4.7 from 9 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 Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 148 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
Chinese
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
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.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
148kcal
(7%)
Carbohydrates
11g
(4%)
Protein
6g
(12%)
Fat
9g
(14%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
5g
Trans Fat
0.03g
Sodium
837mg
(35%)
Potassium
438mg
(13%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
317IU
(6%)
Vitamin C
49mg
(54%)
Calcium
31mg
(3%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 148
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 148kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.03g | 2% |
| Sodium | 837mg | 35% |
| Potassium | 438mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 317IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 49mg | 54% |
| Calcium | 31mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.