Steamed Stuffed Bitter Melon
Elevate your dinner table with the bold yet comforting flavors of Steamed Stuffed Bitter Melon, a traditional dish bursting with umami and wholesome goodness. This elegant recipe features tender rings of bitter melon filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and aromatic ginger, garlic, and scallions. Steamed to perfection, the filling becomes juicy and flavorful, while the bitter melon softens to complement the rich stuffing. Seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, each bite offers a harmonious balance of bitterness and umami. A healthy and protein-packed option, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice, making it a standout centerpiece for any meal. Whether you're exploring Asian cuisine or looking for a unique steamed recipe, Steamed Stuffed Bitter Melon is sure to delight your taste buds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (medium-sized) bitter melon
- 300 grams ground pork
- 4 pieces (rehydrated if dried, finely chopped) shiitake mushrooms
- 2 cloves (minced) garlic
- 1 teaspoon (grated) ginger
- 2 stalks (chopped) scallions
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cooking wine (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon white pepper
Instructions
Wash the bitter melons thoroughly and cut them into 2-inch segments. Use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and hollow out the center of each segment, creating a cavity for the filling.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped shiitake mushrooms, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped scallions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, cooking wine (if using), salt, and white pepper. Mix until the filling is well combined and slightly sticky.
Stuff each bitter melon segment with the pork filling, pressing firmly to pack the filling tightly. Smooth the top surface of the filling for an even appearance.
Arrange the stuffed bitter melon pieces upright in a heatproof plate or shallow dish that can fit into a steamer basket.
Prepare your steamer setup by bringing water to a boil in a pot or wok. Place the dish of stuffed bitter melons in the steamer basket, ensuring it is elevated above the boiling water, then cover with a lid.
Steam the bitter melon over medium heat for 20 minutes, or until the filling is cooked through and the bitter melon is tender when pierced with a fork.
Carefully remove the dish from the steamer. Optionally, garnish with additional chopped scallions or a drizzle of soy sauce before serving.
Serve hot with steamed white rice or as part of a larger meal. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1338 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 92.1 g | 118% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.0 g | 145% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 281 mg | 94% | |
| Sodium | 3139 mg | 136% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 42.3 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.5 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.9 g | ||
| Protein | 85.8 g | 172% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 177 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 5.8 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 2104 mg | 45% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
