Stir-Fried Bitter Melon with Fermented Black Beans
A classic, comforting Chinese home-style stir-fry that pairs crisp, mildly bitter bitter melon with the deep, savory umami of fermented black beans for a perfectly balanced, flavorful dish.
Story
This humble, beloved staple of Chinese home cooking comes together in just minutes, with crisp, slightly bitter fresh bitter melon tossed over high heat with pungent, salty fermented black beans to create a perfectly balanced, savory bite that feels both hearty and light, ideal alongside a simple bowl of steamed rice.
Ingredients
bitter melon
2 stalks
red bell pepper
1/2 piece
fermented black beans
15 g
garlic
4 cloves
salt
3 g
olive oil
to taste
bell pepper
Instructions
1
Step 1
Use a brush to scrub the outer surface of the bitter melon clean, cut off both ends, slice it open, and remove the inner pulp and seeds.
2
Step 2
Cut the bitter melon into slices and set aside.
3
Step 3
Wash the red bell pepper and cut it into slices.
4
Step 4
Mince the fermented black beans and garlic separately.
5
Step 5
Blanch the bitter melon in boiling water, then remove, rinse with cold water to cool, and drain thoroughly.
6
Step 6
Heat a frying pan, pour in olive oil and heat until hot, then stir-fry the minced garlic and fermented black beans until fragrant.
7
Step 7
Add the bitter melon and red bell pepper, and stir-fry together for a short while.
8
Step 8
Add salt, stir-fry evenly to combine, and it is ready to serve.
