Bitter Melon with Eggs
Stir-fried bitter melon with eggs is a classic Chinese recipe that's quick and easy to make, as well as extremely healthy and good for you!
- Prep time
- 10 min
- Cook time
- 15 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 18 ounces bitter melon ((about 2 bitter melons))
- 5 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ((divided))
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil ((divided))
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce ((or vegetarian oyster sauce if making this vegetarian))
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- 1
Take each of your bitter melons, and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Scrape the inside of the melon clean of any white pith, which can be particularly bitter.
- 2
Turn the melon over so that the hollowed out side is facing the cutting board, and cut into thin slices on a diagonal.
- 3
Fill your wok (or a medium to large pot) with water, and stir in 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring it to a boil. Blanch the bitter melon for 30 seconds, and drain. Set aside.
- 4
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with ¼ teaspoon of salt, white pepper, and sesame oil.
- 5
Heat your wok until it is completely dry and just begins to smoke. Add 2 tablespoons of oil, followed immediately by the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs quickly so they remain tender and do not brown. When the eggs are 70% cooked, remove them from the wok back to the bowl and set aside.
- 6
Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok, and add the bitter melon. Stir-fry for 15-30 seconds, and then add the Shaoxing wine around the perimeter of the wok. Stir-fry for another 15 seconds, and add the light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar.
- 7
Add the eggs back to the wok, and mix just until they’re cooked through. Remove from the wok immediately and serve.