With the deepening of midsummer, we have also entered the hottest period of the year, known as the “San Fu Tian” in Chinese. During this time, the outdoor temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius, hot enough to fry an egg. Therefore, it is important to take precautions to prevent heatstroke and cool down during this period, including paying attention to our diet and consuming more refreshing ingredients.
Summer is the season when various plants flourish, and okra stands out with its unique texture and rich nutritional content, making it a favorite among many. Also known as lady’s fingers, bhindi, or okro, okra is a highly nutritious green vegetable containing polysaccharides, mucilage, abundant vitamins, and carotenes, making it extremely valuable in terms of nutrition.
During the hot days of “San Fu Tian,” it is essential to counter dryness and excessive heat. Consuming okra can help cool the body, moisten the lungs, and nourish the liver. In particular, during this period, when Liver Fire tends to be strong, leading to potential constipation, consuming okra in moderation can aid in relieving constipation due to its mucilaginous properties.
Okra has a unique texture that is smooth, tender, and juicy when consumed. Whether stir-fried, sautéed, or added to soups, okra offers a delightful culinary experience. Today, we combine okra with lean meat, stir-frying them together to create a perfect fusion of flavors that is both delicious and nutritious.
Preparing the ingredients:
Okra, lean meat, garlic cloves, chili peppers, salt, oyster sauce, cooking oil
Method:
Soak the okra in a bowl of saltwater for half an hour, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Cut the clean okra into small pieces diagonally for better cooking and taste. Marinate the lean meat with starch, soy sauce, and cooking oil, then stir-fry together with garlic cloves and chili peppers. Add the prepared okra and cook them slowly over low heat without adding water until they are nearly done. Season with salt and oyster sauce for flavor before finishing the dish.
Once cooked, this dish of okra and lean meat is ready to be served. The okra is fresh and sweet, while the meat is tender and flavorful, combining the essence of okra with a refreshing taste.
Okra is a seasonal dish in summer, rich in nutrients and beneficial for liver health. Its mucilage content benefits the skin, especially when cooked with meat, enhancing both the nutrition and flavor. Don’t miss out on adding okra to your diet during the hot summer days to enjoy its liver-nourishing properties and refreshing taste.
