Braised Winter Melon
A savory and simple home-style dish featuring winter melon braised in a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a hint of sugar. The texture is soft and tender.
Story
You can cut the winter melon into smaller pieces so it cooks more easily and absorbs the flavor better. If you do not like a sweet taste, reduce the sugar by 1 teaspoon. If you prefer a softer texture, add some water, cover the pot, and simmer for a longer time.
Ingredients
Winter melon
750g
Vegetable oil
1 tbsp
Light soy sauce
1 tbsp
Dark soy sauce
2 tsp
Oyster sauce
1 tbsp
Sugar
2 tsp
Water
1/2 small bowl
Instructions
1
Step 1
Wash the winter melon, cut into 2-3 cm chunks, remove the skin, and make 2 cuts on each chunk with a knife without cutting all the way through.
2
Step 2
Heat a wok, add about 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
3
Step 3
Pour in the winter melon chunks and stir-fry until slightly softened.
4
Step 4
Pour in the light soy sauce and dark soy sauce, continue to stir-fry.
5
Step 5
Pour 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce into a bowl, add sugar and water, mix well, and pour into the pot.
6
Step 6
Turn to medium heat and continue stir-frying until the sauce is almost reduced. Ready to serve.
Main Dish
Air-Dried Sichuan Peppercorn Duck
Duck legs cured with crushed green Sichuan peppercorns, salt, and baijiu, then hung to air-dry and later steamed. The green peppercorns matter more than regular red ones—their numbing aroma sinks deeper into the meat. A high-proof Chinese liquor works best for the cure.
