Steamed Pork-Stuffed Bitter Gourd

Name: Steamed Pork-Stuffed Bitter Gourd
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 medium bitter melon; 300g ground pork; 4 pieces, soaked and minced dried shiitake mushrooms; 2 tablespoons, soaked and minced dried shrimp; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons light soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine; 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder; 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; to taste salt; a pinch white pepper; 3 tablespoons water

Savory pork seasoned with shiitake and dried shrimp fills tender bitter melon rounds, then steams until juicy and aromatic. The greens' gentle bitterness balances perfectly with the rich, savory stuffing.

45 min

Medium

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Story

This comforting home-style Chinese dish turns bitter melon into a flavorful vessel for seasoned pork. The secret is scooping out the seeds and bitter pith first—this tames the intensity while keeping the vegetable's character. A quick salt soak draws out excess bitterness, leaving just enough to contrast the savory filling.

Ingredients

bitter melon 2 medium

ground pork 300g

dried shiitake mushrooms 4 pieces, soaked and minced

dried shrimp 2 tablespoons, soaked and minced

large egg 1

light soy sauce 2 tablespoons

Shaoxing wine 1 tablespoon

five-spice powder 1/2 teaspoon

ginger powder 1/4 teaspoon

cornstarch 2 tablespoons

salt to taste

white pepper a pinch

water 3 tablespoons

Instructions

Make the pork filling

In a big bowl, toss together the ground pork, minced mushrooms, minced dried shrimp, egg, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder, ginger powder, cornstarch, salt, white pepper, and water. Stir in one direction for 2-3 minutes until everything is sticky and well blended.

Prep the bitter melon

Slice the bitter melon into 1.5-inch thick rounds. Use a small spoon or knife to scoop out the seeds and inner pith, leaving a hollow center. Sprinkle with a bit of salt and let rest for 10 minutes—this draws out some bitterness. Rinse well and pat completely dry.

Stuff and steam

Spoon the pork mixture into each melon round, pressing firmly to pack the filling tight. Arrange in a steamer basket. Steam over boiling water for 20-25 minutes until the pork is fully cooked and the melon is tender.

Serve warm

Carefully remove from the steamer and let cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with a little extra soy sauce or sesame oil if you like. Serve hot alongside steamed rice.