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Not everyone likes the bitter melon (苦瓜). It is a bitter fruit that I used to loathe in childhood. Seriously, I would skip having it every time when it was served in any dishes. My taste buds changed when I grew up. The pork and bitter melon stew is now one of my favorite family dishes, which I missed dearly.

Chinese loves to use the bitter melon in cooking for its bitter flavor such as stir-fries and sours. As for this time, I’ve used it to prepare the “pork and bitter melon stew” to gratify my craving. Nothing fancy is needed else than the ground bean sauce which you are able to get it easily in most Asian food markets. Good thing about this dish is the bitter melon doesn’t taste so bitter after it has been cooked.

Just couple of simple steps to go after and you will get a pleasant dish for dinner. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1/2 lb baby back rib or rib (cut into chunks)
1/2 lb pork loin (cut into cubes)
2 medium-sized bitter melon (sliced)
5 cloves of garlic (minced)

Seasoning:

2 tbsp ground bean sauce
1 tsp sugar
1 dash of sesame oil

Cooking method:

1. Blanch the rib and pork loin with boiling water for few minutes until the scum has come out.
2. Heat up the pot with 2 tbsp oil. Add garlic, sauté until aromatic.
3. Add in the pork meat and seasoning. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add enough water to cover the meat and bring to boil. Then lower the heat to minimum and stew for an hour. Check constantly to make sure the water level is good. Add water if needed.
5. Add in bitter melon and stir well. Add water to cover the ingredients and stew for another 30 minutes.
6. Dish up and serve.