Stir-fried Bitter Melon with Salted Black Beans and Tofu Skin 涼瓜豆豉炒腐竹

A flavorful vegetarian stir-fry featuring tender bitter melon and rehydrated tofu skin, sautéed with aromatic salted black beans and garlic for a classic Cantonese taste.

Nutrition (per serving)

Ingredients

• 2 bitter melons, medium
• 100g dried tofu skin sticks (腐竹)
• 1 tbsp salted black beans, rinsed and lightly mashed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 200ml water (for soaking)

Steps

1. Soak dried tofu skin sticks in water until softened, then cut into 2-inch lengths.
2. Halve bitter melons lengthwise, scoop out seeds and pith. Slice thinly. Blanch bitter melon in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water.
3. Heat cooking oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Sauté minced garlic and mashed salted black beans until fragrant.
4. Add sliced bitter melon and red bell pepper to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the softened tofu skin sticks. Season with light soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a splash of water). Stir-fry until sauce thickens and all ingredients are well combined.

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