Delight your taste buds with homemade Bhindi Fry, a crispy and flavorful Indian dish! Perfect for Sunday brunch or dinner.

As the Sunday sun bathed in our cozy kitchen in a warm, golden glow, I couldn't help but smile. It was the day I knew would bring an extra twinkle to my husband's eyes. Bhindi fry was on the menu, and I knew it was his absolute favorite.
I carefully selected the fresh okra, ensuring each pod was vibrant and tender. Then, I washed them with meticulous care, appreciating the vibrant green hue that made bhindi fry a visual delight. After patting them dry, I started slicing the okra into uniform pieces, my mind filled with anticipation for the moment when my husband would savor the dish I was preparing with love.
As I heated the skillet, the aroma of spices filled the air, wafting through the kitchen and into the living room where my husband, Prakash, was catching up on his Sunday reading. The sizzle of cumin and the earthy scent of turmeric soon lured him into the kitchen, his curiosity piqued.
I glanced over my shoulder, my eyes seeing Prakash's with a mischievous twinkle. "I thought I'd surprise you with something special today," I said, stirring the okra gently in the pan. The crisp, golden edges were already forming.
Prakash's smile widened as he watched me cook. He knew that my bhindi fry was a labor of love, an art I had mastered over the years. He took a step closer to the stove, inhaling deeply. "You know, this is the best part of my week," he confessed, wrapping his arms around me from behind.
As we enjoyed our Sunday afternoon together, the tantalizing aroma of bhindi fry filled our home, mingling with the warmth of our love. It was in these simple moments, shared over a plate of his favorite dish, that our bond grew stronger, making every Sunday a day to cherish and remember.
Jump to:
What Is Bhindi Fry
Bhindi fry, a beloved Indian dish, features tender okra (bhindi) that's been expertly seasoned and shallow-fried to perfection.
To create this dish, fresh okra is washed, sliced, and then cooked in a flavorful blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, which infuses it with a delightful medley of tastes and a hint of spiciness.
The key to a successful bhindi fry lies in achieving the perfect balance between crispy exteriors and tender interiors while avoiding excess sliminess.
It is often enjoyed as a crunchy and aromatic side dish, typically served with Indian bread like roti or alongside rice dishes, making it a popular choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients For Bhindi Fry Recipe
Here's a description of the main ingredients used in making bhindi fry:
Okra (Bhindi): Okra, also known as lady's finger or bhindi in India, is the star ingredient of this dish. For this recipe, you'll want fresh, tender okra.
Oil: Vegetable oil is used for shallow frying the okra. You can use any neutral oil like canola oil, sunflower oil, or peanut oil.
Cumin Seeds: Cumin seeds are commonly used in Indian cooking and add a warm, earthy flavor to the dish.
Turmeric Powder: Turmeric powder not only imparts a vibrant yellow color but also adds a mild earthy flavor and is known for its health benefits.
Red Chili Powder: Red chili powder adds heat and spiciness to the dish. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
Coriander Powder: Coriander powder is made from ground coriander seeds and contributes a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor.
Garam Masala (Optional): Garam Masala is a blend of aromatic spices and can vary in composition. It adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Its use is optional but highly recommended for added flavor.
Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Lemon Juice (Optional): Lemon juice can be added at the end to provide a tangy kick and brighten up the flavors.
Fresh Cilantro Leaves: Fresh cilantro leaves are used as a garnish.
These ingredients come together to create a flavorful, spiced, and crispy bhindi fry dish that's a favorite in Indian cuisine. You can adjust the quantities of spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
How To Make Okra Stir Fry
Bhindi fry, also known as okra fry or ladyfinger fry, is a popular Indian dish made with tender okra (bhindi) that's been seasoned and shallow-fried until crispy. Here's a simple recipe for making bhindi fry:
Wash the okra thoroughly and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Make sure they are completely dry to avoid sliminess while cooking.
Trim the ends of the okra and cut them into approximately 1-inch pieces or lengthwise into 2 pieces.
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat.
Add cumin seeds and asafoetida to the hot oil. Let them sizzle for a few seconds until they start to splutter.
Add the chopped okra to the pan. Sprinkle some lemon juice over the okra, stir well.
Cook the okra over medium to medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer as much as possible to ensure even cooking.
Once the okra is cooked 50%, add onions. Stir to combine well.
Continue to cook the okra until they become tender and start to turn crispy. This may take about 10-12 minutes. Be patient and stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Sprinkle turmeric powder and salt over the okra. Stir well to coat the okra evenly with the spices.
Once the okra is almost done, sprinkle red chili powder, and coriander powder, over them. You can also add garam masala at this stage for extra flavor if you like.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the okra is fully cooked and crispy. Adjust salt and spice levels to your taste.
If you prefer a tangy flavor, drizzle lemon juice or amchur powder over the fried okra and give it a final toss.
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Bhindi fry can be enjoyed as a side dish with rice or Indian bread (roti, naan). It's a delicious and crunchy way to savor the unique taste of okra. Feel free to adjust the spices and seasonings to suit your preferences.

Storage
Store leftover bhindi fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving for the best taste and texture.
Tips For Bhindi Fry Recipe
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect bhindi fry:
Choose Fresh Okra: Select fresh, tender okra that is vibrant green, firm, and without blemishes. Older or overripe okra may be tough and develop more slime when cooked.
Dry Okra Thoroughly: Ensure the okra is completely dry before chopping and frying. Use a kitchen towel to pat them dry to prevent excessive slime during cooking.
Don't Overcrowd the Pan: To achieve crispy bhindi, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain a single layer of okra in the pan.
Use a Non-Stick Pan or Well-Seasoned Cast Iron: A non-stick pan or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet works best for frying okra without sticking to the pan.
Don't Stir Too Often: While cooking, stir occasionally to prevent burning, but don't stir too frequently as it can cause the okra to become mushy. Allow them to develop a crispy exterior.
Adjust Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili powder or other spices to suit your heat tolerance. You can make it mild or fiery hot.
Add Lemon Juice: A dash of lemon juice at the beginning helps prevent slimy okra. When added at the end it adds a tangy and refreshing element to the dish.
Serve Hot: Bhindi fry is best enjoyed immediately after cooking when it's crispy. Reheat if needed before serving.
By following these tips, you can make delicious and crispy bhindi fry that's bursting with flavor.
FAQ's
Bhindi, also known as okra or ladyfinger, is a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine and is often cooked with spices to create various dishes like bhindi fry.
To make bhindi fry without sticking, add a dash of lemon juice at the beginning. Make sure the okra is thoroughly dried before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain a single layer of okra, allowing it to cook evenly and prevent sticking.
Bhindi Masala, a okra curry with spices, can be a nutritious dish as okra is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. However, the overall healthiness depends on the preparation method, with healthier versions using minimal oil and salt, making it a good addition to a balanced diet.
Bhindi is a versatile Indian dish that can be served with various accompaniments. Common pairings include roti (Indian flatbread), naan, rice, or as a side dish alongside other curries and dal (lentil dishes).
Serve Bhindi Fry With
Quick Bhindi Fry | Indian Okra Stir Fry
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lbs fresh okra (bhindi)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- pinch asafoetida
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder ;adjust to taste
- 2 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the okra thoroughly and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Make sure they are completely dry to avoid sliminess while cooking.
- Trim the ends of the okra and cut them into approximately 1-inch pieces or lengthwise into 4 pieces.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and asafoetida to the hot oil. Let them sizzle for a few seconds until they start to splutter.
- Add the chopped okra to the pan. Sprinkle some lemon juice over the okra, stir well.
- Cook the okra over medium to medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer as much as possible to ensure even cooking.
- Once the okra is cooked 50%, add onions. Stir to combine well.
- Continue to cook the okra until they become tender and start to turn crispy. This may take about 8-10 minutes. Be patient and stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle turmeric powder and salt over the okra. Stir well to coat the okra evenly with the spices.
- Once the okra is almost done, sprinkle red chili powder, and coriander powder, over them. You can also add garam masala at this stage for extra flavor if you like.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Adjust salt and spice levels to your taste.
- If you prefer a tangy flavor, drizzle lemon juice or amchur powder over the fried okra and give it a final toss.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.
- Bhindi fry can be enjoyed as a side dish with rice or Indian bread (roti, naan).
Notes
- Tips For Delicious Bhindi Fry
- FAQ's
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
KEYWORD
bhindi fry, okra fry indian, okra stir fry, recipe for bhindi fry
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