To reduce bitterness further, consider soaking the sliced bitter melon in salted water for an extended period (up to 2 hours) before blanching. Ensure the wok is very hot before adding the beef for proper searing and to prevent sticking. Adjust the amount of sugar and black bean sauce to suit your personal preference for sweetness and saltiness. Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Bitter Melon and Black Bean Sauce Beef
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PREP TIME20 mins
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COOK TIME15 mins
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TOTAL TIME1 hrs 35 mins
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SERVING4 People
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VIEWS21
Experience the intriguing balance of flavors in this Bitter Melon and Black Bean Sauce Beef. The bitterness of the melon is beautifully tempered by the savory richness of the black bean sauce, creating a unique and satisfying dish that's both bold and comforting.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate8 g
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Cholesterol23 mg
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Fiber2 g
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Protein8 g
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Saturated Fat2 g
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Sodium340 mg
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Sugar2 g
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Fat9 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepPrepare the Bitter Melon: Fill a large bowl with ice and salted water to create an ice bath. (5 minutes)
02
StepBlanch the Bitter Melon: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add bitter melon and cook uncovered until tender-crisp, about 2 minutes. Drain immediately and immerse in the ice bath for 1 hour to extract bitterness. Drain well.
03
StepMarinate the Beef: In a bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and baking soda. Add beef and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
04
StepSear the Beef: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until smoking. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Add beef in a single layer and sear until browned on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Remove beef and set aside.
05
StepSauté Aromatics: Heat 1 teaspoon sesame oil in the wok. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add bitter melon and stir-fry until heated through, about 1 minute.
06
StepSimmer in Sauce: Stir in black bean sauce, oyster sauce, remaining 1 teaspoon soy sauce, and sugar. Pour in 3/4 cup water; cover and simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
07
StepThicken and Finish: Whisk together the remaining 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 teaspoon water; stir into the sauce until thickened. Return the beef to the wok and toss to coat. Cook until heated through. (2 minutes)
08
StepServe immediately and enjoy!
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RECIPE REVIEWS
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Please Rate
Anissa Jacobi
Jun 19, 2025The beef came out so tender thanks to the marinating technique.
Mary Macgyver
Jun 16, 2025My family loved this! Will definitely make it again.
Meaghan Will
May 16, 2025I substituted chicken for the beef and it turned out great! Just had to adjust the cooking time a bit.
Pansy Becker
May 4, 2025I added some red bell peppers, and it was a great addition!
Levi Schultz
Apr 29, 2025This recipe was fantastic! The bitter melon wasn't too overpowering, and the sauce was delicious.
Estell Cartwright
Apr 4, 2025The blanching and ice bath really helped reduce the bitterness of the melon. Thanks for the tip!