Beef with Bitter Melon

Beef with Bitter Melon recipe, a traditional Chinese dish that marries the distinct bitterness of melon with the rich savoriness of beef. Enhanced with a hint of black bean sauce or oyster sauce, this dish achieves a delightful balance of depth and complexity. It is bursting with flavor and boasting nutritional benefits, as bitter melon is known for its health-promoting properties. Perfect for those looking to enjoy a meal that is as nourishing as delicious.

AuthorSusan LeeCategory, , DifficultyIntermediate

Yields2 Servings
Prep Time20 minsCook Time10 minsTotal Time30 mins

For the Beef Marinade:
 1/2 lb (225g) beef flank steak, thinly sliced
 1/2 lb (225g) beef flank steak, thinly sliced
 1 teaspoon cornstarch
 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Stir-Fry:
 1 medium bitter melon, halved, deseeded, and thinly sliced
 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 1 tablespoon fermented black beans, rinsed and mashed (or 1 tablespoon black
 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
 1/2 cup water or beef broth
 Salt and sugar to taste (optional)

1

Marinate the Beef:

In a bowl, mix the beef slices with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

2

Prepare the Bitter Melon:

Slice the bitter melon in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and white pith with a spoon, and slice thinly.

3

Stir-Fry the Beef:

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until it's no longer pink. Remove the beef and set it aside.

4

Cook the Bitter Melon:

In the same wok, add the remaining oil. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add the bitter melon slices. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.

5

Combine Ingredients:

Add the fermented black beans, oyster sauce, and soy sauce to the wok. Return the beef to the wok, add water or beef broth, and mix well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

6

Season:

Taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt and sugar if necessary.

7

Serve:

Serve hot with steamed rice.

Ingredients

For the Beef Marinade:
 1/2 lb (225g) beef flank steak, thinly sliced
 1/2 lb (225g) beef flank steak, thinly sliced
 1 teaspoon cornstarch
 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Stir-Fry:
 1 medium bitter melon, halved, deseeded, and thinly sliced
 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 1 tablespoon fermented black beans, rinsed and mashed (or 1 tablespoon black
 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
 1/2 cup water or beef broth
 Salt and sugar to taste (optional)

Directions

1

Marinate the Beef:

In a bowl, mix the beef slices with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

2

Prepare the Bitter Melon:

Slice the bitter melon in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and white pith with a spoon, and slice thinly.

3

Stir-Fry the Beef:

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until it's no longer pink. Remove the beef and set it aside.

4

Cook the Bitter Melon:

In the same wok, add the remaining oil. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add the bitter melon slices. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.

5

Combine Ingredients:

Add the fermented black beans, oyster sauce, and soy sauce to the wok. Return the beef to the wok, add water or beef broth, and mix well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

6

Season:

Taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt and sugar if necessary.

7

Serve:

Serve hot with steamed rice.

Beef with Bitter Melon
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