Easy Minced Pork And Okra | One Pan Recipe

Welcome to this delicious and easy one-pan recipe for minced pork and okra! This hearty and flavorful dish combines tender minced pork with the delightful texture of okra, all cooked together in a single pan for a quick and convenient meal. Bursting with savoury flavours and packed with nutrients, this versatile dish is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into the wonderful world of minced pork and okra and discover how simple it can be to create a mouthwatering and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends!

When is Okra (Lady Fingers) in Season?

If you’re planning to make an easy minced pork and okra dish, it’s important to know when okra is in season. This will ensure that you get the freshest and most flavourful okra for your recipe.

Okra is a warm-season vegetable that is typically grown in tropical and subtropical regions such as India. In the UK, okra, also known as Lady Fingers, is typically in season from July to September. During this time, you can find fresh okra in most supermarkets and farmers’ markets.

When selecting okra, look for pods that are bright green, firm, and free of blemishes or soft spots. Avoid pods that are yellow or brown, as this indicates that they are overripe.

If you’re unable to find fresh okra, you can also use frozen okra in your recipe. Frozen okra is available year-round and can be a convenient option when fresh okra is out of season.

Can you eat Okra raw?

Okra is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in various ways, including frying, boiling, and sautéing. But can you eat okra raw? The answer is yes, you can eat okra raw, but it is not recommended.

Raw okra has a tough texture and a slightly bitter taste, which may not be appealing to everyone. However, if you enjoy the taste and texture of raw okra, you can add it to your salads or eat it as a snack.

It is worth noting that raw okra contains a type of protein called lectin, which can be harmful if consumed in large quantities. Lectin can cause digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, and nausea. Therefore, it is best to eat okra in moderation and cook it before consuming it.

Cooking okra can help break down the lectin and make it easier to digest. Boiling, frying, or sautéing okra can also enhance its flavour and texture, making it a delicious addition to your meals.

Ingredients

Minced Pork

For this recipe, you will need 250g of minced pork. You can find this at your local supermarket or butcher’s shop. Fresh or frozen is fine, just make sure you defrost the pork before cooking.

Okra

You will need 100g of fresh okra for this recipe. Look for okra that is firm and bright green in colour. Avoid any that are soft or discoloured.

Garlic

You will need 2 cloves of garlic for this recipe. Peel and finely chop the garlic before using it.

Onion

You will need 1 medium-sized onion. Peel and finely chop the onion before using it.

Tomatoes and Tomato Puree

You will need 1 tin of chopped tomatoes and tbsp tomato puree. Alternatively, you can use fresh tomatoes, just whiz them up in a food processor.

Salt

You will need 1/2 teaspoon of salt for this recipe. Add more or less according to your taste.

Pepper

You will need 1 teaspoon of pepper for this recipe. Add more or less according to your taste.

Oil

You will need 2 tablespoons of oil for this recipe. Use any oil of your choice, such as vegetable oil or olive oil.

Ginger

1/2 teaspoon.

Tumeric

1 teaspoon

Cinnamon

1 teaspoon – optional but gives it a lovely warm taste.

Paprika

1 teaspoon is needed. You can use hot or smoked paprika or a bit of both.

Bullion or Stock Cube

2 teaspoons of bullion or a stock cube

Vegetables

Add extra vegetables if needed, such as chopped carrots, celery and broccoli.

Preparation

To make this easy minced pork and okra recipe, you will need a few ingredients and a single pan. Follow the steps below to prepare the dish:

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic and Onion

In a heated pan, add a tablespoon of oil and sauté the minced garlic and onion until they turn golden brown. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Minced Pork

Add the minced pork to the pan and stir it with the garlic and onion until it turns brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add the seasonings

Add the tomato puree, ginger, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon and stock powder. Add a little water to loosen the mixture.

Step 3: Add the Okra

Add the sliced okra to the pan and mix it with the minced pork. Cook this for about 5 minutes until the okra becomes tender.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes

Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and mix them with the other ingredients. Cook this for about 3-5 minutes until the tomatoes become soft and tender. Add a little water if needed to loosen it, and add extra vegetables if needed.

Step 5: Season with Salt and Pepper

Add salt and pepper to taste, and stir the mixture well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavours to combine. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

That’s it! Your easy minced pork and okra dish is now ready to serve. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving minced pork and okra, there are many ways to make it a complete and satisfying meal. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

1. Rice

One of the most popular ways to serve this dish is with a side of steamed rice. The rice helps to soak up the delicious sauce and adds a nice texture to the dish. You can use any type of rice you like, but we recommend using jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture.

2. Noodles

If you’re looking for a change from rice, try serving this dish with noodles. Egg noodles or udon noodles work well with this recipe. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions and toss them with the minced pork and okra.

3. Vegetables

To add some extra nutrition to your meal, serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables. Broccoli, bok choy, and carrots are all great options that pair well with the flavours of minced pork and okra.

4. Quinoa

Quinoa is a great versatile side dish and goes with most dishes. Check how to cook Quinoa like a pro!

4. Garnishes

To add some extra flavour and texture to your meal, try adding some garnishes. Chopped spring onions, fresh coriander, and sliced red chillies are all great options that add a pop of colour and flavour to the dish.

Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to serving Easy Minced Pork And Okra. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavours and textures to find the perfect combination for you.

How to Store the Leftovers

Once you have cooked the pork and okra recipe, you may have some leftovers. It is important to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat. Here are a few tips on how to store the leftovers:

• Let the leftovers cool down to room temperature before storing them. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the container and keep the food from spoiling.
• Divide the leftovers into smaller portions and store them in airtight containers. This will help to keep the food fresh and prevent it from drying out.
• Label the containers with the date you stored the leftovers. This will help you keep track of how long the food has been stored and when it needs to be consumed.
• Store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• When reheating the leftovers, make sure they are heated thoroughly.