Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil, plus more for frying
• 1/4 cup sambal oelek (Asian chili paste)
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 pounds okra, trimmed and cut on the bias into 2-to-3-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 teaspoons oyster sauce
• Freshly ground pepper
• 1 to 2 tablespoons fried shallots
• Julienned red fresno or jalapeno chile pepper, for topping

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Instructions

1. Heat the peanut oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the chili paste and fry, stirring, about 3 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons salt and all but 1 teaspoon of the sugar and cook until the sugar begins to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
2. Heat about 4 inches peanut oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375 degrees F. Working in batches, fry the okra until bright green, about 30 seconds, then remove with a wire skimmer or slotted spoon and shake off the excess oil. Add the okra to the wok with the chili sauce and toss about 1 minute. Add the oyster sauce, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and the remaining 1 teaspoon sugar and toss 30 more seconds. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with the shallots and chile pepper.
3. Photograph by Yunhee Kim