Prepare to embark on a tantalizing journey through Chinese cuisine that will challenge your taste buds and elevate your cooking skills! This extraordinary dish transforms the notorious bitter melon into a stunning masterpiece, where delicate fish filling meets the vegetable's unique, robust flavor. If you're tired of ordinary recipes and crave something extraordinary that will impress your family and dinner guests, this braised bitter melon stuffed with minced fish is your ultimate culinary destination.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 bitter melons, halved and seeded
- 1 lb minced fish (e.g., tilapia)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the bitter melons by washing thoroughly and cutting them in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and inner white pith using a spoon, creating a boat-like cavity for stuffing.
- In a mixing bowl, combine minced fish, minced ginger, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Carefully stuff each bitter melon half with the fish mixture, pressing gently to ensure the filling is compact and fills the entire cavity.
- Heat a large braising pan or deep skillet over medium heat. Lightly oil the pan to prevent sticking.
- Gently place the stuffed bitter melon halves into the pan, with the stuffed side facing up. Allow them to brown slightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the chicken broth around the bitter melons, ensuring they are partially submerged but not completely covered.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and let the bitter melons braise slowly for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the bitter melon is tender.
- Occasionally check the liquid level and add more broth if needed to prevent burning.
- Once done, carefully remove the stuffed bitter melons and arrange on a serving platter. Reduce the remaining braising liquid to create a light sauce.
- Garnish with additional chopped green onions and drizzle the reduced sauce over the stuffed bitter melons before serving.
Tips
- Bitter Melon Preparation: To reduce bitterness, soak the cleaned bitter melon halves in salted water for 15-20 minutes before stuffing.
- Fish Selection: Choose fresh, firm white fish like tilapia or cod for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Stuffing Technique: Use a small spoon to gently pack the fish mixture, ensuring it's compact and evenly distributed.
- Braising Liquid: Use homemade chicken broth for richer flavor, or add a splash of Chinese cooking wine for extra depth.
- Temperature Control: Maintain a low, steady heat during braising to prevent burning and ensure tender results.
- Doneness Check: The fish filling should be opaque and firm, and the bitter melon should be tender but not mushy.
- Sauce Reduction: Take your time reducing the braising liquid to concentrate flavors and create a glossy finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
