Liang Ban Qiu Kui is a refreshing and healthy cold dish made with tender okra (lady’s fingers). It’s lightly blanched, then dressed with a savory, aromatic sauce that's common in Chinese home-style cold appetizers. This simple, fast, and nutritious dish is perfect for summer or as a light side dish.
Ingredients
Main:
-
200g (about 7 oz) fresh okra
-
1 teaspoon salt (for blanching)
Sauce (Dressing):
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
-
1 tablespoon vinegar (preferably Chinese black vinegar or rice vinegar)
-
1 teaspoon sesame oil
-
1/2 teaspoon sugar
-
Optional: 1–2 teaspoons chili oil (for spice)
-
Optional garnish: sesame seeds or chopped scallions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Okra
-
Wash the okra thoroughly and cut off the tough stems.
-
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.
-
Blanch the okra for about 1–2 minutes until just tender but still vibrant green.
-
Remove and immediately plunge into ice water or rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and retain color.
-
Drain and cut the okra into bite-sized pieces (usually diagonally or in half lengthwise).
Step 2: Make the Sauce
-
In a small bowl, combine:
-
1 tablespoon soy sauce
-
1 tablespoon vinegar
-
1/2 teaspoon sugar
-
Minced garlic
-
Sesame oil
-
(Optional) Chili oil for a spicy kick
-
-
Stir well to mix.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
-
Place the cut okra neatly in a shallow serving dish.
-
Pour the sauce evenly over the top.
-
Optionally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or chopped scallions for garnish.
Step 4: Serve
-
Serve chilled or at room temperature. It pairs well with rice or as part of a multi-dish meal.
Tips:
-
Blanching too long can make okra slimy—keep it short and sharp.
-
For a bolder flavor, you can fry minced garlic in a bit of oil and then add to the sauce.
-
You can also keep okra whole and arrange vertically or slice it into star-shaped rounds for presentation.
Why You’ll Love It
This dish is:
-
Light and nutritious – full of fiber and antioxidants.
-
Simple and quick – ready in under 10 minutes.
-
Flavorful – tangy, garlicky, with a hint of umami and spice.
Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer or a refreshing side dish, Chinese Cold Dressed Okra is an easy way to enjoy this underappreciated vegetable!
Comments
Post a Comment