Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that packs a punch? The Spicy Sichuan Okra Salad is not just a side dish; it's a vibrant explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more! With its fresh okra, aromatic spices, and a spicy dressing that dances on your palate, this salad is the perfect addition to any meal. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this delightful recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends. Dive into the world of Sichuan cuisine and discover how easy it is to create a dish that’s both healthy and irresistibly delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Sichuan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Okra - 500g
- Garlic - 2 cloves
- Sichuan peppercorns - 1 tsp
- Chili oil - 2 tbsp
- Soy sauce - 1 tbsp
- Vinegar - 1 tbsp
- Sesame seeds - 1 tbsp
- Green onions - 2, chopped
Instructions
- Wash the okra thoroughly under cold running water and pat dry completely with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Trim off the tough stem ends of the okra pods, cutting approximately 1/4 inch from the top, and slice the okra diagonally into thin, 1/4-inch thick pieces.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and dry-toast the Sichuan peppercorns for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, then grind them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced okra and stir-fry quickly for 3-4 minutes, ensuring they remain crisp and bright green. Avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
- Mince the garlic cloves finely and chop the green onions into small rings.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chili oil, soy sauce, vinegar, ground Sichuan peppercorns, and minced garlic to create the dressing.
- Transfer the stir-fried okra to a serving plate and pour the spicy dressing over the top, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds over the salad.
- Let the salad sit for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve immediately at room temperature as a vibrant side dish.
Tips
- Choosing Fresh Okra: Look for firm, bright green okra pods with no blemishes. Fresh okra will have a tender texture that holds up beautifully in this salad.
- Perfecting the Toasting: When toasting Sichuan peppercorns, keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. The goal is to release their fragrant oils, enhancing the dish's flavor.
- Avoid Overcooking: Stir-fry the okra quickly to maintain its crispness. You want it to be tender but still have that satisfying crunch.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili oil in the dressing to suit your spice tolerance. You can even add fresh chopped chilies for an extra kick!
- Let It Rest: Allowing the salad to sit for a few minutes after dressing will help the flavors meld beautifully, creating a more harmonious taste.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as part of a larger spread of Sichuan dishes. Serve it at room temperature for the best flavor experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
