fry shredded pork with bitter gourd

How to Stir-Fried Bitter Melon with Pork: A Complete Guide

Stir-fried bitter melon with pork is a popular Asian dish loved for its unique balance of bitter, savory, and umami flavors. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to guide you.

Ingredients: 1 medium bitter melon, 150g pork loin, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp oyster sauce, ½ tsp sugar, 1 tbsp cooking oil, and a pinch of salt.

Steps:

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

2. Marinate the pork: Thinly slice the pork, then mix with 1 tsp soy sauce, ½ tsp cornstarch, and a dash of pepper. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

3. Stir-fry: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry marinated pork until lightly browned, then remove. In the same wok, sauté garlic until fragrant, add bitter melon, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.

4. Combine: Return the pork to the wok. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and a splash of water. Stir-fry for 2 more minutes until everything is well-coated. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

Tip: For extra flavor, blanch bitter melon in boiling water before stir-frying to mellow its bitterness. Enjoy this healthy and appetizing dish with steamed rice!