Bitter Melon and Shrimp Stir-fry with Fermented Black Beans

Instructions

1. 1

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

   ~12 min
2. 2

   Peel and devein the shrimp. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.

   ~3 min
3. 3

   Rinse the fermented black beans and roughly chop them.

   ~1 min
4. 4

   Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stir-fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

   ~1 min
5. 5

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

6. 6

   Add the shrimp to the wok and stir-fry until they turn pink (about 2-3 minutes).

   ~3 min
7. 7

   Add the drained bitter melon to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the bitter melon is tender-crisp.

   ~5 min
8. 8

   Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and water. Stir well to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

   ~2 min
9. 9

   Serve hot, preferably with steamed rice.