Nourishing Steamed Okra with Egg Custard and Beef Sauce

Discover this uniquely delicious way to prepare okra that transforms the humble vegetable into an elegant dish. This Chinese-inspired recipe combines the nutritional benefits of okra with silky egg custard and savory minced beef sauce, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that will delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

For the Okra and Egg Mixture

  • 500g (1.1 lb) fresh okra
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 40ml (2.7 tablespoons) water

For the Beef Sauce

  • 200g (7 oz) minced beef
  • 1 medium tomato
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 inch piece ginger
  • 2 spring onions
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon (7.5ml) dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) cornstarch
  • 120ml (1/2 cup) water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Okra

  1. Clean okra by rubbing with salt to remove fuzz
  2. Bring water to boil with 1 tablespoon oil and 1 teaspoon salt
  3. Blanch okra for 1.5 minutes
  4. Shock in cold water
  5. Cut off ends and slice into rounds

Making the Egg Custard

  1. Beat eggs with vinegar and salt
  2. Add 40ml water and mix well
  3. Combine with sliced okra in a bowl
  4. Steam for 20 minutes on medium heat

Preparing the Beef Sauce

  1. Mince ginger, garlic, and spring onions
  2. Peel and dice tomato
  3. Mix sauce ingredients in a bowl
  4. Stir-fry beef until browned
  5. Add aromatics and tomatoes
  6. Pour in sauce mixture and cook until thickened

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 4):

  • Calories: 285
  • Protein: 22g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Iron: 3.2mg
  • Vitamin C: 15mg

Time Requirements:

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 60 minutes

Pro Tips and Tricks

  • Choose small, fuzzy okra for the best texture
  • Don’t trim okra before blanching to retain nutrients
  • Steam on medium heat to ensure custard sets properly
  • Use room temperature eggs for better custard texture

Variations and Substitutions

  • Replace beef with pork or chicken mince
  • Use vegetable stock instead of chicken bouillon for vegetarian option
  • Add chili oil for spicy variation
  • Substitute oyster sauce with vegetarian mushroom sauce

Common FAQs

Q: Why is my egg custard watery?
A: Ensure proper water ratio and avoid opening steamer lid during cooking.

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead?
A: Steam custard fresh, but sauce can be made ahead and reheated.

Q: How do I prevent okra from being slimy?
A: Proper blanching time and salt rubbing helps reduce sliminess.

Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Replace soy sauce and oyster sauce with gluten-free alternatives.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storage

  • Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days
  • Store sauce separately from custard
  • Don’t freeze as texture will deteriorate

Reheating

  • Steam custard portion gently for 3-5 minutes
  • Heat sauce in microwave or stovetop
  • Add fresh garnish before serving

This nutritious dish combines the health benefits of okra with protein-rich eggs and beef, making it a complete meal when served with rice. Perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests with something unique and delicious.