Entrée: China – 炒苦瓜 ▶ Chao Ku Gua (Bitter Melon and Carrot Stir-Fry)

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 10 min

Cook 12 min

Additional 10 min

Total 25 min

Ingredients

1 bitter melon, halved, seeded, and thinly sliced
2 carrots, sliced into thin strips
3-4 anchovy fillets
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 red chili, sliced (optional)
2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce
Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Soak the bitter melon slices in salted water for 10 minutes to reduce bitterness. Drain and pat dry.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the anchovies and sauté until dissolved. Add the onion and red chili, cooking until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
3. Add the carrots to the pan and stir-fry for about 2 minutes. Follow with the bitter melon slices. Stir-fry everything together until the vegetables are tender (about 3-5 minutes).
4. Add soy sauce, and season with salt to taste. Stir well, then remove from heat and serve warm. Enjoy the unique blend of bitter, savory, and sweet flavors.