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.

Hakka Stuffed Bitter Melon (客家苦瓜馅)

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

  1. 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.
  2. In a bowl, mix the ground pork, water chestnuts, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, white pepper, and garlic.
  3. Stuff the bitter melon halves with the pork mixture.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a pan and place the stuffed bitter melon halves in the pan. Cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Add 1/2 cup of water to the pan, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
  6. Uncover the pan and continue cooking for another 5 minutes to reduce the sauce.
  7. 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