Steamed Okra With Garlic 蒜蓉秋葵 Suan Rong Qiu Kui Recipes

STEAMED OKRA WITH GARLIC (蒜蓉秋葵 SUAN RONG QIU KUI）

Steps:

• Boil water in a steamer or a large pan with a steamer rack. Make sure the water level does not exceed the steamer rack. While waiting for the water to boil, prepare the other ingredients.
• Wash the baby okra pods and dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Cut off the tough stem part on the thicker end of the okra. Split each okra pod into halves by making a lengthwise cut. Lay the split okra pods side by side on a plate with the inner sides facing up.
• Peel and mince the garlic cloves. Cut the Thai chili peppers into small pieces. Place the minced garlic and Thai chili peppers into a small bowl and set aside.
• When the water starts to boil, gently place the okra plate on the steamer rack. Close the lid and set a timer for 4-5 minutes (no longer than 5 minutes). Keep the heat at medium-high or high.
• While waiting for the okra pods to steam, heat the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in another pan under medium-high heat. When the oil is hot but not smoking, turn off the heat and immediately pour the hot oil on top of the minced garlic and chili peppers, mixing thoroughly (you are doing it right if you hear a sizzling sound while pouring the oil). Then mix in the 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar.
• When the timer is up, open the lid and carefully transfer the okra plate out of the steamer. Evenly scoop the sauce prepared in step 5 on top of each okra pod. The dish is best enjoyed while it's warm or lukewarm.

STEAMED OKRA

Steps:

• Rinse the okra thoroughly in cold water. Place into steaming basket over 1 to 2 inches of boiling water. Cover and cook until tender, but crisp, about 5 minutes. Toss with butter and salt. Serve warm.

GARLIC SAUTéED OKRA

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Trim off and discard the stem ends of the okra pods. Rinse the trimmed pods, carefully pat them dry, and set them aside. Extra water in the cooking process can lead to the slick factor this okra recipe is designed to avoid, so the dryer the better.
• Peel the garlic clove, cut it in half lengthwise, and slice it crosswise as thinly as possible.
• Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the oil, swirl the pan to coat the bottom with the oil, and heat until the oil shimmers, about 30 seconds. Add the garlic and let it sizzle until it just starts to turn golden, about 1 minute.
• Add the okra, stir to coat it with oil, and combine it with the garlic. Cover and cook, shaking the pan frequently to move the okra pods around inside until the okra is starting to brown on the edges and is tender to the bite, about 8 minutes.
• Transfer the okra to a serving platter or individual plates. Add the optional tomatoes if using and sprinkle with salt. Serve and enjoy.