Ingredients

2 tablespoons chopped dried shrimp
Marinade :
1 tablespoon cornstarch , or more as needed
1 tablespoon water
1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons light soy sauce
1 teaspoon salt
12 ounces ground pork
1 teaspoon peanut oil ( groundnut oil )
salt as needed
2 bitter melon , cut into thick rings and cores removed
cornstarch as needed
1 tablespoon peanut oil ( groundnut oil )
Sauce :
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 tablespoon peanut oil ( groundnut oil )
3 tablespoons black bean-garlic sauce
1 tablespoon chopped red pepper
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Bitter melon is a popular vegetable in many Asian countries, including China and the Philippines. It is known for its unique, slightly bitter taste which pairs well with savory meats. In this recipe, the bitterness is balanced with tender ground pork and savory black bean-garlic sauce. Ginger and fresh red pepper add a zingy kick to the dish, while the oyster and soy sauces enhance the depth of flavor. This meal is perfect for a hearty dinner and can be served with rice or noodles.

Instructions

1.Soak dried shrimp in water for 10-15 minutes, then drain and finely chop.
2.In a large bowl, mix together cornstarch, water, sugar, soy sauce, and salt to create the marinade.
3.Add in ground pork, chopped dried shrimp, and peanut oil. Mix well.
4.Cut bitter melon into thick rings and remove the core.
5.Rub a small amount of salt onto the inside of each melon ring and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
6.Rinse the rings with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
7.Dust the inside of each melon ring with cornstarch.
8.Stuff each ring with the pork mixture, pressing down firmly.
9.In a wok or large skillet, heat peanut oil over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed melon rings and cook until browned on all sides.
10.In a separate bowl, whisk together water, oyster sauce, sugar, black bean-garlic sauce, chopped red pepper, minced garlic, cornstarch, and water to create the sauce.
11.Pour the sauce over the melon rings and allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes.

PROS

This dish packs both savory and sweet flavors, and boasts numerous health benefits thanks to the bitter melon.

The meal can be enjoyed by both pork and vegetable lovers as it blends the two perfectly.

CONS

Bitter melon can be an acquired taste and not everyone may enjoy it.

This recipe requires some preparation, including the stuffing process.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Bitter melon is high in nutrients and low in calories, making it a great choice for weight management and overall health.
The vegetable is known to regulate blood sugar levels, support a healthy immune system, and aid digestion.
The pork provides protein and iron, while the ginger aids in digestion and reduces inflammation.

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