Bitter melon with beef stir-fry


Bitter melon with beef stir-fry

Ingredients

2 medium bitter melons
Coarse salt
¾ lb. beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced into 2-inch pieces
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
1 Tbsp. dark soy sauce
1 Tbsp. dry sherry
1 Tbsp. sesame oil
1 Tbsp. oyster sauce
½ tsp. granulated sugar
½ tsp. sambal oelek*
4 Tbsp. peanut oil or canola oil, divided
2 tsp. minced fresh garlic
1 tsp. minced fresh ginger
1 small red bell pepper, julienned
5 green onions, sliced into 1-inch diagonal pieces
1 Tbsp. cornstarch mixed with 2 Tbsp. of water


Preparation

• Slice the bitter melons in half lengthwise. Scrape out the seeds and white membrane with a spoon. Generously sprinkle with salt and let sit for a minimum of 30 minutes. Rinse in cool running water and pat dry with paper towels. Cut into ½-inch-thick slices.

• Place the sliced beef in a small bowl and add the soy sauce and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Toss to coat, and let marinate in the refrigerator until the remaining ingredients are prepared and ready to cook.

• In another small bowl, make the sauce by combining the dark soy sauce, sherry, sesame oil, oyster sauce, sugar, sambal oelek and remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper.

• Place a wok or large pan over the highest heat and add 2 tablespoons of peanut oil, swirling it around the bottom of the pan. Add the garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds. Add the beef and cook just until the meat begins to lose its raw color. Transfer to a clean bowl and set aside.

• Add the remaining oil to the wok. When hot, add the bitter melon and red pepper. Stir-fry for a few minutes, until the colors become bright. Add the sauce and green onions and return the beef to the wok. Bring the sauce to a boil and add a little of the slurry (cornstarch and water mixture) to thicken the sauce. Add a bit more if needed to obtain desired consistency, glazing the vegetables and meat.

• Serve over steamed rice.

*Sambal oelek, an Indonesian chile paste, is available at Asian grocery stores or in the Asian aisle of some supermarkets.