Bitter Melon Stir-fry with Black Bean Sauce

4.75 from 4 votes

Bitter Melon Stir-fry with Black Bean Sauce

This bitter melon stir-fry is flavorful and balanced with salty fermented black beans, meaty mushrooms, and sweet zucchini. It's also vegan!

Prep Time20

Cook Time10

Total Time30

Course: Vegetables

Cuisine: Chinese

Servings:

Calories: 148kcal

Author: Sarah

Ingredients

2 medium bitter melons
1 medium zucchini halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce (or regular oyster sauce)
2 teaspoons light soy sauce
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
2 tablespoons water (or chicken stock)
2 tablespoons oil (any neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable oil)
6.5 ounces shiitake, oyster, or king trumpet mushrooms (diced)
6 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
3 tablespoons fermented black beans
2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

To prepare the bitter melon, cut each melon in half lengthwise, and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and scrape away any of the bitter white pith. Then slice the melon on a 45-degree angle into thin slices.
Prepare an ice bath and bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the salt and baking soda. Blanch the bitter melon for 1 minute, and use a slotted spoon to immediately transfer the bitter melon to the ice bath. Drain and set aside.
Now, make the sauce mixture by combining the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, white pepper, and water in a small bowl.
Preheat your wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil, and sear the mushrooms for 2-3 minutes, until they’re starting to turn tender and browned at the edges. Add the remaining oil, along with the garlic and black beans. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Increase the heat to high. Deglaze the wok with the Shaoxing wine. Then add the bitter melon and zucchini. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds.
Add the sauce mixture, and stir everything well, until the bitter melon and zucchini are just tender. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Bitter Melon Stir-fry with Black Bean Sauce by The Woks of Life. 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