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Winter Melon Stir Fry

This quick and easy winter melon stir fry uses Chinese dried shrimp to add a super umami flavor. It’s a perfect side dish to add texture, flavor, and nutrition to your dinner table. {Gluten-Free}

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 128 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

  • 1/2 carrot , cut into 2x1/2” (6x1 cm) batons (about 4 oz) (Optional) (*Footnote 1)
  • 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) winter melon , peeled and cut into 2x1/2” (6x1 cm) batons
  • 1 tablespoon peanut oil
  • 2 tablespoons papery shrimp (*Footnote 2)
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 long green pepper , sliced (Optional) (*Footnote 3)
  • 1/2 teaspoons mushroom powder (or chicken powder) (*Footnote 4)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Slurry
  • 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon water

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir to mix well and set aside.
  2. Prepare a large skillet and add about 3” (8 cm) of water. Bring to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the carrots and boil for 1 minute. Add the winter melon and boil for another 1 to 2 minutes, until slightly softened but not yet translucent. Drain the cooked vegetables and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Drain again and set aside in a big plate.
  3. Return the pan to the stove and wipe clean with a paper towel. Add the oil and heat over medium heat until hot. Add the papery shrimp. Stir and cook until the shrimp turn golden, 1 minute or so.
  4. Add the garlic and stir a few times to release the fragrance.
  5. Add the pepper. Cook and stir for 1 minute.
  6. Add the blanched carrot and winter melon, mushroom powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir and cook until the seasonings are evenly distributed and the winter melon turns tender but is not falling apart, 1 to 2 minutes.
  7. Stir the slurry ingredients again to fully dissolve the cornstarch and pour it over the vegetables. Stir gently until the sauce thickens slightly, 1 minute or so. Carefully taste the winter melon and add more salt, if needed.
  8. Serve hot as a side dish.

Notes

  • I added the carrots to add color. This recipe will still work if you use only winter melon and skip the other vegetables.
  • I prefer to add a ton of papery shrimp to add a strong flavor. If you do not wish to add too much seafood taste, you can reduce the shrimp to 1 tablespoon and add 1/2 teaspoon more mushroom powder.
  • Mild green pepper adds a bit of spiciness and crisp texture to the dish. It’s totally OK to skip this if you want a milder dish or want to simplify the recipe.
  • If you reduce the quantity of papery shrimp, you should add more mushroom (or chicken) powder to add more umami taste.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 128kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 20.4g (7%) Protein 4.5g (9%) Fat 4g (6%) Saturated Fat 0.8g (4%) Cholesterol 22mg (7%) Sodium 330mg (14%) Potassium 634mg (18%) Fiber 2.9g (12%) Sugar 16.7g (33%) Calcium 41mg (4%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 128

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 128kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 20.4g 7%
Protein 4.5g 9%
Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 0.8g 4%
Cholesterol 22mg 7%
Sodium 330mg 14%
Potassium 634mg 13%
Fiber 2.9g 12%
Sugar 16.7g 33%
Calcium 41mg 4%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.