Stir-fried beef and bitter melon

4 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1tablespoonFermented black beans
1poundsBitter melon
½poundsLean beef
2teaspoonsCornstarch
2teaspoonsSoy sauce
¼teaspoonSalt
1pinchSugar
2tablespoonsWater
1tablespoonCornstarch
1Clove garlic
tablespoonOil
¼teaspoonSalt
tablespoonOil
½cupStock

Directions

1. Soak fermented black beans.

2. Cut bitter melon lengthwise in half. Scoop out seeds; then cut in ¼-inch slices. Parboil 2 to 3 minutes.

3. Slice beef thin against the grain. Combine cornstarch, soy sauce, salt and sugar. Add to beef and toss to coat.

4. Blend water and remaining cornstarch to a paste. Drain soaked black beans. Mince garlic and mash with beans.

5. Heat oil. Add remaining salt, then beef. Stir-fry until beef loses its redness (about 2 minutes). Remove from pan.

6. Heat remaining oil. Add black bean mixture and stir-fry a few times. Add bitter melon and stir-fry to heat and coat with oil (about 1 minute).

7. Stir in stock and heat quickly. Cook, covered, 2 minutes, over medium heat.

8. Return beef and stir-fry gently to reheat and blend flavors. Then stir in cornstarch paste to thicken. Serve at once.

From <The Thousand Recipe Chinese Cookbook>, ISBN 0-517-65870-4. Downloaded from Glen's MM Recipe Archive, .