Stir Fried Bitter Melon with Fermented Black Beans
This quick, tasty, and healthy side dish will surprise you with its beautiful simplicity and rich flavor. {Gluten-Free adaptable, Vegetarian}
- Prep time
- 5 min
- Cook time
- 10 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
- 2 (1 lbs / 450 g) medium or 3 small bitter melons
- 1 tbsp peanut oil ((or vegetable oil))
- 1 dried chili pepper (, broken into 2 to 3 pieces (Optional))
- 3 clove garlic (, minced)
- 2 tbsp fermented black beans (, coarsely chopped (or black bean sauce))
- 1 tbsp soy sauce ((or tamari for gluten-free))
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- 1
Remove and discard the ends of the bitter melons. Halve lengthwise, and scoop out seeds and pith with a small metal spoon and discard. Slice crosswise into 1/4” (6 mm) half-moon pieces.
- 2
Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the bitter melon slices. Let cook for 30 seconds or so, until half-cooked. Drain the bitter melon with a colander and set aside.
- 3
Heat oil in a large nonstick pan (or a wok) over medium-high heat until hot. Add the dried chili pepper (if using), garlic, and fermented black beans, stir a few times until fragrant. Add the blanched bitter melon slices and stir for 1 minute or so. Add soy sauce and sugar. Stir until the bitter melon is just tender, 1 minute or so. Taste the bitter melon. Sprinkle with more salt and stir again, if needed. Once done, transfer everything to a plate.
- 4
Serve hot as a side.