Bitter Melon and Black Bean Sauce Beef

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Additional Time:
1 hr

Total Time:
1 hr 35 mins

Servings:
4

Ingredients

Directions

Fill a large bowl with ice; add enough salted water to make an ice bath. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add bitter melon and cook uncovered until tender yet firm, about 2 minutes. Drain in a colander and immediately immerse in ice bath; allow to sit until bitterness is extracted, about 1 hour. Drain.

Whisk 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and baking soda together in a large glass or ceramic bowl. Add beef and toss to evenly coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Heat wok or a large skillet on high until smoking. Add 1 tablespoon oil. Add beef to wok in a single layer; cook until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer beef to a plate. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in wok. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in bitter melon; cook until combined, about 1 minute.

Stir black bean sauce into melon mixture, then stir in oyster sauce, remaining 1 teaspoon soy sauce, and sugar. Pour in 3/4 cup water; cover and let simmer until flavors combine, 2 to 3 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk remaining 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 teaspoon water together; stir in until sauce thickened.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)