**Stir-Fried Beef with Bitter Melon: A Culinary Symphony of Health and Flavor**
In the realm of culinary delights, stir-fried beef with bitter melon stands as a symphony of health and flavor. This delectable dish, rooted in the traditions of Chinese cuisine, tantalizes the taste buds while nourishing the body with its abundance of nutrients. Its mainstays, tender beef and refreshing bitter melon, embark on a harmonious dance in a wok, infused with an orchestra of savory and aromatic ingredients. The result is a symphony of flavors that captivates the senses while promoting overall well-being.
Within this article, you'll discover a treasure trove of recipes that unveil the versatility of stir-fried beef with bitter melon. From the classic rendition that showcases the natural flavors of its core ingredients to innovative variations that introduce a kaleidoscope of tastes and textures, these recipes cater to a diverse range of culinary preferences.
Dig into the simplicity of the basic stir-fried beef with bitter melon, where beef and melon meld seamlessly with garlic, ginger, and a splash of soy sauce. Elevate your culinary skills with a Szechuan-inspired version, where fiery chilies and fragrant Sichuan peppercorns ignite a symphony of heat and spice.
If you seek a healthier alternative, embrace the vegetarian stir-fried bitter melon, where tofu and an array of vegetables join forces to create a symphony of colors, textures, and flavors.
No matter your culinary expertise or dietary preferences, the recipes in this article will guide you toward a delectable and healthful stir-fried beef with bitter melon experience. So, prepare to embark on a culinary journey that nourishes both body and soul!
STIR-FRIED BEEF WITH BITTER MELON
Steps:
- 1. Marinate the feef: stir the rice wine, soy sauce and cornstarch together in a bowl until the cornstarch is dissolved. Toss the beef ently in the marinade to coat. Let stand for 10 minutes. 2. Prepare the suce: stir the chicken broth, soy suce, sesame oil, sugar and chili flakes and salt together in a small bowl until the sugar is dissolved. 3. Cut the bitter melon lengthwise into quarters. Discard the seeds and cut the flesh into slices on the bias. Blanch the melon in a pot of boiling water until crisp-tender - about 2 minutes. Drain thoroughly. 4. Heat a wok over high heat until hot. Add 1 1/2 T of the oil and swirl to coat the sides. Add the beef and stir-fry until no longer pink, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Scoop the beef onto a plate. 5. Add the remaining 1/2 T oil to the wok and swirl to coat the sides. Add the onion, black beans and garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the melon and sauce and bring to a boil. 6. Return the beef to the wok, pour in the dissolved cornstarch and cook, stirring until the suce boils and thickens, about 1 minute. Scoop the contents of the wok onto a serving platter. 7. Serve immediately with white rice.
BITTER MELON AND BLACK BEAN SAUCE BEEF
A classic Chinese dish that can be made with chicken instead of beef. If chicken is used, cooking time will be more depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces.
Provided by Doug Wah
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian Chinese
Time 1h35m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Fill a bowl with ice; add enough salted water to make an ice bath. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the bitter melon in the boiling water until tender yet firm, about 2 minutes; strain the melon. Place the melon into the ice bath; allow to sit until bitterness is extracted, about 1 hour. Drain melon.
- Whisk 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and baking soda together in a bowl. Add beef and toss to evenly coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Heat wok, or a large skillet, on high until smoking. Add 1 tablespoon oil. Lay beef evenly across the bottom of the wok; cook until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Remove beef. Pour in 1 teaspoon of oil; allow to heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in bitter melon; cook until combined, about 1 minute.
- Stir black bean sauce into melon mixture. Stir in remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Pour in 3/4 cup water; cover and let simmer until flavors combine, 2 to 3 minutes. Uncover and mix in remaining cornstarch and 1 teaspoon water and stir until thickened.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 141.3 calories, Carbohydrate 7.6 g, Cholesterol 22.5 mg, Fat 8.6 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 8.3 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 340.2 mg, Sugar 1.5 g
Tips:
- To ensure the beef's tenderness, choose flank steak or sirloin steak, which are known for their lean and tender texture.
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain to further enhance its tenderness and allow it to cook evenly.
- Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and Chinese rice wine. This marinade helps tenderize the beef and infuses it with flavor.
- Use a wok or large skillet over high heat to stir-fry the beef. This will help create a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
- Stir-fry the beef in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan and ensure even cooking.
- Add the bitter melon towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from overcooking and becoming too soft.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and add a drizzle of sesame oil for extra flavor.
Conclusion:
This stir-fried beef with bitter melon is a delicious and healthy dish that is sure to please your taste buds. It is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and it can be easily customized to your liking. With its tender beef, slightly bitter melon, and flavorful sauce, this dish is a perfect addition to any Asian-inspired meal.
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