Bitter Melon with Spare Ribs

By Nanz

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb (225g) bitter melon
• 1/2 lb (225g) spare ribs
• 1 tbsp fermented black beans
• 1 tsp cooking wine
• Ingredient A
• 8 sections green onions /
• 4 slices ginger root /
• 1 tbsp sliced red chili pepper /
• 1 tsp minced garlic cloves /
• Ingredient B
• 1 1/2 cup stock /
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce /
• 1/2 tbsp ea. soy sauce, sugar /
• Ingredient C
• 1/2 tbsp water /
• 1/2 tsp cornstarch /

Preparation

Step 1

Wash fermented black beans, drain and soak in cooking wine until soft. Wash bitter melon and discard the seeds, then cut into 1/2" x 1 1/2" strips. Wash spare ribs and cut into 1 1/4" cubes.
Heat a wok, add 3 cups oil and heat to 325F(160C). deep fry bitter melon and spare ribs for 1 minute. remove and drain.
Leave 2 tbsp oil in wok. Stir fry fermented black beans and A until fragrant. Add bitter melon, spare ribs and B, bring to a boil then turn to medium heat, continue to cook for 10 minutes. Thicken with C and serve.