Ingredients:
- 2 medium bitter melons (roughly 1¼ pounds; found in asian markets)
- ½ chicken breast (or any meat you prefer, about 4 ounces)
- 2 teaspoons finely shredded ginger
- 1 teaspoon shao hsing rice cooking wine (i doubled this)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (i use a little more)
- 1 teaspoon plus five tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil (i double this)
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 tablespoon chinese dried black beans (i doubled this; these are not hard dried american beans. sold in asian markets, they’re soft and sealed in plastic in the dried foods aisle. not the same as black bean sauce in a jar)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced (i use at least 2)
Instructions:
- Prepare the bitter melon: Bring a pot of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. While you wait, slice the bitter melons in half lengthwise then scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Slice each half into ¼-inch thick slices on a diagonal. Once the water's boiling, add the bitter melon slices and wait for the water to return to a boil. You may remove at this time or cook for another minute or two to reduce the bitterness. Drain and rinse under cold water (to stop cooking) and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into thin strips. Place in a bowl and and add to it the ginger, rice wine, soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cooking oil, cornstarch, sesame oil, sugar and pepper. Stir and set aside.
- Prepare the black beans: Rinse the black beans in several changes of cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and mash with the garlic and set aside.
- Cook: Heat a skillet over high heat. Add two tablespoons of oil then add the chicken pieces. Cook without stirring for 1-2 minutes until one side of the chicken is brown then stir fry for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil and also the black bean and garlic mixture. Add the bitter melon and stir-fry for about 1 minute then add the cooked chicken (and juices). Stir fry for another minute then plate. Serve with rice.