Bitter Melon Stir Fry With Pork
A savory main dish featuring tender pork and par-boiled bitter melon in a flavorful sauce.
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Instructions
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Start boiling a large pot of water.
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Halve the bitter melon lengthwise, remove seeds and pith, then slice diagonally into 1/4-inch pieces.
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Parboil melon slices in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender, then drain.
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Slice pork 1/8-inch thick and 1 1/2 to 2 inches long. Marinate pork in a bowl with soy sauce, rice wine (or sherry), pepper, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch.
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In separate small bowls, combine chicken broth, sherry, and sugar; and dissolve 2 teaspoons cornstarch in 1 tablespoon water.
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Rinse and mash black beans, then mix with chopped garlic and a small amount of water.
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Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the bean and garlic mixture for 15 seconds, then add pork and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until nearly cooked; remove pork.
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Add 1-2 teaspoons oil to the wok. Stir-fry bitter melon for one minute, then add the chicken broth mixture and return the pork; stir to combine.
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Cover and simmer for 2 minutes.
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Re-stir the cornstarch slurry and stir into the broth to thicken. Combine all ingredients, stir in sesame oil, and season as desired.