Indian Style Okra: Delicious 35 Min Recipe

Name: Indian Style Okra: Delicious 35 Min Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh okra, washed and trimmed; 2 tablespoons cooking oil; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 1-2 green chilies, slit; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 teaspoon grated garlic; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 teaspoon coriander powder; 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste); 1/4 teaspoon garam masala; Salt to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

by Jannet Lisa

12 de September de 2025

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Indian Style Okra has always been a favorite in my home, bringing a burst of vibrant flavor and a delightful texture to our meals. I remember the first time I tried making this dish, also known as Bhindi Masala, from an old family cookbook. The aroma of toasted spices filled my kitchen, and the slightly crisp, tender okra coated in a savory masala was simply divine. It’s become my go-to Indian Okra recipe for a quick and satisfying side dish. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Indian Style Okra

This recipe for Indian Style Okra is an absolute winner for so many reasons. Its incredible flavor profile, bursting with aromatic Indian spices, makes it a standout side dish. Plus, it’s an easy Indian Okra recipe that comes together in under 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll appreciate its health benefits, as okra is packed with fiber and vitamins. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly, using simple, accessible ingredients. This dish is surprisingly family-friendly, even for those new to Indian cuisine. Seriously, it’s an easy Indian Okra recipe that everyone will ask for again and again.

Ingredients for Indian Style Okra

Gathering your ingredients is the first step in mastering this wonderfully simple Indian Okra Recipe. To truly get the best results, here’s how to prepare Okra for Indian cooking: make sure your okra is completely dry after washing and before trimming. This is crucial for reducing sliminess.

Indian Style Okra: Delicious 35 Min Recipe - Indian Style Okra - ingredients showcase

1 lb fresh okra – washed, trimmed, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

2 tablespoons cooking oil – a neutral oil like vegetable or canola works well
1 teaspoon cumin seeds – they’ll release their earthy aroma when toasted
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds – these add a subtle pop of flavor

1 large onion, thinly sliced – provides a sweet base
1-2 green chilies, slit – adjust these based on your preferred spice level
1 teaspoon grated ginger – for that characteristic warmth

1 teaspoon grated garlic – essential for depth of flavor
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder – gives our okra its beautiful yellow hue
1 teaspoon coriander powder – adds a mild, citrusy note

1/2 teaspoon red chili powder – customize this for your heat preference
1/4 teaspoon garam masala – stirred in at the end for a fragrant finish
Salt to taste – to enhance all the delicious flavors

Fresh cilantro, chopped – for a burst of freshness as a garnish

How to Make Indian Style Okra

Get ready to create a truly delicious Indian Okra Recipe with these simple steps. This method ensures you get the best texture and flavor, truly showcasing Okra cooked the Indian way.

Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons cooking oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. It’s important to get the pan to the right temperature before adding your spices.

Step 2: Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds to the hot oil. Let them splutter and become fragrant, usually about 30 seconds. This blooming process unlocks their full flavor for Indian Style Okra.
Step 3: Toss in 1 large onion, thinly sliced, and 1-2 green chilies, slit. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn a lovely golden brown.
Step 4: Now, add 1 teaspoon grated ginger and 1 teaspoon grated garlic. Cook for another minute until you can smell that wonderful, fragrant aroma. This aromatic base is key to how to make Indian Okra.

Step 5: Add the prepared 1 lb fresh okra, cut into 1/2-inch pieces to the pan.
Step 6: Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder, and salt to taste. Stir everything together well, ensuring the okra is evenly coated with the spices.
Step 7: Cook the okra uncovered for 5-7 minutes, stirring now and then. You’ll notice it becoming tender and the characteristic sliminess reducing. Keep stirring to help this along.

Step 8: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon garam masala. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes. You’re looking for the okra to be cooked through and have a slightly crisp texture. This final step makes it a perfect Indian Okra side dish.
Step 9: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped. Serve your delicious Indian Style Okra immediately.

Indian Style Okra: Delicious 35 Min Recipe - Indian Style Okra - close-up of cooked dish

Pro Tips for the Best Indian Style Okra

To elevate your Indian Okra recipe from good to absolutely amazing, I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years. These tips will help ensure your okra is perfectly cooked, flavorful, and never too slimy.

Ensure your okra is completely dry before cutting. Any excess moisture can contribute to sliminess. Pat it down thoroughly with paper towels after washing.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the okra in batches if necessary to allow it to fry and crisp up properly, rather than steam.

Avoid stirring the okra too much, especially in the initial cooking stages. Let it sit for a few minutes between stirs to help it develop a nice texture.
A squeeze of lemon juice at the very end adds a lovely bright, tangy finish that complements the spices beautifully.

What’s the secret to perfect Indian Style Okra?

The biggest secret to achieving a great South Indian Okra fry is ensuring the okra is perfectly dry before cooking and avoiding too much stirring initially. This helps prevent the release of its natural mucilage, keeping it from getting too slimy. For more on cooking techniques, you can explore Serious Eats’ guide to cooking okra.

Can I make Indian Style Okra ahead of time?

While this Indian Okra side dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead. Trim and cut the okra, slice the onions, and measure out your spices. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator up to a day in advance.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Indian Style Okra?

The most common mistake is overcooking, which makes the okra mushy. Another pitfall is not ensuring the okra is dry, leading to excessive sliminess. Patting it dry and cooking uncovered helps prevent both. Learn more about how to cook okra to avoid these common issues.

Best Ways to Serve Indian Style Okra

This flavorful Indian Okra side dish is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of Indian staples. My absolute favorite way to enjoy it is alongside warm, soft roti or fluffy basmati rice. The subtle crispness of the okra and its savory spice blend are the perfect complement to these staples. You can also serve it as part of a larger thali or meal, alongside dal, yogurt, or a refreshing raita. It truly shines as a vibrant addition to any Indian spread. For more Indian recipe inspiration, check out these latest recipes.

Nutrition Facts for Indian Style Okra

This Indian Okra Recipe is not only delicious but also offers a good nutritional profile per serving. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, making it a healthy choice for an Indian Okra side dish.

Calories: 150
Fat: 8g

Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 18g

Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 200mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in this Bhindi Masala preparation.

How to Store and Reheat Indian Style Okra

Properly storing your delicious Bhindi Masala ensures you can enjoy its amazing flavors for days. Once cooked, let the Indian Style Okra cool completely at room temperature. Then, transfer it into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Pack it into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible, and it can be stored for up to 3 months. This makes meal prep for your Indian Okra recipe even easier!

When you’re ready to enjoy your stored Indian Okra side dish, reheating is simple. For refrigerated portions, gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave it for a minute or two. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first, then use the skillet method for the best texture. Avoid overcooking during reheating to maintain that delightful slight crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Indian Style Okra

What is Indian Okra?

Indian Okra refers to the preparation of okra using traditional Indian spices and cooking methods, often resulting in a dish like Bhindi Masala or a flavorful stir-fry. It’s known for its aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander, creating a delicious and healthy vegetable side dish.

How do I get the best Indian Okra recipe?

The best Indian Okra recipe focuses on preventing sliminess and building layers of flavor. Ensure your okra is dry before cutting, cook it uncovered, and don’t over-stir. Using fresh spices and a good balance of aromatics like ginger, garlic, and onions is key to achieving that authentic taste. For more tips on making delicious dishes, explore our creamy spinach mushroom shrimp recipe.

Can I make this Indian Okra recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This Indian Okra recipe is already naturally vegan. The cooking oil used is typically vegetable-based, and there are no dairy or animal products involved in the standard preparation of Bhindi Masala.

Is Indian Style Okra healthy?

Yes, Indian Style Okra is quite healthy! Okra itself is packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. When prepared with minimal oil and a good blend of spices, it makes for a nutritious and satisfying addition to any meal, especially as an Indian Okra side dish. If you’re looking for other healthy options, consider our creamed asparagus recipe.

Variations of Indian Style Okra You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic Indian Okra Recipe, you might want to explore some exciting variations to keep things interesting. This versatile vegetable lends itself beautifully to different flavor profiles and cooking styles, making it a staple in many homes. Adding a touch of creativity can transform your simple stir-fry into something truly special. For a different flavor profile, try our cashew chicken recipe.

Spicy Indian Okra dish: For those who love a kick, amp up the heat by increasing the green chilies or adding a pinch more red chili powder. You could also incorporate a small amount of finely chopped fresh ginger or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra layer of warmth.

North Indian Okra masala: Elevate your okra by adding a creamy tomato-based gravy. Sauté onions, ginger, garlic, and tomatoes until soft, then add your spices and the cooked okra. A touch of cream or yogurt can make this a rich and decadent dish.
Lemon-Garlic Okra: A simpler variation that’s still incredibly flavorful. After cooking the okra with basic spices, toss it with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of minced garlic. This adds a bright, zesty flavor perfect for a quick side.
Okra Curry Indian style: Transform your okra into a comforting curry by simmering it in a spiced coconut milk or yogurt-based sauce. This method yields a dish with a richer, saucier consistency that is delicious served with rice or naan.