Bitter Melon Chanpurū Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 medium-sized bitter melon (sliced and seeded)
- 1/2 pound pork belly (sliced)
- 1/2 onion (sliced)
- 1/2 carrot (julienned)
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sake
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special Equipment Needed:
- Wok or large skillet
- Wooden spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
2. Add the pork belly and cook until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, onion, and carrot and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the bitter melon and shiitake mushrooms and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the bean sprouts, soy sauce, sake, and mirin and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot with steamed rice.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 20g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork belly can be substituted with chicken or tofu.
- Bitter melon can be substituted with zucchini or cucumber.
- Shiitake mushrooms can be substituted with any other mushroom.

Variations:
- Add sliced bell peppers for more color and flavor.
- Add a beaten egg to the mixture for a more filling dish.

Tips and Tricks:
- To reduce the bitterness of the bitter melon, soak it in salted water for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
- Cut the bitter melon into thin slices to make it easier to eat.
- Use a wooden spatula to stir-fry the ingredients to prevent sticking and burning.

Storage Instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve in a large bowl with steamed rice on the side.

Garnishes:
- Garnish with sliced scallions or cilantro.

Pairings:
- Serve with a cold beer or sake.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Steamed rice
- Miso soup
- Pickled vegetables

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the bitter melon is still too bitter, add a little more mirin or sugar to balance out the flavors.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the pork belly thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illnesses.

Food History:
- Chanpurū is a dish from Okinawa, Japan, that typically consists of stir-fried vegetables and meat.

Flavor Profiles:
- This dish is savory and slightly bitter from the bitter melon, with a hint of sweetness from the mirin and soy sauce.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot with steamed rice and a cold beer or sake.

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Region: Japanese

Taste: Bitter, Savory, Umami, Tangy, Spicy