Stir Fried Bitter Melon With Canned Fried Dace And Salted Black Beans Recipe

Have you ever had one of those days where you’re craving something savory and unique that transports you to a bustling night market in the heart of Asia? Well, grab your skillet because this salted black bean and bitter melon dish, with its delightful blend of flavors and textures, is about to take your taste buds on an unforgettable trip.

Combining the distinct flavors of bitter melon and fried dace with salted black beans is a dish I love. Bitter melon’s bitterness is perfectly complemented by the savory richness of the dace.

And with garlic adding depth, and a hint of chili for spice, this is a dish that’s both nutritious and delightful.

Stir Fried Bitter Melon With Canned Fried Dace And Salted Black Beans Recipe Ingredients

• Bitter Melon: Low in calories, high in vitamin C, possesses bitter compounds that may aid in digestion and blood sugar regulation.
• Fried Dace with Salted Black Beans: Rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, adds a savory umami flavor with a hint of saltiness from the black beans.
• Garlic: A source of antioxidants, offers potential health benefits like heart health, enhances flavor complexity.
• Red Chili: Adds spice and heat, contains capsaicin, which can boost metabolism and provide a fiery kick.
• Soy Sauce: Provides umami and savory depth, moderate sodium content, enhances overall flavor.

Stir Fried Bitter Melon With Canned Fried Dace And Salted Black Beans Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 large bitter melon
• 1 can (6-7 oz) fried dace with salted black beans
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red chili, sliced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 green onion, chopped

How to Make this Stir Fried Bitter Melon With Canned Fried Dace And Salted Black Beans Recipe

1. Bisect the bitter melon lengthwise and spoon out the seeds. Thinly slice the melon; it should resemble a half-moon.

2. Spread a bit of salt over the cut bitter melon and let it sit for about 10 minutes to take the edge off the bitterness. Rinse it well and let it drain.

3. In a frying pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry until it gives off a lovely aroma, about 1 minute.

4. Put the sliced bitter melon in the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften.

5. Add the can of fried dace with salted black beans to the skillet, breaking up the fish into smaller bits as you stir it in.

6. Should you choose to use them, add the sliced red chili to the skillet for a bit of heat.

7. Mix in the soy sauce and sugar, ensuring that everything is well combined.

8. To ensure the bitter melon cooks fully, add the tablespoon of water to help create a slight sauce.

9. If additional salt is required, taste and adjust by adding it.

10. Complete the preparation with finely diced green onion and mix thoroughly. Serve in individual bowls and enjoy while hot.

Stir Fried Bitter Melon With Canned Fried Dace And Salted Black Beans Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Sharp knife
3. Spoon (for scooping seeds)
4. Small bowl (for salt and bitter melon)
5. Colander or strainer
6. Frying pan or wok
7. Spatula or wooden spoon
8. Can opener
9. Measuring spoons

FAQ

• Q: How do I prepare the bitter melon?A: Half the bitter melon lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds and pith. Then slice it into thin half-moons.
• Q: Can I use any substitute for fried dace with salted black beans?A: You can substitute mackerel or sardines, but the unique flavor of salted black beans is crucial. If you omit them, you’re missing the main taste.
• Q: How do I reduce the bitterness of the bitter melon?A: Rinsing the bitter melon in water before cooking can eliminate some of its bitterness. But to get the most out of this method without altering the flavor of the melon, you can sprinkle the sliced bitter melon with salt and let it sit for about 15 minutes. After the melon has soaked, rinse off the salt and any excess moisture with water before proceeding to cook with the bitter melon.
• Q: What is the role of the sugar in the recipe?A: The sugar works to even out the bitterness of the bitter melon and the saltiness of the fried dace with salted black beans.
• Q: Is the red chili necessary?A: Feel free to leave out the red chili if you want a milder version of the dish because it is optional and adds a bit of heat to the dish.
• Q: Can I use a different type of oil?You can use other oils such as olive oil or grapeseed oil, but vegetable oil is preferred. Its neutral flavor makes it the best choice.

Stir Fried Bitter Melon With Canned Fried Dace And Salted Black Beans Recipe Substitutions and Variations

In the absence of bitter melon, use zucchini or Chinese cucumber in its place, with this caveat: either can give your dish a completely different flavor, one that’s much milder than that of bitter melon.
Canned sardines in olive oil or mackerel can take the place of fried dace, giving you the same texture and a similarly rich taste.
Replace vegetable oil with either olive oil or canola oil to achieve a different flavor profile.
For a dish with less heat, swap the red chili for sweet bell pepper. You’ll still have a dish packed with flavor, just one that’s easier on the taste buds.
Coconut aminos or tamari can be used in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Pro Tips

1. Select Your Bitter Melon Wisely For a less bitter taste, choose younger and smaller bitter melons. Look for ones that are firm and have a light green color, as these tend to be less bitter.

2. Optimize Bitterness Reduction After salting and rinsing the sliced bitter melon, you can blanch the slices briefly in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes. This additional step can help further reduce bitterness before stir-frying.

3. Enhance Flavor with Marination Before cooking, marinate the sliced bitter melon in a little soy sauce and sugar for about 10 minutes. This can infuse more flavor into the melon while helping to mask its bitterness.

4. Balance the Flavors When adding soy sauce, sugar, and salted black beans, taste as you go to ensure a harmonious balance. The key is to complement the bitter notes with savory and sweet flavors effectively.

5. Customize the Heat If you prefer extra heat, consider adding different types of chilies or chili paste. You can also adjust the amount of red chili based on your spice preference, or serve additional chili on the side for those who enjoy a spicier dish.