Bitter Melon with Eggs

Not so easy to find fresh bitter melon but I found some frozen, so thought to give this recipe a try.

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Recipe from https://thewoksoflife.com/bitter-melon-with-eggs/#recipe

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 500 g bitter melon (about 2 bitter melons)

• 5 large eggs

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (divided)

• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

• 45 ml vegetable oil (divided)

• 15 ml Shaoxing wine

• 1 teaspoon light soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce if making this vegetarian)

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Instructions:

1. Take each of your bitter melons, and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Scrape the inside of the melon clean of any white pith, which can be particularly bitter.

2. Turn the melon over so that the hollowed out side is facing the cutting board, and cut into thin slices on a diagonal.

3. Fill your wok (or a medium to large pot) with water, and stir in 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring it to a boil. Blanch the bitter melon for 30 seconds, and drain. Set aside.

4. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with ¼ teaspoon of salt, white pepper, and sesame oil.

5. Heat your wok until it is completely dry and just begins to smoke. Add 2 tablespoons of oil, followed immediately by the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs quickly so they remain tender and do not brown. When the eggs are 70% cooked, remove them from the wok back to the bowl and set aside.

6. Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok, and add the bitter melon. Stir-fry for 15-30 seconds, and then add the Shaoxing wine around the perimeter of the wok. Stir-fry for another 15 seconds, and add the light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar.

7. Add the eggs back to the wok, and mix just until they’re cooked through. Remove from the wok immediately and serve.

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Actually it turned out pretty good, I did stir fry the bitter melon a bit longer than suggested as they were forzen they still had a bit of a bite so wanted them a bit softer. as the name states the melon was very bitter however it is funny how the eggs tasted so sweet in comparison. a simple and healthy dish, people say eating bitter foods is good for you but most people don’t eat it as we are not accustomed to the bitter flavor. once in awhile it is good to try bitter foods.