Bitter Melon and Pork Rib Stir-fry with Fermented Black Beans

Instructions

1. 1

   Cut pork ribs into bite-sized pieces. Blanch ribs in boiling water for 5 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and set aside.

   ~7 min
2. 2

   Prepare bitter melon: Halve lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and slice thinly. Soak in salted water for 10 minutes to reduce bitterness, then drain.

   ~15 min
3. 3

   Mince garlic and ginger. Rinse fermented black beans and lightly chop them.

   ~3 min
4. 4

   In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water to make the sauce.

   ~2 min
5. 5

   Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork ribs and stir-fry until browned on all sides.

   ~7 min
6. 6

   Add remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry until fragrant.

   ~1 min
7. 7

   Add chopped fermented black beans and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

   ~1 min
8. 8

   Add the drained bitter melon to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.

   ~3 min
9. 9

   Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients in the wok. Add sugar and stir well to coat everything. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

   ~3 min
10. 10

    Serve hot, optionally with steamed rice.