Asian > Filipino > Appetizer

Okoy with Bitter Leaf Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of grated squash
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of cornstarch
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of chopped bitter leaf
- 1/4 cup of sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup of sliced red onions
- 1/4 cup of sliced carrots
- 1/4 cup of sliced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup of sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup of sliced shrimp
- 1/4 cup of sliced squid
- 1/4 cup of sliced fish fillet
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil

Special Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Frying pan
- Slotted spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine grated squash, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, water, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the batter is smooth.

2. Add chopped bitter leaf, green onions, red onions, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, shrimp, squid, and fish fillet to the batter. Mix well.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.

4. Using a slotted spoon, scoop a spoonful of the batter mixture and drop it into the hot oil. Flatten it with the back of the spoon.

5. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.

6. Remove the okoy from the pan and drain on a paper towel.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Fat per serving: 12g
Carbohydrates per serving: 30g
Protein per serving: 8g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute bitter leaf with spinach or kale.
- You can substitute shrimp, squid, and fish fillet with any seafood of your choice.

Variations:
- You can add grated cheese to the batter mixture for a cheesy twist.
- You can add chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to drain the excess water from the grated squash before adding it to the batter mixture.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the okoy from the pan to avoid excess oil.

Storage Instructions:
- You can store leftover okoy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
- To reheat, place the okoy in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the okoy on a platter with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side of garlic rice or steamed vegetables.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Garlic rice
- Steamed vegetables
- Fried rice

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the batter is too thick, add more water.
- If the okoy is not crispy, increase the heat and fry for a longer time.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the seafood thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.

Food History:
- Okoy is a popular Filipino snack made with grated vegetables and seafood. It is commonly served during festivals and gatherings.

Flavor Profiles:
- The okoy is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It has a savory and slightly bitter flavor from the bitter leaf and a hint of sweetness from the grated squash.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the okoy as an appetizer or snack.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Nigerian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herbal, Earthy, Spicy