This 10 minute pan fried okra recipe is a one pot/pan, vegan and gluten-free side dish. The Vegan fried okra is also prepared without cornmeal and without breading.
Wash your Okra well to get rid of any impurities. Once you have washed them, dry each okra individually well and keep them on a dry counter space. This step is important as water reacts with the cut open okra and hence forms slime.
Then prepare your onion by slicing it and chop your garlic small. Keep aside.
To prepare the okra, cut off the ends. Cut the okra into bite-sized pieces or 2 inch long pieces. Keep aside.
Grab a frying pan/skillet, add the oil and heat up. Throw in your onion slices and cook soft. Then continue to add the chopped garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
Now add in all your okra pieces and let cook for a minute. Then stir fry on high heat for another 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the vinegar evenly over the okra. This step is important as it will break down any forming okra slime instantly. Stir-fry for another minute or two on high heat and remove from the heat when ready. The okra is good to be served when it's still firm with a slight crunch on the outside (al dente) but soft cooked inside.
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Notes
Make sure to wash the okra before you cut the pods. When water comes in contact with the seed pod, it forms more slime. Work with dry hands and a dry knife and cutting board.
Stir fry on high heat to reduce the formation of slime
Use acidity to break down remaining slime. You will be surprised how well this works! Use vinegar if possible (apple cider for example), lemon juice can be used too BUT lemon juice turns the okra mushy soft.
Be careful to not overcook the okra. Stand next to the pan all the while the vegetable is cooking. Onions can turn black quickly too. Pan fried okra cooks fast.
See serving instruction above the recipe card in the post.