Okra Pork Rolls (Japanese Okra Wrapped in Pork Belly)

When we visited my brother in Japan this summer, his wife introduced us to a simple yet irresistible dish: Okra Pork Rolls. These are made by wrapping fresh okra with thin slices of pork belly, lightly seasoning, and pan-frying until golden brown.

The best part? Even my 7-year-old, who usually refuses to eat okra, couldn’t get enough. My kids actually fought over the last piece—which is why my only regret was not buying two packs of okra!

This dish is quick to prepare, family-friendly, and makes a perfect side dish for Japanese-style dinners. The savory pork belly balances the mild bitterness of okra, while the rolls tastes crisp and juicy. Serve it with rice and miso soup for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Kid-friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the mild flavor and fun bite-sized rolls.
Simple ingredients: Just okra, pork belly, and pantry staples.
Quick to make: Ready in under 20 minutes.
Versatile: Works as a main dish, side dish, or even for bento lunch boxes.

RECIPE

Servings: 2-3

Time: 30 min

Ingredients:

10 medium-sized okra
10 slices pork belly (thinly sliced)
salt and pepper
1 tbsp potato starch (or flour)
1 tbsp cooking oil

Instructions:

Prepare the okra:
Sprinkle salt onto the okra, gently roll and rub to remove the fuzzy skin. Rinse, pat dry, and trim off the stems.
Wrap the okra:
Lay out one slice of pork belly, slightly overlapping if it’s short.
Lightly coat one side with potato starch.
Place an okra at the edge and roll tightly, tucking in as you go.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Cook the rolls:
Heat a pan with cooking oil over medium heat.
Place the pork-wrapped okra seam side down.
Pan-fry, turning occasionally, until evenly golden brown and the pork is cooked through (about 4-5 minutes).
Serve:
Transfer to a plate and enjoy hot with steamed rice or as a side dish.

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Tips & Variations

Sauce it up: Drizzle with a soy sauce glaze or teriyaki sauce for extra flavor.
Lighter version: Use lean pork slices instead of pork belly.
Meal prep: These rolls are great for bento boxes—just cool before packing.