Braised Winter Melon
User Reviews
5
Braised Winter Melon
Description
This Braised Winter Melon begins with winter melon peeled and seeded, then cut into uniform chunks about 1 by 1.5 inches. The pieces are browned lightly in neutral oil to give a bit of caramelization. Aromatics including minced garlic, ginger, and the white part of scallions are added and cooked briefly until fragrant.
Seasonings of oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and white pepper are mixed in to provide savory, slightly salty, and warm spice notes. Water and optional star anise are added, and the dish is covered to simmer until the melon becomes fork tender but not falling apart. If excess liquid remains, it can be quickly reduced to thicken the sauce.
The greens from the scallions are stirred in last for freshness and color before serving. This dish offers a mild, clean flavor with soft melting textures characteristic of winter melon, balanced by the umami of oyster sauce and the warmth of ginger and garlic.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds winter melon (seeds and skin removed)
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon ginger minced
- 1 scallion (finely chopped; white and green parts separated)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce)
- ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce
- ⅛ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ to 1 cup water
- 1 star anise (optional)
- salt optional, to taste
Instructions
- Process the winter melon by scooping out the seeds in the center. Trim off the peel and the tough green underlayer. Wash off any white powder left behind by the peel, then cut the melon into 1” x 1.5” (3-4cm) chunks.
- Heat the oil in wok with medium heat, lightly brown both sides of the winter melon pieces, about 3 minutes per side.
- Next, add the garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the scallion. Cook them for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Then add the oyster sauce, dark soy sauce and white pepper. Mix everything well.
- Add the water and star anise (if using). Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the winter melon is fork tender. (If there is still too much liquid, turn up the heat and stir for a couple of minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce).
- Taste and add salt if needed. Toss in the scallion greens, and serve.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 87 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 87kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.03g | 2% |
| Sodium | 312mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 25mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.2g | 1% |
| Sugar | 0.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 31IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 61mg | 6% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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