Instant Pot Okra Recipe: Quick & Healthy Middle Eastern Meal

Tender, flavorful okra is often overlooked, but this Instant Pot Okra with Ground Beef recipe will change your mind. This quick and easy recipe transforms humble okra into a hearty, satisfying Middle Eastern-inspired dish, perfect for a weeknight meal. Forget tedious chopping and long cooking times; the Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, resulting in perfectly cooked okra with a rich, savory ground beef base. The vibrant spices and aromatic herbs create a delicious flavor profile that will leave you wanting more. This simple yet flavorful dish is surprisingly versatile, perfect served with rice, couscous, or pita bread.

Ready to experience the magic of pressure cooking okra? This recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also saves you valuable time and effort. Let's dive into the simple step-by-step process, guiding you to effortlessly create this flavorful Instant Pot Okra with Ground Beef masterpiece in minutes.

Tools Needed

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • Okra: 3 bags (for a family of 6)
  • Ground beef: 400 grams
  • Garlic: 1 whole head (about 3 tablespoons minced per bag of okra)
  • Cilantro: a bunch
  • Olive oil
  • Tomato paste
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Sauté and Season Okra

  • Sauté the frozen okra in olive oil. This will take some time.
  • Add ground beef, minced garlic, and cilantro to the okra.
  • Add tomato paste, garlic powder, and salt to taste.
Sauté the frozen okra in olive oil. This will take some time.Add ground beef, minced garlic, and cilantro to the okra.Add tomato paste, garlic powder, and salt to taste.
Sauté and Season Okra

Step 2. Prepare Instant Pot

  • Add water to the Instant Pot up to the maximum line.
Add water to the Instant Pot up to the maximum line.
Prepare Instant Pot

Step 3. Pressure Cook

  • Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
Pressure Cook

Read more: Fluffy Chicken Steamed Buns: Perfect Baozi Recipe

Tips

  • For a healthier option, sauté the okra instead of frying it.
  • Mince garlic efficiently by placing it in a ziploc bag and crushing it with a wooden pestle on a hard surface. This prevents garlic from splattering.
  • Remove air from the bag before crushing to prevent it from moving around.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen okra in this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just add the frozen okra directly to the Instant Pot with the other ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, potentially adding a minute or two.

2. What if my Instant Pot doesn't have a 'sauté' function?

You can brown the ground beef in a separate skillet on the stovetop before adding it to the Instant Pot with the remaining ingredients. Proceed with the recipe as instructed from there.


This Instant Pot Okra recipe offers a delicious and convenient way to enjoy this often-underappreciated vegetable. The quick cooking time and minimal cleanup make it a perfect weeknight meal solution. So, try this recipe today and experience the delightful flavors of the Middle East, effortlessly prepared in your Instant Pot!