’ finger (okra/bendi) are green edible pods with a slimy sap. It is mostly grown in warm tropical climate. The so-called slime is something called mucilage, which comes from sugar residue and is great for, say, thickening gumbo, but not great when you're biting into a piece of sautéed okra … Another best practice when preparing okra is to make nice with the deep-fryer. Many people believe that okra is naturally slimy, so they avoid cooking it. We’ve been observing those two okra commandments — young okra only AND short cooking time — and we haven’t been disappointed yet. As you may know, okra can become starchy once you cut them. For this recipe, I only steam the okra pods for a short time. 1) Freeze the Okra. The mucilage of okra has an advantage when stewing, making soups or gumbo, because it acts as a natural thickening agent. © 2021 Food Republic. 28 February 2020 | Share. Okra can make for a slimy mess on the palate if prepared improperly. The younger the okra, the less time it needs to cook. When Okra is cooked however the cooking water really gets super slimy. Okra absorbs the flavor of the garlic sauce extremely well, resulting in a super fragrant and tasty dish. In this way, how do you remove the stickiness from okra? They are also steamed and dressed in a spicy sauce or stir fried with chilies. Cover the dish and microwave fresh okra on high for approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Toss the okra with a small amount of oil, and roast it ⦠This was something I learned very recently. Ingredients. Allow to evaporate on heat, and add moisture absorbing masalas, or even besan (gram flour). But this steamed okra with garlic dish has become a frequent member of our dinner table. The sliminess that my husband dislikes is not quite noticeable. This is the most important step in making sure you have non-slimy Okra. Because you use less water, the steamed okra tends to be less slimy and drier than okra that's steamed on the stovetop. Place into steaming basket over 1 to 2 inches of boiling water. Get one of our Steamed okra recipe recipe and prepare delicious and ⦠For more detailed ways to combat slime see this okra and collard green salad recipe post which features several tips for okra slime control. Fresh and frozen okras are two different ball games. 2. By cooking the pods whole, quickly, and without liquid, you avoid the factors that make it slimy, and you can enjoy its fabulous flavor, enhanced by a touch of garlic, without any of the odd texture that keeps many away from this delicious and nutritious vegetable. Folksy Steamed Okra Salad. How Do You Eat Okra? Okra is related to the mallow plant, which is where the original version of marshmallows came from. By cooking the pods whole, quickly, and without liquid, you avoid the factors that make it slimy, and you can enjoy its fabulous flavor, enhanced by a touch of garlic, without any of the odd texture that keeps many away from this delicious and nutritious vegetable. Steamed Okra With Spicy Sambal Ingredients 1 Pack (250g) Okra, cut into smaller bite size (about 3/4 inch) Sambal Be careful to not overcook the okra, as this will make it slimy and mushy. Slice the okra and place the pieces flat. What cooking methods are suitable for okra? For this recipe, I only steam the okra ⦠Even the most adventuresome eaters can have a few texture issues, and okra is guilty of having one heck of a gross texture. The little girl ate not one, not two, but six pieces of okra. When you cut it, okra releases a sticky substance. If you cook too little it will be raw. Okra will only become very slimy if it is cut, then cooked in water. Learn how to cook great Steamed okra recipe . Check your email for a confirmation link. Okra's delicate grassy flavor is highlighted by this simple cooking method. Other than to reheat food, the microwave has a bad reputation. Okra pods also can be eaten raw, steamed, roasted, sauteed, etc. As it is probably one of the least liked vegetables next to ampalaya (bitter gourd), we’re writing this with a glimmer of hope that those who are not fond of it might give awesome okra a chance. I'm not going to ask how you became an expert on the apparent distasteful taste of "poo" as you describe it. What I did know, however, was that ripping off the leaves released a slimy, gooey substance that served as a soothing treatment for sunburn, according to my mother. Bring the water to a boil, add 1/4 cup of cider vinegar, and allow the okra to boil for 3 to 5 minutes. But loving fried okra doesn’t mean you like it steamed or in other dishes. The one I am showing you today is my Mom’s recipe. Plus it’s a great short-cut. Itâs a versatile vegetable and one thatâs loaded with nutrition. It helps to thicken the soup a little so itâs not too brothy. More from the Food Scientist at Food Republic: Sign up for the best of Food Republic, delivered to your inbox Tuesday and Thursday. You just might be surprised! Water should not touch the bottom of the steamer basket. High cooking temperature + short cooking time = least slimy okra. If you don't, it is just a slimy green thing. Do they get slimy when you steam the pieces too? Southern okra and tomatoes have a great flavor and texture and I can assure you – not slimy. Okra has an interesting texture. Crecipe.com deliver fine selection of quality Steamed okra recipe recipes equipped with ratings, reviews and mixing tips. 2. The slime okra is known for is called mucilage, and it's actually good for you. Thanks for sharing the post. Don't say anything or draw attention to it. The Africans brought it and the French Creole championed it as a culinary staple. I use it without any coating in my vegetable soup. Wash the okra under cool water to remove any dirt or debris. Craig. Place the okra in a microwave-safe dish with just the water that clings to the pods. This is good for thickening dishes, but bad if you’re trying to saute sliced okra as a side. Cover the dish and microwave fresh okra on high for approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Baby okras, for instance, have low mucilage than mature ones. Toss with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, some soy sauce and ginger powder (or juice), very little salt to adjust, some garlic pods sliced and cook covered for about 5 minutes on low flame. Slice the okra and place the pieces flat. Okra is one of South Carolinaâs greatest crops, but I hear you. That too in a steamed okra. Believe it or not, the entire okra is edible. The moral of the story is that just because you don't know or like a food doesn't mean your kids won't. How to cook okra. Yet another popular okra dish is this Sambal Steamed Okra which takes only about 20 minutes to prepare if you have Sambal Belacan on hand. A food hack for reducing sliminess is to soak the okra in vinegar before cooking it. Shake the pan so the okra ⦠While okra â a member of the mallow family, along with hibiscus and cotton â is praised for its taste and thickening qualities in soups and stews, many people refuse to eat it. Next, place the okra in a large pot, add just enough water to cover the okra, and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt into the mix. For the same reasons this harmless pod is used to thicken soups and stews like gumbo. But this steamed okra with garlic dish has become a frequent member of our dinner table. Steam whole okra for 6 minutes or frozen okra pieces for … If the okra breaks open it will release the mucilaginous ingredient inside the pod, which will make the okra slimy. Steamed Okra Okra is one of those controversial vegetables. When you apply heat, the slime just comes out more. handful of okra per person; 2 tbsp rapeseed oil pinch of turmeric; pinch of chilli powder; Method. It is used in Cajun and New Orleans cuisine to thicken such dishes as chicken gumbo. Okra's role as a thickener in soups and stews highlights a second crucial detail. Main thing to remember--DO NOT overcook! To cook okra, start by rinsing the okra of any dirt and then cutting the stems down to 1/2 an inch.