Bitter Guard Beef recipe

 

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef (flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye, sliced against the grain)
• 2 medium bitter melons, sliced
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 1/2 tablespoons shaoxing wine
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 tablespoons water (or chicken stock, optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss the beef with the baking soda. Let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Rinse the beef under cold water and pat dry.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the beef and sear for 1-2 minutes per side, or until browned. Remove from the wok and set aside.
4. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the wok. Add the garlic and black beans and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
5. Add the bitter melon and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
6. Return the beef to the wok and add the shaoxing wine, sugar, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Stir to combine.
7. If desired, add 2 tablespoons of water or chicken stock to the wok. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
8. Serve hot over rice.

Tips:

• To reduce the bitterness of the bitter melon, you can salt the slices and let them sit for 30 minutes before rinsing them.
• If you don't have shaoxing wine, you can substitute dry sherry or white wine.
• You can also add other vegetables to this dish, such as onions, carrots, or bell peppers.

Enjoy...😊