Bitter gourd, also known as balsam pear or bitter melon, is a unique vegetable that is often used in Chinese cuisine. Despite its bitter taste, it is highly valued for its nutritional benefits and ability to balance flavors in a dish. Combining bitter gourd with chicken creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making it a perfect choice for a hearty and nutritious meal. In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making Bitter Gourd with Chicken Chinese Style.
Ingredients
Bitter Gourd: 1 large (about 600 grams), washed and sliced into half-inch thick rounds, seeds and white membranes removed
Chicken Breast: 2 pieces (about 400 grams), boned, skinned, and sliced into bite-sized pieces
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced
Red Chili Pepper: 1, sliced (optional for heat)
Scallions: 2, sliced into 1-inch lengths
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon
Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon
Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (for thickening)
Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup
Sugar: 1 teaspoon (to balance bitterness)
Salt: to taste
White Pepper: a pinch (optional)
Vegetable Oil: for stir-frying
Preparation
Prepare the Bitter Gourd
- Wash the bitter gourd thoroughly under running water.
- Cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and white membranes using a spoon.
- Slice the bitter gourd into half-inch thick rounds. You should have about 2 cups of sliced bitter gourd.
Prepare the Chicken
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water.
- Pat them dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Aromatics
- Peel and mince the garlic and ginger.
- Slice the red chili pepper into thin strips (if using).
- Slice the scallions into 1-inch lengths.
Marinate the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch.
- Add the sliced chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the bitter gourd and aromatics.
Cooking Instructions
Blanch the Bitter Gourd
- Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat.
- Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water.
- Blanch the sliced bitter gourd for about 2 minutes to reduce its bitterness.
- Drain the bitter gourd and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Pat the bitter gourd dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Stir-Fry the Aromatics
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, and red chili pepper (if using).
- Stir-fry the aromatics for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir-Fry the Chicken
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the wok, spreading them out in a single layer.
- Stir-fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes until it turns golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside on a plate.
Stir-Fry the Bitter Gourd
- In the same wok, add a little more vegetable oil if needed.
- Add the blanched bitter gourd slices and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and turn slightly translucent.
Combine Chicken and Bitter Gourd
Return the stir-fried chicken to the wok with the bitter gourd.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of white pepper (if using).
Stir well to combine all the ingredients and let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the wok and stir well to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer for another minute until it reaches your desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve
- Add the sliced scallions to the wok and stir well to combine.
- Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
- Transfer the Bitter Gourd with Chicken to a serving dish and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
Blanching the Bitter Gourd: Blanching helps to reduce the bitterness of the bitter gourd and makes it more tender. However, be careful not to overcook it as it can become mushy.
Marinating the Chicken: Marinating the chicken in soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch helps to tenderize the meat and ensure it stays moist during stir-frying.
Adjusting the Bitterness: The bitterness of bitter gourd can vary depending on the variety and ripeness. If the bitter gourd you are using is particularly bitter, you may want to increase the sugar in the sauce to balance the flavors.
Stir-Frying Technique: Stir-frying requires high heat and quick cooking to retain the crispness and flavor of the ingredients. Make sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding the oil and ingredients.
Conclusion
Bitter Gourd with Chicken Chinese Style is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the unique flavors of bitter gourd and chicken. By following the step-by-step instructions and tips provided in this article, you can easily create a restaurant-quality dish at home. The combination of bitter gourd’s slightly bitter taste and chicken’s tender texture makes for a satisfying and balanced meal. Whether you are serving it as a main course or a side dish, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!
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