Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 century eggs
- 1 bitter melon
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of chopped scallions for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Wok or large frying pan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cut the century eggs into small pieces and set aside.
2. Cut the bitter melon in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Cut the bitter melon into thin slices.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the bitter melon slices and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
6. Add the century egg pieces, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat
Serving size:
2-3 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 130
Total fat: 8g
Saturated fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 200mg
Sodium: 440mg
Total carbohydrates: 9g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Century eggs can be substituted with regular hard-boiled eggs.
- Bitter melon can be substituted with other vegetables such as zucchini or green beans.
Variations:
- Add sliced onions or bell peppers for more flavor and texture.
- Use oyster sauce instead of soy sauce for a different flavor profile.
Tips and tricks:
- To reduce the bitterness of the bitter melon, soak the sliced bitter melon in salted water for 10-15 minutes before stir-frying.
- Be careful not to overcook the century eggs as they can become rubbery.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored 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 the stir-fry in a bowl or on a plate with a sprinkle of chopped scallions on top.
Garnishes:
Chopped scallions
Pairings:
This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.
Suggested side dishes:
Steamed vegetables or a simple salad
Troubleshooting advice:
If the bitter melon is still too bitter after soaking in salted water, try blanching it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before stir-frying.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the eggs and bitter melon thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
Century eggs, also known as preserved eggs, are a Chinese delicacy that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. They are made by preserving duck, chicken, or quail eggs in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, quicklime, and rice straw for several weeks to several months.
Flavor profiles:
This dish has a slightly bitter and savory flavor from the bitter melon and century eggs, with a hint of sweetness from the sugar.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot as a main dish with steamed rice or noodles.
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Region: Chinese