Prepare for a flavor explosion! This recipe for Salted Egg Bitter Melon offers a unique and surprisingly delicious twist on the often-maligned bitter melon. The bitterness of the melon is beautifully balanced by the rich, savory, and slightly salty notes of the salted egg yolks, creating a dish that's both intriguing and incredibly satisfying. Forget everything you think you know about bitter melon – this recipe is guaranteed to convert even the most hesitant eaters. It’s a perfect side dish for any meal, offering a fantastic combination of textures and tastes that will elevate your culinary experience.
This simple yet flavorful stir-fry is surprisingly easy to make, even for novice cooks. The key lies in the careful preparation of the bitter melon and the precise cooking technique to achieve that perfect balance of bitterness and richness. Ready to learn how to create this culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Frying pan
- Saucer
- Chopsticks
Ingredients
- Bitter melon: 1/2
- Eggs: 2
- Salted egg yolks: 2
- Chili: null
- Garlic: null
- Corn flour (or all-purpose flour): 3 tbsp
- White pepper: null
- Salt: null
- Sugar: null
- Cooking oil: null
- Spring onion: null
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Bitter Melon
- Cut bitter melon into slices, remove the center, and soak in salted cold water for over 30 minutes. Squeeze out excess water.
Step 2. Batter and Fry the Bitter Melon
- Mix corn flour (or all-purpose flour), white pepper, and a little salt.
- Coat the bitter melon slices with the batter, ensuring they're thinly covered.
- Deep fry the bitter melon until cooked, using medium heat (check with chopsticks - bubbles indicate the right temperature, not smoke).
Step 3. Make the Salted Egg Sauce
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic and chili.
- Add the salted egg yolks and stir until melted and bubbly.
Step 4. Combine and Serve
- Add a little sugar and salt to the sauce, then stir in the fried bitter melon.
- Garnish with spring onion and white pepper.
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Use all-purpose flour instead of cornstarch for a better batter consistency.
- Use sufficient oil for frying to achieve a good bubbly effect.
- Don't add water to the sauce; add more oil if you want a thicker gravy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 15g
- Protein: 8g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the salted egg yolks?
While salted egg yolks provide the signature flavor, you can try a similar salty and rich alternative like salted duck eggs or even a blend of soy sauce and butter for a less intense flavor.
2. How do I reduce the bitterness of the bitter melon?
Soaking the sliced bitter melon in salted water for about 15-20 minutes helps draw out some of the bitterness before stir-frying. You can also lightly blanch it before stir-frying.
3. What can I serve this dish with?
Stir-fried bitter melon with salted egg yolks pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or as a side dish with roasted meats or poultry. It's a great addition to a balanced meal.
This simple recipe proves that even seemingly challenging ingredients can create a delicious and memorable dish. The unique combination of bitter melon and salted egg yolks delivers a surprising and satisfying flavor profile that's sure to impress. Enjoy this easy-to-make stir-fry, and don't be afraid to experiment with your own variations!