This delicious Pinoy Okra Recipe is a tasty, vegan-friendly dish that is made the simplest way. With perfectly blanched okra, it's tossed in a savory vegetarian oyster sauce. It's an easy Filipino side dish recipe that is perfect for a quick family lunch or dinner!
Looking to add more delicious Filipino vegetables to your life? Try my Bicol Express, Filipino Green Beans, or Grilled Eggplant with Coconut Milk.
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What is Pinoy Okra Recipe?
This is a Filipino recipe! The Pinoy Okra Recipe is a veggie dish often served as ulam (main dish) or a side in Filipino homes. It uses okra, a green vegetable with a slightly sticky texture.
This version skips the usual sautéing. The okra is blanched and mixed with a rich mushroom sauce. The star ingredient is okra, which grows well in many parts of the Philippines. It’s loved for its crunch and health benefits.
What is Pinoy Okra Recipe?
Ginisang okra (sautéed okra) has been part of Filipino meals for many years. It’s especially popular in provinces where fresh vegetables are easy to find.
This version likely came from home cooks wanting a faster, healthier option. They wanted to avoid too much oil and still enjoy okra.
What is Pinoy Okra Recipe?
This dish is enjoyed all year round in Filipino homes. It’s most popular during summer when okra is in season. It’s also cheaper in wet markets at that time.
Many enjoy it during Lent or when eating more gulay (vegetables). It’s often served with rice and other simple Filipino dishes for lunch or dinner.
Health Benefits of Okra
- High in fiber for better digestion
- Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
- Great for heart health
- Low in calories, perfect for light meals
- Supports blood sugar control
Substitutions
- brown sugar – coconut sugar or maple syrup works well too
- dark soy sauce – use light soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- sesame oil – can be replaced with olive oil for a milder flavor
- vegetable broth – use water + a pinch of salt or bouillon cube
- lemon juice – calamansi or vinegar can be used instead
- garlic and ginger – if fresh is not available, use powdered forms (but fresh gives the best flavor)
Variations
- Spicy – add chili flakes or sliced red chilies
- Tangy – add more lemon juice or a dash of vinegar
- Sweet-style – increase the brown sugar slightly
- Protein-packed – toss in tofu cubes or mushrooms
Storage
- Countertop – best eaten fresh
- Fridge – store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer – not recommended as okra may get mushy when thawed
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- okra
- vegetarian oyster mushroom sauce
- brown sugar
- dark soy sauce
- sesame oil
- vegetable broth
- lemon
- vegetable oil
- garlic
- ginger
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
On medium or high heat, blanch the okra in boiling water for 4 minutes. Remove and transfer the okra to a bowl:
In a small bowl, combine oyster mushroom sauce, brown sugar, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, vegetable broth, and lemon juice; set aside.
In a small pan, add oil and sauté garlic on low heat until it turns light brown:
Add the ginger slices and cook for another 2 minutes. Next, pour in the oyster mushroom sauce mixture. Then, bring the mixture to a boil and reduce it to a simmer for 3 minutes:
Toss in the blanched okra and continue simmering for another 2 minutes:
Serve warm with steamed rice and enjoy!
Hint: Make sure not to overcook the okra. The less cooked the okra is, the better it is for our health.
⭐ Top Tip
Just blanch the okra and transfer it to a plate. You may also put the boiled okra in a large bowl with cold water and / or ice cubes for a few minutes to stop it from cooking. Then, drain the water and transfer the okra to a serving plate.
FAQ
More Filipino Asian Recipes to Try
- Caramelized Onion Dip
- Filipino Style Tomato Soup
- Vegan Bagoong (which pairs well with this dish)
Pinoy Okra Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 oz medium okra
- 3 tablespoons oyster mushroom sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup vegetable broth
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ginger sliced thinly
Instructions
Blanch the Okra:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the okra and blanch for 4 minutes. Remove and transfer to a bowl.
Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together oyster mushroom sauce, brown sugar, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, vegetable broth, and lemon juice. Set aside.
Sauté and Simmer:
- In a small pan over low heat, add vegetable oil and sauté minced garlic until light brown.
- Add ginger slices and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for 3 minutes.
Finish the Dish:
- Add the blanched okra into the sauce and simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Serve warm with steamed rice and enjoy!
Notes
Claire M says
Wow, a proper recipe on okra that is plant-based! Thanks Lainey.
Lizzy says
Lainey, this tasted so good! Instead of leaving the okra whole, I sliced it and it still tasted delicious!🤩🤩🤩