Hakka Stuffed Bitter Melon (客家苦瓜馅)
客家苦瓜馅 (Hakka Stuffed Bitter Melon) is a classic dish in Hakka cuisine, known for its unique combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 4 bitter melons
- 200g ground pork
- 1 cup diced water chestnuts
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the bitter melons by cutting them in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and pith, and blanching them in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix the ground pork, water chestnuts, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, white pepper, and garlic.
- Stuff the bitter melon halves with the pork mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan and place the stuffed bitter melon halves in the pan. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add 1/2 cup of water to the pan, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Uncover the pan and continue cooking for another 5 minutes to reduce the sauce.
- Serve the stuffed bitter melon hot with steamed rice.
Cooking & Preparation
- Preparation time:
- 20 minutes
- Cooking time:
- 30 minutes
- Total time:
- 50 minutes
- Cooking method
- Stovetop
Nutritional facts per 1 serving
- Calories
- 150 per serving
- Carbohydrates
- 10g
- Protein
- 8g
- Fat
- 5g
Supplies
Chopping board Knife Mixing bowl Frying pan
Tools
Stove
Serving suggestions
Serve the Hakka Stuffed Bitter Melon with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a light vegetable stir-fry.
Tips & tricks
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground pork with finely chopped shiitake mushrooms and tofu.
Cost
$10