Surinamese Chicken and Okra Stir-Fry
Kip met Okra
A vibrant and quick stir-fry featuring tender chicken pieces and fresh okra, seasoned with aromatic Surinamese spices. This dish offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, highlighting the use of okra in Surinamese cooking.

๐ง Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken breast or thighs(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 200 g Fresh okra(trimmed and sliced)
- 1 medium Red bell pepper(sliced)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 thumb-sized piece Ginger(minced)
- 2 or more Red chili peppers(finely chopped, adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Ground turmeric
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster sauce(optional, for added umami)
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil(for stir-frying)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
๐ก Tip: Marinating the chicken briefly helps it absorb the flavors. - 2
Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced okra and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned and slightly tender.
๐ก Tip: Stir-frying okra helps reduce its sliminess. - 3
Remove the okra from the wok and set aside.
๐ก Tip: This prevents the okra from overcooking. - 4
Add the remaining 1 tbsp of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the chopped onion and stir-fry until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- 5
Add the minced garlic, ginger, and chopped chili peppers to the wok. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 6
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the wok. Stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
๐ก Tip: Ensure the chicken is cooked evenly. - 7
Add the sliced red bell pepper and the stir-fried okra back into the wok. Toss to combine.
๐ก Tip: Add the bell pepper towards the end to keep it slightly crisp. - 8
Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Drizzle with sesame oil. Stir well to coat all ingredients.
๐ก Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. - 9
Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- 10
Serve hot, ideally with steamed rice.
๐ก Tip: Garnish with chopped spring onions or fresh cilantro.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โEnsure your wok or skillet is hot before adding ingredients for a proper stir-fry.
- โDon't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- โIf you prefer less slime from the okra, you can blanch it briefly before stir-frying.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like carrots, snow peas, or broccoli florets.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp or firm tofu for a different protein.
- For a spicier dish, add more chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce.