Two Bitter Melon Dishes (苦瓜兩吃)

Bitter melon seems to be a good ingredient for the summer season.  Here are three alternatives to cook the melon.

I. A Bitter Melon Cold Dish (涼拌苦瓜)

1. Bitter Melon (2)- Cut the bitter melons in half, scoop out the center seeds along with the filler (with a spoon), wash, and cut into 1/4" slices.
2. Place the pieces in cold water for 10 minutes (to rid part of the bitter taste).
3. Blanch the pieces for 0.5 -1 minute. Note- Blanching too long makes the melon pieces yellowish-green, and soft.
4. Slice half a red pepper.
5. Place the melon pieces and the red pepper slices into a bowl, add 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar, 2 tsp vinegar, and 2 tsp sesame oil.  Season to taste with salt (add 1/4 tsp a time) and sugar.
6. Mix evenly, and serve.

II. Bitter Melon With Eggs (苦瓜炒蛋)

1. Process bitter melon as Part I, Step 1-2 above.
2. Crack and stir 2 eggs evenly (for 2 bitter melons, use 2 eggs).
3. (High Heat) Put 1 Tbsp of vegi-oil in pan, stir-fry the bitter melon pieces for 2-3 minutes, add 1/2 tsp salt.
4. Pour the eggs on top of bitter melon pieces and stir for no more than a minute, till the eggs are jelling but still fluid.  Turn off heat, and use residual heat to stir-fry for another minute.  Season to taste with salt (add 1/4 tsp a time).  Here is picture of the finished product.