Chinese Okra Salad Recipe – A Refreshing and Flavorful Side Dish
If you’re looking for a light, refreshing, and incredibly simple side dish, this Chinese Okra Salad recipe is the perfect addition to your meal. With its vibrant green color, crisp texture, and a bold, savory dressing, this okra salad offers a delightful balance of flavors that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Okra, known for its unique texture and slightly grassy flavor, is a staple in many Asian cuisines. In this recipe, it is quickly blanched to retain its crunch and then dressed in a tangy, garlicky sauce with just the right amount of spice. The final touch? A drizzle of sizzling hot oil that enhances the aroma of the garlic and chili flakes, making this salad irresistibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Chinese Okra Salad
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal prep.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Okra is packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a fantastic choice for a balanced diet.
- Bold & Flavorful – The combination of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and chili flakes creates a rich and savory dressing that enhances the natural taste of okra.
- Versatile – Enjoy it as a side dish with rice, noodles, or even as a refreshing appetizer.
What Is Chinese Okra Salad?
This Chinese Okra Salad recipe is a Cantonese-style dish that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients. The okra is blanched just long enough to maintain its vibrant green color and slight crunch while removing any raw bitterness. It is then topped with a savory soy sauce dressing, fresh garlic, and chili flakes before being finished with hot oil, which releases all the aromatic flavors.
Unlike deep-fried or stewed okra dishes, this salad keeps things light and fresh, making it a great option for warm-weather meals or as a cooling complement to spicy Chinese dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this okra salad Chinese style, you’ll need:
- Okra – Fresh, firm, and bright green okra works best.
- Soy sauce – Adds deep umami flavor to the dressing.
- Vinegar – Balances the richness of the sauce with a hint of tanginess.
- White pepper – Provides subtle warmth and enhances the savory flavors.
- Garlic – Brings a bold, aromatic punch.
- Chili flakes – Adds heat and color to the dish.
- Oil – Used to sizzle the garlic and chili flakes, intensifying their flavor.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Okra | 250g (½ lb) | Fresh, medium-sized |
| Oil | 1 tbsp | Neutral oil like canola or peanut |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced |
| Chili flakes | ¼ tsp | Adjust for spice level |
Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soy sauce | 1.5 tbsp | Light soy sauce for balance |
| Vinegar | 0.5 tbsp | Rice or black vinegar |
| White pepper | ¼ tsp | Adds subtle warmth |
How to Make Chinese Okra Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Okra
Start by washing the okra thoroughly. Scrub off the fuzzy exterior, then trim off the hard top stems. This ensures a smooth texture and enhances the eating experience.
Step 2: Blanch the Okra
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
- Add the okra and blanch for 1 to 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- For a crispier texture, transfer the okra immediately into an ice bath after blanching.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, and white pepper. Mix well and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- Arrange the blanched okra on a serving plate.
- Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the okra.
- Sprinkle minced garlic and chili flakes on top.
Step 5: Sizzle with Hot Oil
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a small saucepan until it just starts to smoke.
- Carefully drizzle the hot oil over the garlic and chili flakes to release their aroma.
- Toss lightly to coat the okra in the sauce.
Serve immediately and enjoy this simple yet flavorful Chinese Okra Salad!
Jump to RecipeTips for the Best Chinese Okra Salad
1. Don’t Overcook the Okra
Blanching for just 1 to 2 minutes keeps the okra crisp while removing any bitterness. Overcooking will make it slimy and mushy.
2. Use an Ice Bath for Extra Crunch
After blanching, plunging the okra into ice water stops the cooking process and locks in the bright green color and crunch.
3. Adjust the Spice Level
If you love heat, increase the chili flakes or add a dash of Sichuan peppercorns for a numbing, tingling effect. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the chili or omit it altogether.
4. Try Different Vinegars
- Use black vinegar for a richer, slightly sweet depth of flavor.
- White rice vinegar gives a more neutral tang.
5. Add Extra Umami
For a deeper umami taste, drizzle a little sesame oil or add ½ teaspoon of oyster sauce to the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This okra salad Chinese style pairs well with many Asian dishes. Here are some ideas:
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside steamed rice, dumplings, or stir-fried dishes.
- With Noodles: Toss into a bowl of chilled sesame noodles or spicy Sichuan noodles.
- As an Appetizer: Enjoy before a meal with hot tea or soup.
For extra flavor, garnish with toasted sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or crushed peanuts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Okra Salad Recipe
Q: Can I eat okra raw in this salad?
A: While okra can be eaten raw, blanching it enhances the texture and removes any bitterness.
Q: What can I substitute for soy sauce?
A: You can use tamari (for a gluten-free option) or light soy sauce for a milder taste.
Q: How do I prevent okra from becoming slimy?
A: The key is to blanch it quickly and avoid overcooking. Cutting okra into smaller pieces before cooking can also increase sliminess, so leave them whole for this salad.
Q: Can I make this salad spicy?
A: Absolutely! Add more chili flakes, Sichuan peppercorns, or a dash of chili oil for extra heat.
Chinese Okra Salad
Ingredients
- 250 g okra ½ lb
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ tsp chili flakes
Sauce
- 1.5 tbsp soy sauce
- 0.5 tbsp vinegar
- ¼ tsp white pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the okra by scrubbing off the fuzzy exterior. Cut the hard tops edges and top stems off.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the okra to the pot and blanch them for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Stack the okra on a large plate. Mix the sauce ingredients together and pour over the okra.
- Place the minced garlic and chili flakes on top of the okra.
- Heat up the oil in a saucepan just until it begins to smoke. Pour the hot oil directly over the garlic and chili flakes to release their flavor.
Notes
Texture Tips:
- For extra crunch, plunge the blanched okra into an ice bath immediately after boiling.
- To prevent sliminess, do not overcook the okra. A quick blanch keeps it firm.
Flavor Adjustments:
- For more heat, increase the chili flakes or add a dash of Sichuan peppercorns.
- For a tangier taste, use black vinegar instead of regular vinegar.
- For a richer umami, add ½ teaspoon sesame oil or oyster sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled for a refreshing summer side.
- Pair with steamed rice or congee for a simple, balanced meal.
- Add sesame seeds or chopped scallions for garnish.
Nutrition
Chef B Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried okra in a salad before, this Chinese Okra Salad recipe is the best way to start. It’s light, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish or a healthy snack, this salad is guaranteed to impress.
Tried this recipe? Don’t forget to share your success stories and tag us in your Chinese Okra Salad pics!
Hi, I’m Chef B! Passionate about all things culinary, I’ve spent years perfecting my recipes to bring bold flavors to your kitchen. Let’s cook up something delicious together!
