Bitter Melon Braised with Fermented Bean Curd – A Flavorful Rustic Dish Recipe

Bitter melon braised with fermented bean curd is a rustic yet captivating Vietnamese dish. The harmonious blend of bitter melon’s refreshing bitterness and the rich, aromatic flavor of fermented bean curd creates a unique, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal. Let’s explore the detailed recipe to cook this dish at home!

Preparing Perfect Ingredients

To ensure your bitter melon braised with fermented bean curd achieves the perfect flavor, selecting quality ingredients is crucial. Here’s the full list of necessary ingredients:

• Bitter melon: 2 pieces (choose fresh green ones, not too mature or too young).
• Fermented bean curd: 4 pieces (prefer taro fermented bean curd for added richness and aroma).
• Pork belly or spare ribs: 200g (pork belly adds extra richness to the dish).
• Shallots: 2 bulbs.
• Garlic: 2 cloves.
• Seasonings: Sugar, fish sauce, pepper, cooking oil, MSG (optional).
• Fresh chili: 1-2 pieces (for those who enjoy spicy food).

Bitter melon and ingredients on a kitchen counter

Tips for Prepping Bitter Melon to Reduce Bitterness

One of the key factors in the success of this dish is how you prep the bitter melon. If you’re concerned about the bitterness, follow these steps:

1. Wash the bitter melon, cut it in half, and remove the inner seeds.
2. Slice the bitter melon into bite-sized pieces (about 0.5cm thick).
3. Soak the bitter melon in diluted salt water (about 2 teaspoons of salt per liter of water) for 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly with cold water several times, then drain.

“According to nutritionist Nguyen Thi Hoa, soaking bitter melon in salt water significantly reduces the level of cucurbitacin – the compound responsible for the bitterness. Additionally, blanching is also an effective method.”

Sliced bitter melon soaking in a bowl of salt water

Marinating Pork Belly for Enhanced Flavor

After washing and slicing the pork belly into bite-sized pieces, marinate it with the following seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon of fish sauce.
• ½ tablespoon of sugar.
• ½ teaspoon of pepper.
• ½ teaspoon of MSG (optional).
• Finely chopped shallots.

Mix well and let the meat marinate for about 30 minutes. Thorough marination will make the meat tender and flavorful when cooked.

Detailed Guide to Cooking Bitter Melon Braised with Fermented Bean Curd

Here’s the detailed process to cook a delicious bitter melon braised with fermented bean curd:

1. Sauté finely chopped shallots and garlic in a pot with a little cooking oil.
2. Add the marinated pork belly and stir-fry until browned.
3. Add the bitter melon and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes.
4. Mash the fermented bean curd with a little warm water, then pour it into the pot.
5. Add enough water to just cover the bitter melon.
6. Season to taste with sugar, fish sauce, and MSG.
7. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, until the bitter melon is tender and the meat has absorbed the flavors.
8. Before turning off the heat, sprinkle with pepper and add fresh chili if desired.

“Chef Tran Van Binh, a specialist in rustic dishes, suggests using taro fermented bean curd instead of white fermented bean curd to enhance the dish’s appeal with its distinctive flavor.”

Finished dish of bitter melon braised with fermented bean curd in a pot

Small Tips to Make Bitter Melon Braised with Fermented Bean Curd More Appealing

• To give the dish an attractive color, you can add a bit of caramel sauce while braising.
• If you like it spicy, add fresh or powdered chili towards the end of cooking.
• Always braise on low heat to ensure the bitter melon becomes tender without falling apart, and the meat and seasonings are well absorbed.

Conclusion

With the above recipe, you can confidently prepare a delicious, flavorful bitter melon braised with fermented bean curd at home. This dish is not only nutritious but also perfect for enjoying with family during cozy meals. Give it a try and share your results!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Q: How can I reduce the bitterness of bitter melon?
  A: Soak the bitter melon in diluted salt water or blanch it briefly before cooking.
• Q: Can I substitute pork belly with another ingredient?
  A: Yes, you can use spare ribs, lean pork, or tofu for a vegetarian option, depending on your preference.
• Q: Which type of fermented bean curd is best for this dish?
  A: Taro fermented bean curd is ideal because of its rich and aromatic flavor.
• Q: How long should I braise the bitter melon?
  A: Braise for about 20-30 minutes, until the bitter melon is tender and the meat has absorbed the flavors.
• Q: What goes best with bitter melon braised with fermented bean curd?
  A: This dish pairs perfectly with hot steamed rice.