Bitter Melon Stir-fry with Tofu and Pork

Ingredients

• 12 oz bitter melons ((about 2 medium bitter melons))
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided ((to taste))
• 10 oz soft tofu
• cooking oil
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced with white and green parts separated
• 2.5 oz ground pork
• 2 teaspoons sake
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• black pepper

Steps

1. 1

   Cut the bitter melons in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out all the seeds and inner white pith. Slice the bitter melons as thinly as you can. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of salt over the slices and toss well. Set aside for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. After that, rinse and drain well.

2. 2

   Wrap the tofu block with paper towels and then place something heavy on it for about 10 minutes to press out excess water. Then cut into thin slices.

3. 3

   Place a pan over medium heat and then add cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, add tofu slices. Cook both sides until the edges are lightly browned. Transfer to a plate.

4. 4

   Discard most of the oil in the pan. Add the white parts of the scallion and sauté until fragrant. Then add ground pork to the same pan and sprinkle ⅛ teaspoon of salt. Stir and cook until the outside is almost no longer pink.

5. 5

   Add bitter melon slices to the pan. Stir and then add the sake and remaining salt. Continue to cook for about 3 minutes.

6. 6

   Add tofu to the pan. Break the tofu into smaller pieces and then stir with the pork and bitter melons. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.

7. 7

   Stir in the green parts of the scallion and sesame oil. Adjust seasonings with extra salt (or soy sauce) to taste. Sprinkle with black pepper and transfer to serving plates.