stir-fried bacon with bitter gourd

How to Stir-Fried Bitter Melon with Preserved Pork

Stir-fried bitter melon with preserved pork is a savory and slightly bitter dish that balances rich, smoky flavors with fresh, crisp textures. Here’s a simple guide to making it:

Ingredients: 1 fresh bitter melon, 100g preserved pork (lap yuk), 2 garlic cloves, 1 chili (optional), 1 tbsp cooking oil, 1 tsp soy sauce, ½ tsp sugar, and a pinch of salt.

Steps:

1. Prep the bitter melon: Wash the bitter melon, slice it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and cut into thin half-moons. Soak in salted water for 10 minutes to reduce bitterness, then drain and pat dry.

2. Prep the preserved pork: Rinse the pork to remove excess salt, then slice into thin strips.

3. Sauté the aromatics: Heat oil in a wok over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced chili (if using), stir-fry until fragrant.

4. Cook the pork: Add the preserved pork strips and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned and crispy.

5. Combine and season: Add the bitter melon, stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drizzle in soy sauce and sugar, toss well, and cook for another minute. Adjust salt if needed.

6. Serve: Transfer to a plate and enjoy hot with steamed rice.

This dish highlights the harmony of bitter and savory flavors, making it a healthy yet satisfying meal. The key is soaking the bitter melon to mellow its bitterness while retaining its crunch. Enjoy!