Okra no Shoga-Joyu Ae (Japanese Okra with Ginger Soy Sauce)
Okra no Shoga-Joyu Ae (Japanese Okra with Ginger Soy Sauce)
Ingredients
- 1 pound okra
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more for blanching water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the okra: Gently wash the okra. Trim the top dark green cap of each okra pod, being careful not to cut into the pod itself, which would release its mucilage. Leave the stem end intact.
⏱️ 3 min
- 2
Rub with salt: Place the trimmed okra on a clean cutting board. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of kosher salt generously over the okra. Using your hands, rub the okra together on the cutting board for 1-2 minutes. This process helps to remove any fine fuzz from the surface of the okra and enhances its color.
⏱️ 2 min
- 3
Blanch the okra: Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water. Carefully add the salted and rubbed okra to the boiling water. Blanch for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the okra is tender-crisp and bright green.
⏱️ 3 min
- 4
Cool and drain: Immediately drain the blanched okra into a colander. Rinse the okra thoroughly under cold running water for 1-2 minutes to stop the cooking process and cool them down completely. This also washes off any excess salt.
⏱️ 2 min
- 5
Cut the okra: Once cooled, pat the okra dry with a paper towel. On a cutting board, cut the blanched okra diagonally into bite-sized pieces, about 1/2-inch thick.
⏱️ 3 min
- 6
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce and freshly grated ginger. Stir well to mix.
⏱️ 1 min - 7
Toss and chill: Add the cut okra to the bowl with the ginger soy sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all the okra pieces are evenly coated. For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to chill.
⏱️ 1 min
- 8
Serve: Transfer the Okra no Shoga-Joyu Ae to a serving dish. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish for rice, grilled fish, or noodles.
⏱️ 1 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Okra no Shoga-Joyu Ae (Japanese Okra with Ginger Soy Sauce)
- 1 pound okra
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more for blanching water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the okra: Gently wash the okra. Trim the top dark green cap of each okra pod, being careful not to cut into the pod itself, which would release its mucilage. Leave the stem end intact.
⏱️ 3 min - 2
Rub with salt: Place the trimmed okra on a clean cutting board. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of kosher salt generously over the okra. Using your hands, rub the okra together on the cutting board for 1-2 minutes. This process helps to remove any fine fuzz from the surface of the okra and enhances its color.
⏱️ 2 min - 3
Blanch the okra: Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water. Carefully add the salted and rubbed okra to the boiling water. Blanch for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the okra is tender-crisp and bright green.
⏱️ 3 min - 4
Cool and drain: Immediately drain the blanched okra into a colander. Rinse the okra thoroughly under cold running water for 1-2 minutes to stop the cooking process and cool them down completely. This also washes off any excess salt.
⏱️ 2 min - 5
Cut the okra: Once cooled, pat the okra dry with a paper towel. On a cutting board, cut the blanched okra diagonally into bite-sized pieces, about 1/2-inch thick.
⏱️ 3 min - 6
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce and freshly grated ginger. Stir well to mix.
⏱️ 1 min - 7
Toss and chill: Add the cut okra to the bowl with the ginger soy sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all the okra pieces are evenly coated. For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to chill.
⏱️ 1 min - 8
Serve: Transfer the Okra no Shoga-Joyu Ae to a serving dish. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish for rice, grilled fish, or noodles.
⏱️ 1 min