Unique fried rice side dish featuring fresh okra and Caribbean ingredients that can be ready in less than 30 minutes.
Fried rice for me is usually a leftover brunch recipe for me. Whether it’s Friday night PF Chang or our favorite local Chinese spot, we end up with way too much steamed rice. No problem, as it’s usually the end of the week and I’m looking to get rid of whatever remaining fresh ingredients are still on hand, usually onions, carrots, peppers, etc. and possibly frozen shrimp. On occasion, I have extra smoked brisket and will make this brisket fried rice dish.
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Okra Fried Rice Ingredients
Today it’s all about okra as the guest ingredient in this vegetable fried rice. The okra gives the dish that Southern or African vibe. Coconut flavor from the coconut oil, plus the habanero, lime juice, allspice, and cilantro provide the Caribbean vibes. Critical to making this dish sing is the mix of spices and fresh seasonings (garlic and ginger). The paprika gives that smoky earthy element while the fresh ginger adds some zing and the garlic is kind of the unifier.
- Okra
- Rice
- Red onion
- Red bell pepper
- Habanero chili
- Fresh ginger
- Garlic cloves
- Allspice
- Paprika
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Cilantro
- Lime juice
- Coconut oil
- Soy sauce
How To Make Okra Fried Rice (Step by Step)
Step 1: Infuse the oil
infuse the coconut oil with fresh garlic and habanero for more flavor
Step 2: Saute the vegetables
Add the onions and saute with salt and pepper for 2-3 minutes. Add the okra and cook 3-4 minutes more.
Add bell pepper, mix well then season with paprika and allspice. Saute quickly about 1 minute. Using a grater, grate fresh ginger right into the pan.
Step 3: Add remaining ingredients
Add the rice, soy, and cilantro then mix well and fry for 2-3 minutes.
Okra Fried Rice Cooking Tips
- Dryness is essential – allows food to get that wok taste. Moisture cools skillet down and you want that bad boy really hot otherwise the rice will start to stick to the wok
- You want individual grains of rice when all is done not lumpy clumps. Break-up the rice before adding to the wok
- Use Jasmine rice for the perfect balance of stickiness and individual grains
- Make sure that the pan is really hot before adding the rice to allow the rice to brown and acquire some texture
- A small amount of soy sauce along will suffice.
- Less is more; too many ingredients make this something other than fried rice
Is Vegetable Fried Rice Spicy?
Though habaneros are pretty high up on the fiery heat scale, it's presence in this dish is low profile. It's only used to infuse the coconut oil. So rather than slicing it up and making it an integral part of the dish, I just added slits to a whole habanero so when heated in the oil you only get the essence of the heat. So overall you get the fruity elements of the habanero with just a very small hint of it's heat.
Is the okra slimy?
The question of slime always comes up with okra like a scarlet letter. Adding okra to a vegetable fried rice is the perfect anti-slime move. This is a quick cook hit heat cooking dish which basically nukes the slime and eliminates it completely. For more detailed ways to combat slime see this okra and collard green salad recipe post which features several tips for okra slime control.
What If I Don't Have Leftover Rice?
Chinese restaurants have perfected steamed rice, which is why it's just easier and no stress to use for any fried rice dish. Plus it's a great short-cut. If you don't have it on hand, feel free to use any of those "Ready Rice" packets you can buy at any grocery store.
Uncle Ben's varieties are pretty much fool proof - just 90 seconds in the microwave and you're good to go. Even better, they offer a Jasmine Rice version that perfect for this dish. However, if you'd rather make your own rice then try this coconut ginger rice for a tutorial for making the perfect rice.
MORE RICE OR OKRA RECIPES
MAKE THIS FRIED RICE
If you make this vegan soul food okra fried rice come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.
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Equipment
- Grater
Ingredients
- ½ lb Okra sliced diagonally
- 1 medium Red onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 habanero chili
- ¼ teaspoon Ginger grated
- ¼ Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- ¼ cup fresh Cilantro de-stemmed and chopped
- 1 medium Lime juiced
- 1 tablespoon Coconut oil
- 2 tablespoon Soy sauce
- 2 cups rice cooked
Instructions
- Using sharp knife cut slits into sides of habanero.
- Heat oil on low and add garlic and habanero to infuse the oil. Cook 2-3 minutes.
- Add onions and sauté with salt and pepper
- Heat pan to med-high, add okra and sauté 3-4 minutes
- Stir in the bell pepper, paprika, and allspice.
- Grate ginger right into the pan.
- Add soy sauce, cilantro, and rice and mix well cooking for about 1-2 minutes.
- Add additional seasoning if needed and finish with lime juice. Serve
Video
Notes
- I use leftover rice from Chinese take-out since it's hard to find better cooked rice. Uncle Ben's microwavable ready rice is a close second
- Use Jasmine rice for the perfect balance of stickiness and individual grains if you plan on cooking your own rice
- Make sure that the pan is really hot before adding the rice to allow the rice to brown and acquire some texture
- A small amount of soy sauce along will suffice.
April
Monday 17th of July 2023
I knew this was going to be delicious, and it was. Adding this in rotation as another great recipe to use our okra! Thank you!
Marwin Brown
Wednesday 19th of July 2023
Glad this worked for you! Thanks