Tuesday, May 8, 2012

CHINESE COOKING: Bitter melon is not for every one because of its bitter taste. But for those who like it, this is a good recipe to try out.




BITTER MELON STUFFED WITH SHRIMP WITH BLACK BEAN SAUCE釀苦瓜:





12 -14 oz. bitter melon in 1 or 2 pieces, available at Chinese market             

½ lb. minced shrimp

1 red chilli pepper, chopped                                       

1 tbsp. fermented black beans

1 clove garlic, crushed                                    

cooking oil

seasoning for shrimp:                                     

    ½ tsp. each salt & sugar                                                                  
    1 tsp. each rice wine & sesame oil
    ½ tbsp. tapioca starch                                             
    white pepper to taste                                   

sauce:

    1 tbsp. oyster-flavoured sauce                                
    ½ tsp. sugar
    ¼ tsp. salt                                                    
    1 tsp. dark soy sauce
    1 tsp. tapioca starch mixed with ½ cup cold water





Slice bitter melon lengthwise into 2 pieces and scoop out seeds. Bring half a pot of water to a boil, add ½ tsp. salt and add bitter melon. Cook melon for 3-4 minutes; then rinse well under running water and drain. Soak black beans in warm water to soften. Drain and mash beans slightly.



Add seasoning ingredients into minced shrimp and mix well together into stuffing. Pat dry melon pieces and dust inside cavity with tapioca starch. Fill cavity with stuffing.



In a large non-stick skillet, heat 2-3 tbsp. oil over high heat until very hot. Add melon, stuffed-side down in bottom of skillet and reduce heat to medium-high. Fry for 3 minutes   or until stuffing is golden brown and tested done. Remove from pan and keep warm.



Heat 1 tbsp. oil in skillet over high heat until very hot and add black beans, garlic and chilli peppers. Cook until fragrant then add in melons. Stir sauce ingredients together and pour it into skillet. Cook until sauce thickens; then transfer to serving platter to serve.

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