Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 small bitter melons, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet or wok
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken cubes and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, and onion and cook until the onion is softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the bitter melon cubes and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar and stir to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Temperature: Medium-high heat
Serving Size: 4
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 28g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil: Canola oil or olive oil
- Chicken breasts: Tofu or tempeh
- Soy sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos
- Rice wine vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
Variations:
- Add other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or bok choy.
- Substitute other proteins such as beef, pork, or shrimp.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to cut the bitter melon into small cubes so that it cooks evenly.
- If the stir fry starts to stick to the pan, add a splash of water to help deglaze.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat until warmed through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve over a bed of steamed white or brown rice.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro.
Pairings:
Pair with steamed vegetables or a side of egg rolls.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Steamed vegetables
- Egg rolls
- Fried rice
Troubleshooting Advice:
If the stir fry starts to stick to the pan, add a splash of water to help deglaze.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to cook the chicken until it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
Food History:
Bitter melon is a popular vegetable in Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines. It is believed to have originated in India and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.
Flavor Profiles:
This stir fry has a savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the sugar and a slight bitterness from the bitter melon.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with steamed white or brown rice.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Chinese