Blanching okra can make it more crispy and remove some of the mucus for a better eating experience. Usually, the time to blanch okra is between 1 and 2 minutes. Here are some suggestions and steps for blanching okra::
Pick fresh okra: Choose okra with a bright green color and a smooth surface, and no obvious softness.
Prepare the boiling pot: Prepare a large pot, add an appropriate amount of water and bring it to a boil.
Prepare ice water: Prepare a large bowl or container filled with ice water for the subsequent quick insertion of the blanched okra to stop cooking.
Wash okra: Rinse okra well to remove impurities and dust.
Blanching treatment
When the water is boiling, put the okra in the boiling water. It is recommended that the amount of okra blanched at one time should not be too much, so as not to affect the uniformity of cooking.
Gently stir the okra with a spatula and let it fully contact the heat in the water so that the okra is evenly heated.
Stay on top of your time
In general, blanching okra should not be too long, about between 1 and 2 minutes. During this time, the okra color will light up and the skin will soften slightly, but it will still retain a certain crunch texture.
Rapid cooling
Immediately remove the blanched okra and place it in the prepared ice water, which will stop the cooking process and cool quickly to maintain the tender taste of the okra.
Drain the water
Once the okra is removed from the ice water, let it drain and use a strainer or kitchen paper towel to gently absorb the excess water.
It is very important to control the amount of time you blanch, as too long can cause the okra to become too soft and lose its taste.
Quickly placing blanched okra in ice water can help maintain its tender taste and green appearance.
Do not cover the lid during the blanching process, so as not to affect the blanching effect.
Blanched okra can be used as a coleslaw, salad topping, or as an ingredient in other dishes, giving it a refreshing and delicious taste. Timing the blanching will keep the okra crisp and tender to make it more delicious.