Indian-Style Okra Fry

Serves: 2-3 as a side dish
Total time: ~15 minutes
Tools: Medium pan or wok, wooden spoon/spatula

Quick Macro Info (Per Serving - about 85g)

  • Calories: ~120-140
  • Fat: ~9-11 g
  • Protein: ~3 g
  • Net carbs: ~4-5 g

Based on 250g okra, 1 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp coconut oil, ¼ onion, 4-5 garlic cloves

Ingredients

  • 250g fresh okra, washed and chopped into rounds
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 4-5 garlic cloves, minced (about 4-5g net carbs total)
  • ¼ medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 8-10 curry leaves, fresh
  • ½ tsp cumin seeds
  • ¼ tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Method

1) Prep the okra (2-3 min)

  • Wash okra thoroughly and pat completely dry (moisture makes okra slimy)
  • Trim the ends and slice into ½-inch rounds
  • Pro tip: Make sure okra is completely dry before cooking

2) Heat the fat blend (1 min)

  • Heat butter and coconut oil together in a medium pan over medium heat
  • Why this combo? Coconut oil prevents butter from burning at higher temps while keeping that rich flavor

3) Aromatics first (2-3 min)

  • Add cumin seeds - let them sizzle for 10-15 seconds
  • Add curry leaves (they’ll splutter - be careful!)
  • Add minced garlic and sliced onion
  • Sauté until onion turns light golden brown and garlic is fragrant

4) Spice it up (30 sec)

  • Add turmeric and a pinch of salt
  • Stir quickly to coat the aromatics
  • Important: Don’t let turmeric burn - it gets bitter

5) Add the okra (8-10 min)

  • Add all the okra pieces to the pan
  • Key technique: Don’t stir immediately - let them sit for 1-2 minutes to start browning
  • Then stir gently every 2-3 minutes
  • Cook until okra is tender and slightly crispy on edges

6) Final seasoning (1 min)

  • Add red chili powder and black pepper
  • Toss everything together for final 30-60 seconds
  • Taste and adjust salt

7) Serve hot

  • Best enjoyed immediately while crispy
  • Perfect alongside any Indian keto main dish or as a snack

Keto Benefits

  • Low in carbs: Okra is naturally low-carb with good fiber
  • Healthy fats: Butter and coconut oil provide satiety
  • Nutrient-dense: Rich in vitamins K, C, and folate
  • No grains or sugar: Pure vegetable goodness

Cooking Tips

  • Dry okra thoroughly - this is crucial to avoid sliminess
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan - cook in batches if needed
  • Medium heat works best - too high burns the spices
  • Fresh curry leaves make a huge difference in flavor

This authentic Indian-style okra fry brings together the earthy flavors of traditional spices while keeping it perfectly keto-friendly. The combination of butter and coconut oil creates an amazing depth of flavor! 🌶️

Enjoy this crispy, aromatic side dish that pairs beautifully with any Indian meal!