Chinese Cold Dressed Okra (Liang Ban Qiu Kui)

 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

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Okra

1. Wash the okra thoroughly and cut off the tough stems.

2. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.

3. Blanch the okra for about 1–2 minutes until just tender but still vibrant green.

4. Remove and immediately plunge into ice water or rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and retain color.

5. Drain and cut the okra into bite-sized pieces (usually diagonally or in half lengthwise).

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. 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

2. Stir well to mix.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

1. Place the cut okra neatly in a shallow serving dish.

2. Pour the sauce evenly over the top.

3. 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.

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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.

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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!