Dry-Fried Bitter Melon

干煸苦瓜

Dry-Fried Bitter Melon — a Chinese recipe made with bitter melon, garlic, scallion, ready in about 25 minutes. Step-by-step instructions with photos.

Ingredients

• bitter melon (about 1 medium, ~300 g)
• garlic (thin slivers)
• scallion (white and light green parts, cut 2 cm long)
• light soy sauce
• sesame oil

Instructions

1. Halve bitter melon lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and white pith with a spoon. Slice crosswise into 3-mm rounds.
2. Toss slices with 1 tsp coarse salt in a colander. Let drain over bowl 12 minutes — press gently after 6 minutes to release more liquid.
3. Rinse under cold water, then squeeze dry in clean towel — remove every drop of moisture.
4. Heat wok over medium-high until shimmering. Add 1 tbsp neutral oil. Spread melon in single layer — fry undisturbed 1.5 minutes until edges curl and deepen to olive-green.
5. Stir-fry 2 minutes with garlic and scallion whites. Add light soy sauce. Cook 30 seconds more. Finish with sesame oil and scallion greens.