Pan Fried Stuffed Bittermelon Recipe

As someone always on the hunt for foodie adventures, I dove into the world of bitter melons, stuffing them with savory pork goodness to create a dish that’s as intriguing as it is delicious.

I adore preparing plates that take unpretentious components and make them remarkable, such as my Pan Fried Stuffed Bitter Melon. This super-delicious recipe combines the bold bitterness of melon with the savory filling of ground pork, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

It’s a healthful way to enjoy a meal that, if not exactly enchanting, is certainly mesmerizing.

Pan Fried Stuffed Bittermelon Recipe Ingredients

• Bitter Melons: High in fiber and antioxidants, known for their unique bitter flavor and health benefits.
• Ground Pork: Rich in protein, offering a savory base with a juicy texture when cooked.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a salty richness; enhances umami flavors in dishes with a depth of savory notes.
• Oyster Sauce: Sweet and savory, infuses dishes with a subtle oceanic taste and caramelized undertones.
• Garlic: Aromatic and flavorful, providing a pungent kick with health-boosting properties.
• Green Onions: Fresh and mild, they add a crisp texture and gentle onion flavor.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty and fragrant, it adds depth and earthiness, enhancing the flavor profile.
• Cornstarch: Thickens sauces, keeping the stuffing juicy and cohesive in texture.

Pan Fried Stuffed Bittermelon Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 3 medium-sized bitter melons
• 200g ground pork
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1/4 cup water

How to Make this Pan Fried Stuffed Bittermelon Recipe

1. Slice the bitter melons into rings
1.5 inches thick. Remove the seeds, making the rings completely hollow.

2. In a bowl, mix the ground pork, soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, green onions, sesame oil, cornstarch, sugar, and black pepper together very well until all ingredients are evenly mixed. They should be well combined.

3. Fill each ring of bitter melon with the pork mixture, pressing gently to ensure the stuffing is tightly packed.

4. Pour cooking oil into a large frying pan and heat over medium.

5. Lay the stuffed bitter melon rings in the skillet, with the flat side facing down. Cook them until the bottom side becomes golden brown, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

6. Flip the rings with care to cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until browned.

7. Put the water in the skillet, put on the lid, and let the bitter melon steam until the melon is tender, and the pork is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

8. Take off the lid and let any leftover moisture evaporate, allowing the bottoms to crisp up once more for another minute or two.

9. Move the platter of stuffed, pan-fried bitter melons to the dining table.

10. Warm, serve as a main dish or part of a multi-course meal, and, if desired, garnish with extra chopped green onions.

Pan Fried Stuffed Bittermelon Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Sharp knife
3. Spoon (for removing seeds)
4. Mixing bowl
5. Measuring spoons
6. Stirring spoon or spatula
7. Large frying pan with lid
8. Kitchen tongs or spatula (for flipping)
9. Serving platter

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a meat substitute for the ground pork?A: Yea. Ground chicken or turkey can be used instead of ground pork.
• Q: How do I prepare the bitter melons?A: Cut bitter melons into 1-inch thick rings. Remove seeds and pith. Rinse under cold running water.
• Q: Can the bitterness be reduced?A: To lessen the bitterness, let the sliced bitter melons soak in salted water for about 15-20 minutes. Rinse well before using in your dish.
• Q: What can I serve as a side dish?A: Stuffed bitter melon goes nicely with steamed rice or a simple stir-fry of vegetables.
• Q: Can I add more vegetables to the filling?Yes, you can add finely chopped mushrooms or carrots to the filling mixture for added flavor and texture.
• Q: How do I ensure the filling stays inside the bitter melon?A: Stuff the bitter melon rings with filling, packing it in tightly so it doesn’t fall out during cooking.
• Q: Can I cook this dish in advance?A: Yes, you can prepare the stuffed bitter melons in advance and reheat them gently in a pan or microwave before serving.

Pan Fried Stuffed Bittermelon Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Lean substitutes for ground pork are ground chicken or turkey.
Tamari can be used in place of soy sauce to create a version that is gluten-free.
Hoisin sauce or vegetarian oyster sauce can be used in place of oyster sauce when preparing a vegetarian-friendly meal.

* If you want to stock up, hoisin sauce will last for years when unopened and at least six months when opened.
* Shelf life of vegetarian oyster sauce is about the same.

Here are some specifics on how to use them.
You can replace sesame oil with olive oil or avocado oil, and you will get a different flavor profile.
Potato starch or arrowroot powder can substitute for cornstarch as a thickening agent.

Pro Tips

1. Preparing Bitter Melons Before slicing, try soaking the bitter melons in salted water for 10-15 minutes to help reduce bitterness. Rinse well before proceeding with the recipe.

2. Enhance Pork Flavor For optimal flavor, allow the pork filling to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes before stuffing the bitter melon. This allows the flavors to meld together more thoroughly.

3. Consistent Cooking To ensure even cooking, try to slice the bitter melon rings as uniformly as possible. This helps them cook at the same rate and prevents some rings from being over or undercooked.

4. Crisping Tips After the steaming step, make sure to remove the lid and let the bitter melon rings fry for a few more minutes to get a nice crisp on the bottom. This adds a delightful texture contrast to the dish.

5. Serving Suggestion Consider serving the dish with a side of steamed rice and a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of chili oil to complement the stuffed bitter melon and balance its flavors.