Beef Stir-Fry with Bitter Melon in Black Bean Sauce

Name: Beef Stir-Fry with Bitter Melon in Black Bean Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 0.25 tsp Baking Soda; 1 tbsp Black Bean Sauce; 1 tbsp Cooking Oil; 2 tsp Cornstarch; 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger; 2 whole Garlic; 1 tsp Olive Oil; 0.5 whole Onion; 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce; 1 pinch Powdered Sugar; 6 oz Sliced Deli Roast Beef; 2 tsp Soy Sauce; 0.75 cup Water

Dinner 🍽️Lunch 🥪 Chinese 🇨🇳 Low-Carb Halal 🕌

Beef Stir-Fry with Bitter Melon in Black Bean Sauce balances the sharp, pleasant bitterness of melon with a deep, fermented black bean and oyster sauce richness. Tender slices of beef, onion, garlic, and ginger add warmth and aroma, creating a satisfying contrast of flavors. Serve it for a weeknight Dinner or as part of a family-style spread when you want something bold and comforting.

Prep20 mins
Cook15 mins
Serves4
DifficultyMedium

1

Fill a large bowl with ice and add enough salted water to make an ice bath. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the bitter melon and cook uncovered until tender but still firm, about 2 minutes. Drain in a colander and immediately submerge in the ice bath; let sit until the bitterness is drawn out, about 1 hour. Drain.
2

Whisk 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and the baking soda together in a large glass or ceramic bowl. Add the beef and toss to coat evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
3

Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until smoking. Add 1 tablespoon oil. Add the beef in a single layer and cook until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the beef to a plate. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in the wok. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger; cook and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the bitter melon and cook until combined, about 1 minute.
4

Stir the black bean sauce into the melon mixture, then stir in the oyster sauce, the remaining 1 teaspoon soy sauce, and the sugar. Pour in 3/4 cup water; cover and simmer until the flavors meld, 2 to 3 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 teaspoon water; stir it in until the sauce thickens.