Cold Bitter Melon Salad with Sweet and Savory Dressing

Name: Cold Bitter Melon Salad with Sweet and Savory Dressing
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 medium bitter melon; 1 small red chili pepper; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 clove garlic, minced

A refreshing Chinese cold dish featuring thinly sliced bitter melon blanched and tossed in a sweet-savory dressing. The name 'bitterness ends, sweetness comes' reflects the beautiful balance between the melon'S natural bitterness and the sweet dressing.

20 min

Easy

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Cold Bitter Melon Salad with Sweet and Savory Dressing

Story

This classic cold dish transforms bitter melon into a crisp, refreshing salad. The quick blanching softens the bitterness while keeping the vegetable snappy, while the sweet and savory dressing brings everything into harmony. Serve chilled as an appetizer or side dish.

Ingredients

bitter melon 2 medium

red chili pepper 1 small

granulated sugar 2 tablespoons

salt 1/2 teaspoon

rice vinegar 1 tablespoon

sesame oil 1 teaspoon

garlic, minced 1 clove

Instructions

Prepare the bitter melon

Slice the bitter melon in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds and white pith with a spoon. Cut each half diagonally into thin, translucent slices about 1/8 inch thick.

Blanch and cool

Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add the sliced bitter melon and cook for about 30 seconds until just tender but still crisp. Immediately drain and transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Once completely cool, drain well and pat dry.

Slice the chili and make dressing

Cut the red chili into thin rings. In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, salt, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until the sugar dissolves.

Combine and serve

Place the drained bitter melon in a mixing bowl. Add the red chili rings and pour the dressing over top. Toss gently to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.