Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 medium-sized bitter melons
- 1 block of firm tofu, drained and crumbled
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 1 small red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 small green bell pepper, julienned
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Special equipment needed:
- A sharp knife
- A spoon
- A wok or a large skillet
- A steamer basket
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cut off the ends of the bitter melons and slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and white flesh with a spoon. Set aside.
2. In a wok or a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the crumbled tofu, carrot, red and green bell peppers, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened and the tofu is lightly browned.
4. Stuff the tofu and vegetable mixture into the hollowed-out bitter melon halves, pressing down gently to fill them up.
5. Place the stuffed bitter melons in a steamer basket and steam for 15-20 minutes until the bitter melon is tender.
6. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for sautéing and steaming
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 150
Total fat: 9g
Saturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 470mg
Total carbohydrate: 12g
Dietary fiber: 3g
Total sugars: 4g
Protein: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Bitter melon can be substituted with zucchini or eggplant.
- Firm tofu can be substituted with ground pork or chicken.
- Oyster sauce can be substituted with hoisin sauce or soy sauce.
Variations:
- Add chopped mushrooms or water chestnuts for extra texture.
- Use different vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy.
- Add a spicy kick with chopped chili peppers or chili oil.
Tips and tricks:
- Choose bitter melons that are firm and have a bright green color.
- To reduce the bitterness of the bitter melon, soak them in salted water for 30 minutes before stuffing and steaming.
- Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and white flesh of the bitter melon to create more room for stuffing.
- Press down gently on the stuffing to make sure it's tightly packed inside the bitter melon halves.
- Serve with a drizzle of soy sauce or chili oil for extra flavor.
Storage instructions:
Leftover stuffed bitter melons can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, steam the stuffed bitter melons for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the stuffed bitter melons on a platter and garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro.
Garnishes:
Chopped green onions or cilantro
Pairings:
Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple salad.
Suggested side dishes:
Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bitter melon is still too bitter after soaking in salted water, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before stuffing and steaming.
- If the stuffing is too dry, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to moisten it.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the bitter melon is cooked through before serving to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
Food history:
Bitter melon is a tropical fruit that is commonly used in Asian cuisine. It is known for its bitter taste and is believed to have many health benefits, including regulating blood sugar levels and improving digestion.
Flavor profiles:
Bitter, savory, slightly sweet
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables.
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