Sauce-Braised Bitter Melon
Sauce-Braised Bitter Melon
Story
A classic homestyle Chinese dish that transforms the famously bitter gourd into a deeply savory, tender delight. Thick slices of bitter melon are slowly braised in a rich, seasoned sauce, mellowing its sharp edges while preserving its signature character. Each bite balances a lingering bitter note with a glossy, umami-laced finish, making it a beloved staple on dinner tables across China.
Ingredients
bitter melon
3 pieces
small piece of ginger
soy sauce
6 tablespoons
spicy doubanjiang
2 tablespoons
sugar
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Step 1
Cut 3 bitter melons into large chunks, keeping the seeds. Slice the ginger.
2
Step 2
Over low heat, bloom the ginger slices until fragrant. Add 2 tablespoons of spicy doubanjiang (spicy bean paste) and stir-fry until fragrant.
3
Step 3
Add the bitter melon, 6 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of spicy doubanjiang, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir-fry until evenly combined. Add 2 bowls of water and switch to medium heat.
4
Step 4
Simmer until the bitter melon becomes soft and tender, then switch to high heat to reduce the sauce. Done.
