Malaysian Lady Fingers (Okra)

May 16, 2023May 16, 20230 3

Tasty Malaysian Lady Fingers recipe with shrimp and chili paste

by The Chefin Main

Prep

10 min

Cook

10 min

Ready In

20 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	1 tablespoon vegetable oil
	5 cloves garlic , minced
	5 fresh red chili peppers , chopped
	10 uncooked shrimp - peeled , deveined , and cut in half
	10 fresh okra pods , sliced diagonally
	1 teaspoon belacan ( Malaysian chili-shrimp paste )
	2 teaspoons light soy sauce
	2 tablespoons water

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

374

Sugar

Fat

21g

Malaysian Lady Fingers or okra is a popular vegetable in Southeast Asia and is often used in stews, curries, and stir-fries. This recipe combines sliced okra with fresh red chili peppers and shrimp for a flavorful and satisfying main dish. Belacan or Malaysian chili-shrimp paste adds a depth of umami flavor to the dish, while soy sauce helps to balance out the heat from the chili peppers. Okra is known for its slimy texture, which some people find off-putting, but when cooked correctly, it adds a unique texture to any dish.

Instructions

1.	Heat the oil over medium heat in a large wok or frying pan.
2.	Add the minced garlic and chopped chili peppers to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant.
3.	Add the shrimp and stir-fry for another minute.
4.	Add the sliced okra, belacan, soy sauce, and water to the pan, stirring well.
5.	Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the shrimp are cooked through. Serve hot.

PROS

This dish is packed with flavor and has a nice kick of spice from the fresh red chili peppers.

The addition of shrimp adds protein and makes it a more satisfying meal.

CONS

Some people may not enjoy the texture of the slimy okra pods.

It can be difficult to find belacan, the Malaysian chili-shrimp paste, in some grocery stores.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Okra is a low-calorie vegetable that is high in fiber and is a good source of vitamins C and K.
Shrimp is a lean source of protein and is low in fat.
Fresh chili peppers contain capsaicin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.