Okra Japanese-style Recipe | Vegetarian Food from Japan

Okra Japanese-style

Okra Japanese-style Recipe | Vegetarian Food from Japan
Region / culture: Japan | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 3 minutes | Servings: 4 | Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Okra Japanese-style
Okra Japanese-style

Okra Japanese-style is a simple and delicious dish that highlights the natural flavors of okra. This recipe pairs perfectly cooked okra with a tangy ginger soy dipping sauce for a unique and flavorful experience.

History

Okra is a popular vegetable in Japanese cuisine, often used in stir-fries, soups, and pickles. This recipe takes a simple approach to showcasing the natural flavor and texture of okra, making it a versatile and easy dish to prepare.

Ingredients

Dipping Sauce

How to prepare

  1. Bring a saucepan of water to a boil.
  2. Add the okra and boil for 2 – 3 minutes.
  3. Rinse the okra under cold water, then drain.
  4. Serve the okra with the dipping sauce.

Dipping Sauce

  1. Grate the ginger into the soy sauce right before serving the okra.

Variations

  • Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions to the dipping sauce for extra flavor and texture. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar or mirin for a touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure not to overcook the okra, as it can become slimy and lose its texture. Boiling the okra for just a few minutes will help retain its crispness and vibrant green color.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the okra Japanese-style as a side dish to grilled fish or chicken, or enjoy it on its own as a light and healthy snack.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the okra for just a few minutes helps to retain its crispness and vibrant green color. Be sure to rinse the okra under cold water after boiling to stop the cooking process.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have soy sauce on hand, you can substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. You can also use ponzu sauce for a citrusy twist.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dipping sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The okra is best served fresh, so it's best to prepare it just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the okra on a serving platter and drizzle the dipping sauce over the top for an elegant presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a variety of Japanese dishes, such as teriyaki chicken, miso soup, or sushi. It also goes well with grilled vegetables or a simple green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the okra for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 40 calories, making it a light and healthy option for a snack or side dish.

Carbohydrates

Okra is a low-carb vegetable, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake. Each serving of this dish contains approximately 7 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dish is low in fat, with only a small amount coming from the soy sauce used in the dipping sauce. Each serving contains approximately 1 gram of fat.

Proteins

Okra is a good source of plant-based protein, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans. Each serving of this dish contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Okra is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as folate and magnesium. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain soy and wheat allergens. Be sure to check the label if you have allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a nutritious and low-calorie option that is packed with vitamins and minerals. It is a great way to enjoy the unique flavor and texture of okra in a simple and delicious way.

Summary

Okra Japanese-style is a simple and delicious dish that highlights the natural flavors of okra. With a tangy ginger soy dipping sauce, this dish is a flavorful and nutritious option for a light and healthy snack or side dish. Enjoy the unique flavor and texture of okra with this easy and versatile recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Okra Japanese-style. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had learned this recipe from a Japanese friend she had met during her travels.

One summer day, my grandmother took me to a cooking class hosted by her friend, Mrs. Tanaka. As soon as we arrived, the scent of exotic spices filled the air, and I knew we were in for a treat. Mrs. Tanaka welcomed us warmly and began to demonstrate how to make Okra Japanese-style. I watched in awe as she effortlessly prepared the ingredients and cooked the dish with such precision and grace.

I was fascinated by the way Mrs. Tanaka carefully sliced the okra into thin strips and sautéed them in a fragrant mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and ginger. The okra turned a vibrant green color and emitted a mouth-watering aroma that made my stomach rumble with anticipation. Mrs. Tanaka then garnished the dish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions, adding the perfect finishing touch.

As I tasted the Okra Japanese-style for the first time, I was blown away by the combination of flavors and textures. The okra was tender yet crisp, with a subtle sweetness from the mirin and a hint of heat from the ginger. The soy sauce added a savory depth that tied everything together beautifully. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

After the cooking class, my grandmother and I returned home, where she patiently taught me how to recreate the Okra Japanese-style recipe. We spent hours in the kitchen, slicing, sautéing, and tasting until we had perfected the dish. I was amazed by how a few simple ingredients could come together to create something so delicious and complex.

Over the years, I have continued to make Okra Japanese-style for my family and friends, sharing the recipe and the story behind it with anyone who will listen. Each time I prepare the dish, I am reminded of that fateful day when I first learned how to make it and the bond it created between my grandmother, Mrs. Tanaka, and me.

Now, as I sit here and write this story, I am filled with gratitude for all the recipes and culinary knowledge that have been passed down to me over the years. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my heritage and create lasting memories with loved ones. And the Okra Japanese-style recipe will always hold a special place in my heart as a reminder of the magic that can happen when different cultures come together through food.

Categories

| Japanese Appetizers | Japanese Recipes | Japanese Vegetarian | Okra Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes |

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