Bitter Melon & Tofu Breakfast Scramble with Fermented Black Beans
This dish offers a unique savory and slightly bitter breakfast experience, drawing inspiration from traditional Asian flavors. Tender chunks of firm tofu are scrambled with intensely flavored fermented black beans and the distinctive, healthful bitterness of fresh bitter melon.

Prep Time
45 min
Difficulty
Hard
Servings
2
Calories
280 kcal
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the bitter melon: Halve the bitter melon lengthwise and scrape out the seeds and pith. Slice thinly. Blanch the bitter melon slices in boiling water with a pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes to reduce bitterness. Drain and rinse with cold water.
~15 min - 2
Prepare the tofu: Drain the firm tofu and press out excess water. Crumble the tofu into bite-sized pieces in a large bowl.
~5 min - 3
Prepare the aromatics: Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
~2 min - 4
Rinse the fermented black beans and lightly chop them.
~1 min - 5
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
~1 min - 6
Add the chopped fermented black beans to the skillet and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.
~1 min - 7
Add the crumbled tofu to the skillet. Stir and scramble the tofu, breaking up any large clumps, until lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
~7 min - 8
Add the blanched bitter melon slices to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the bitter melon is tender-crisp.
~3 min - 9
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and sugar. Pour the sauce mixture over the scramble in the skillet.
~1 min - 10
Stir everything together until well combined and heated through, about 1-2 minutes.
~2 min - 11
Serve immediately.
Tips
- To further reduce bitterness, you can soak the sliced bitter melon in salt water for 30 minutes after blanching, then rinse thoroughly.
- This dish pairs well with a side of congee or steamed rice for a more traditional breakfast.
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