Bitter Melon and Pork Belly Scrolls
Thinly sliced pork belly is wok-fried to a crisp, then combined with tender, slightly bitter melon. These ingredients are then rolled into delicate scrolls, offering a complex interplay of savory, bitter, and umami flavors.

Prep Time
40 min
Difficulty
Medium
Servings
4
Calories
320 kcal
Instructions
- 1
Slice pork belly thinly, about 1/16 inch thick. Mince garlic and ginger. Cut bitter melon in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, then slice thinly.
~10 min - 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add pork belly and stir-fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove pork belly with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the wok.
~8 min - 3
Add remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok if needed. Add minced garlic and ginger, stir-fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
~1 min - 4
Add sliced bitter melon to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Season with salt and sugar.
~5 min - 5
Return the crispy pork belly to the wok. Add soy sauce and Shaoxing wine. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
~2 min - 6
Drizzle with sesame oil and give a final toss. The mixture should be moist but not soupy.
~1 min - 7
Carefully arrange the mixture into small, compact scrolls on a serving plate. You may need to gently press with chopsticks to form them.
~5 min
Tips
- To reduce the bitterness of the melon, soak the sliced bitter melon in salt water for 15-20 minutes before cooking, then rinse thoroughly.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. The crispy pork belly will lose its crispness if left to sit for too long.
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