Braised Winter Melon
A tender and savory Chinese-style braised winter melon dish that's melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The melon absorbs the rich soy sauce and sugar glaze perfectly.
Story
Winter melon has a mild, refreshing flavor that pairs beautifully with a savory-sweet braising liquid. This simple dish comes together quickly and makes a lovely side or light main course.
Ingredients
winter melon (about 1 lb/450g)
1 small melon
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons
light soy sauce
3 tablespoons
dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon
granulated sugar
2 tablespoons
garlic cloves, minced
3 cloves
ginger, sliced
2 thin slices
water
1 cup
salt
to taste
green onions for garnish
2 stalks
Instructions
1
Prep the melon
Cut the winter melon in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Peel off the green skin, then cut the flesh into roughly 2-inch cubes. Use a sharp knife to make two shallow diagonal cuts on each piece, like a mild scored pattern—this helps the melon soak up the sauce.
2
Sear the melon
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger, stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Carefully add the melon cubes in a single layer and let them cook untouched for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown.
3
Braise until tender
Pour in both soy sauces and the sugar, then add the water. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and let cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the melon is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened into a glossy glaze. Season with salt.
4
Serve
Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with freshly chopped green onions. Serve warm over steamed rice or as a side dish.
