A lower-calorie way to make Steamed Okra with Sambal
Steamed Okra with Sambal: bright whole okra with tangy toasted chilli sambal
Whole okra is steamed just until crisp-tender and served with a concentrated dried-chilli, tomato, shallot, and lime sambal. This measured Singaporean recipe serves 6 at about 125 kcal per portion.
Steamed Okra with Sambal should still taste and look like the familiar dish, even when its richest ingredient is reduced. This version uses steam 1.2 kg whole dry okra and spoon over sambal fried in only 16 g oil instead of stir-frying the pods. Dried chilli, tomato, shallot, garlic, belacan, tamarind, lime, and toasted sesame balance okra's green flavour with heat and acidity.
What changes—and what stays
From fried okra with oily sambal can reach 230–320 kcal to 125 calories
steam 1.2 kg whole dry okra and spoon over sambal fried in only 16 g oil instead of stir-frying the pods. Dried chilli, tomato, shallot, garlic, belacan, tamarind, lime, and toasted sesame balance okra's green flavour with heat and acidity.
| Part | Conventional | Lighter | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core method | More added fat or a heavier proportion | steam 1.2 kg whole dry okra and spoon over sambal fried in only 16 g oil instead of stir-frying the pods | Dried chilli, tomato, shallot, garlic, belacan, tamarind, lime, and toasted sesame balance okra's green flavour with heat and acidity. |
How the flavor stays
Dried chilli, tomato, shallot, garlic, belacan, tamarind, lime, and toasted sesame balance okra's green flavour with heat and acidity.
A cost rule that survives inflation
Okra is served whole with a small amount of intense pantry sambal, producing six vegetable portions without costly sauces or frying oil.
Ingredients for 6
Measure first; timing is part of how this recipe uses less fat.
- 1.2 kgsmall whole okra
- 60 gdried red chillies
- 300 gtomatoes
- 180 gshallots
- 30 ggarlic
- 12 gtoasted belacan
- 16 gcanola oil
- 30 gtamarind, lime, sesame, and palm sugar
Method
Each step includes heat, a visible cue, and a recovery.
Step 1 · follow the visible cue
Prepare the measured components
Rinse okra, dry every pod, trim only the stem tips without exposing seeds, and soak the chillies.
Look for: Pods remain whole, firm, and completely dry with caps still sealing the interiors.
Step 2 · follow the visible cue
Build the defining flavour
Pound chilli, tomato, shallot, garlic, belacan, tamarind, and sugar, then fry in measured oil.
Look for: The sambal turns deep red and thick with no raw shallot aroma or watery rim.
Step 3 · follow the visible cue
Cook with controlled heat
Steam okra in a single layer just until vivid green and barely tender, then uncover immediately.
Look for: A knife tip enters the stem end with slight resistance and pods do not split or leak seeds.
Step 4 · follow the visible cue
Finish and check the texture
Arrange warm okra, spoon sambal along the centre, and finish with lime and toasted sesame.
Look for: Pods stay bright and dry while the sambal sits on top without forming an oily puddle.
Calories at the same serving size
150 kcal · 55% lower estimated
The estimate uses the listed ingredients divided into 6 servings. Brand labels, trimming, and the amount left in the pan can change the result.
Keep the leftovers in the same spirit
Cool Steamed Okra with Sambal promptly and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Reheat only the portion needed until piping hot; keep crisp or fresh components separate where possible.
Cool Steamed Okra with Sambal promptly and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Reheat only the portion needed until piping hot; keep crisp or fresh components separate where possible.
Frequently asked questions
Can I prepare Steamed Okra with Sambal ahead?
Yes. Complete the preparation stages in advance, then do the final crisping, dressing, or assembly close to serving so Steamed Okra with Sambal keeps its intended texture. Cool Steamed Okra with Sambal promptly and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Reheat only the portion needed until piping hot; keep crisp or fresh components separate where possible.
Does the calorie estimate for Steamed Okra with Sambal include sides?
No. The estimate covers one portion made from the measured ingredients listed here; drinks, chips, salad dressing, and other side dishes need to be counted separately. steam 1.2 kg whole dry okra and spoon over sambal fried in only 16 g oil instead of stir-frying the pods.
- small whole okra1.2 kg
- dried red chillies60 g
- tomatoes300 g
- shallots180 g
CaloNote · mobile analysis example
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Recipe development and nutrition review: CaloNote Editorial
This editorial recipe uses ingredient-level nutrition estimates and reviewed cooking principles. It is not represented as physically test-cooked, and nutrition is approximate.
- Health Promotion Board Singapore — Energy and Nutrient Composition of Food
- HealthHub Singapore — My Healthy Plate
Published and last reviewed: August 25, 2026
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