Discover the secret to unlocking okra’s incredible nutritional power with this traditional steaming method that preserves every vitamin and mineral. Known as “green ginseng” for its exceptional health benefits, okra becomes a nutritional powerhouse when prepared correctly. This gentle steaming technique, combined with silky steamed eggs, creates a dish that’s not only delicious but also delivers maximum nutrition – making it more beneficial than expensive health tonics. Learn how to properly clean, prepare, and cook okra to retain all its valuable nutrients while creating a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Ingredients
For the Okra:
- 500g (1.1 lbs) fresh okra pods
- 1 tsp salt for cleaning (5g)
- 1 tsp baking soda for cleaning (5g)
- 2 tbsp cooking oil (30ml / 1 fl oz)
For the Steamed Eggs:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt (2.5g)
- 300ml (1.25 cups) warm water
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce (30ml / 1 fl oz)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (15ml / 0.5 fl oz)
Instructions
Cleaning the Okra:
- Prepare cleaning solution: Place okra in a large basin. Add 1 teaspoon each of salt and baking soda, then pour in enough clean water to cover the okra completely.
- Soak thoroughly: Stir gently to dissolve salt and baking soda. The salt water disinfects while baking soda removes pesticide residues. Soak for 10 minutes.
- Scrub gently: After soaking, take okra pods in your palms and rub them together gently. Focus on the hairy parts of the surface. The fine hairs will gradually come off with gentle rubbing.
- Rinse completely: Rinse with clean water multiple times, flipping okra to ensure all corners are cleaned. Continue until water runs clear with no dirt or impurities.
- Coat with oil: Drain okra and place in a bowl. Add cooking oil and mix well so each pod is coated with a thin layer. This locks in moisture and nutrients while maintaining bright green color.
Steaming the Okra:
- Steam preparation: Bring water to boil in a steamer. Spread oiled okra evenly on the steamer rack for uniform cooking.
- Steam briefly: Cover and steam for exactly 2 minutes after steam rises. This kills bacteria while preserving water-soluble vitamins.
- Cut properly: Remove steamed okra and place on cutting board. Cut off stems and tails, then slice into even pieces. The cross-sections will show crystalline mucus – this contains the most nutrients.
Preparing Steamed Eggs:
- Beat eggs: Crack 4 eggs into a measuring cup. Add salt and whisk vigorously until whites and yolks are completely combined and foam appears.
- Add water: Pour in warm water at 1.5 times the volume of beaten eggs. This ratio ensures silky, smooth texture.
- Remove foam: Stir well, then skim off surface foam with a spoon for pure egg mixture.
- Combine ingredients: Place cut okra in a steaming bowl. Slowly pour egg mixture over okra.
Final Cooking:
- Steam together: Place bowl in steamer with boiling water. Cover bowl with a plate to prevent water dripping in.
- Cook gently: Steam over medium heat for 12-15 minutes. The gentle heat slowly cooks eggs and okra together.
- Finish and serve: Remove carefully and add soy sauce and sesame oil for flavor. The result should be elastic, pudding-like eggs with perfectly tender okra.
Time and Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes (including soaking time)
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 125
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Calcium: 95mg
Why This Recipe Is Healthy
This nutrient-preserving cooking method makes okra more beneficial than many health supplements. Okra’s unique mucus contains polysaccharides and proteins that act as natural protectors for the digestive system, promoting better nutrient absorption. The vegetable is exceptionally rich in easily-absorbed calcium, making it a natural calcium supplement that’s particularly beneficial for elderly individuals. The water-soluble vitamins remain intact through gentle steaming, unlike high-heat cooking methods that destroy these delicate nutrients. Okra’s calcium oxalate content helps replenish physical strength and combat fatigue naturally. Combined with protein-rich eggs, this dish provides a complete nutritional profile that supports bone health, aids digestion, and delivers sustained energy – truly making it more nutritious than expensive health tonics.