Okra Stir-fried with Chili Paste

Ingredients:

• 900 g okra, peeled and cut at an angle into 5-7 cm pieces
• 2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil, plus more for frying
• 1/4 cup sambal oelek (Asian chili paste)
• Salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1.5 tsp oyster sauce
• Ground black pepper
• 1-2 tbsp fried shallots
• Thinly sliced ​​red Fresno chili pepper or jalapeño for garnish

Preparation:

1. Heat the peanut oil in a wok over medium heat. Add the chili paste and cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of salt and all but 1 teaspoon of sugar, and cook until the sugar begins to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat peanut oil to a depth of about 4 inches over medium-high heat. The oil should reach 375°F (190°C) on a thermometer. Fry the okra in batches until bright green, about 30 seconds. Then remove with a mesh or slotted spoon and shake off excess oil.
   
   Add the okra to the wok with the chili sauce and stir for about a minute. Add the oyster sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of sugar, and stir for another 30 seconds. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with shallots and chili pepper.