Bitter Melon And Wood Ear Stirfry Recipe

This dish takes me on a culinary adventure with its earthy wood ear mushrooms and distinctive bitter melon, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. As the aroma of garlic, soy, and oyster sauce fills my kitchen, I can’t help but appreciate how such a simple stir-fry delivers a delightful and satisfying side or topping for rice.

My passion for cooking shines through in the dishes I create. I love making dishes that showcase unusual flavors and pump up the nutrition.

My Bitter Melon and Wood Ear Stir-fry dish is a great example! I take very thin slices of bittersweet melon and pair it with wood ear mushrooms (both of which are lauded for their impressive health benefits).

Plus, I stir-fry these two powerhouse ingredients together in veggie oil, adding plenty of garlic, soy sauce, and just a drizzle of sesame oil. The result?

A harmony of savory, aromatic, and faintly spicy that’s also a dish worth making when you want to power up your health.

Bitter Melon And Wood Ear Stirfry Recipe Ingredients

– Bitter Melons:
Packed with nutrients, supports blood sugar control, adds a unique, bitter flavor.

– Wood Ear Mushrooms:
Low in calories, high in fiber, contributes a chewy texture and earthy taste.

– Garlic:
Boosts immunity, rich in antioxidants, enhances flavor with aromatic pungency.

– Soy Sauce:
Adds depth and umami, provides savory and slightly salty taste.

– Oyster Sauce:
Contributes sweetness and umami, thickens stir-fry sauce.

– Sesame Oil:
Rich in healthy fats, infuses a nutty, aromatic essence.

– Green Onions:
Offers mild onion flavor, adds freshness and a hint of color.

Bitter Melon And Wood Ear Stirfry Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 medium bitter melons, sliced thinly
• 1 cup dried wood ear mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt to taste
• White pepper to taste
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 red chili, sliced (optional)

How to Make this Bitter Melon And Wood Ear Stirfry Recipe

1. Allow the dried wood ear mushrooms to soak in warm water for 20 minutes or so, until they have softened. Then, pour off the water and cut the mushrooms into thin slices.

2. Halve the bitter melons lengthwise and take out the seeds. Cut the halves into thin strips.

3. In a large wok or pan, warm the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

4. Minced garlic is then added to the pan and stir-fried until it becomes fragrant, which takes about 30 seconds.

5. Add the bitter melon, sliced, to the pan and stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes until it starts to soften.

6. Put the cut wood ear mushrooms into the frying pan and keep stir-frying for 2-3 more minutes.

7. Add the soy sauce, the oyster sauce, and the sesame oil, and stir to coat all the ingredients well.

8. Add salt and white pepper to taste, and stir until everything is evenly mixed.

9. Add the sliced green onions and red chili (if using); stir for another minute.

10. Take it off the burner and present it while still piping hot in the manner of a side dish, or heaped atop a mound of freshly steamed rice.

Bitter Melon And Wood Ear Stirfry Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Bowl for soaking mushrooms
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Large wok or pan
5. Stirring utensil (e.g., spatula or wooden spoon)
6. Measuring spoons

FAQ

• What does bitter melon taste like?Bitter melon possesses a uniquely sharp and bitter flavor profile. While some individuals may find its taste a bit challenging, it complements this stir-fry’s overall flavor and works exceedingly well with more savory, umami-type flavors like soy sauce and oyster sauce.
• How do I prepare the wood ear mushrooms?Place the desiccated wood ear mushrooms in warm water for approximately 20-30 minutes so they can rehydrate into their original size and form. Rinse them thoroughly and drain them before utilizing them in your dish.
• Can I reduce the bitterness of the bitter melon?Indeed, you can cut the bitterness by salting the slices and allowing them to sit for about 10 minutes and then rinsing them thoroughly. After that, proceed with your cooking. On the other hand, if you’re going the whole hog and cooking squash, you won’t need to cover the same ground with those prep steps. Cooking pretty much eliminates bitterness.
• Are there any substitutes for oyster sauce?If you want a vegetarian option, you can make a substitute for oyster sauce by combining soy sauce with a little sugar or by using hoisin sauce.
• How spicy is this dish with the red chili?A moderate dose of heat comes from the red chili. You can use less if you prefer your dishes milder, or skip it altogether if you want to ensure a chili-free dish.
• What is the purpose of sesame oil in the recipe?The rich, nutty aroma and flavor of sesame oil enhances the overall taste of the stir-fry.

Bitter Melon And Wood Ear Stirfry Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For bitter melons, use zucchini or cucumbers for a milder taste.
Should you lack wood ear mushrooms, substitute shiitake or cremini mushrooms.
Substitute canola oil or sunflower oil for vegetable oil.
You can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar in place of oyster sauce.
If sesame oil is not in stock, toasted sesame seeds can add a similar flavor dimension.

Pro Tips

1. Salt Treatment for Bitter Melon To reduce the bitterness of the bitter melon, sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing and patting them dry. This can help make the dish more palatable for those sensitive to bitterness.

2. Pre-soak the Wood Ear Mushrooms Ensure the wood ear mushrooms are thoroughly soaked and gently squeezed to remove excess water before slicing. This will allow them to absorb the flavors of the sauces better during cooking.

3. Control the Heat Maintain medium-high heat throughout the cooking process to ensure the bitter melon and mushrooms are stir-fried properly, preserving their crunch and texture.

4. Balance the Flavors Taste the dish before serving, and adjust the seasoning with additional soy sauce or a touch more sesame oil if necessary to achieve a balanced flavor that suits your palate.

5. Garnish Creatively For added flavor and visual appeal, consider throwing in a handful of toasted sesame seeds as a garnish or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a bit of brightness just before serving.