Bittergourd Bitter Melon Stir Fried with Canned Dace and Preserved Vegetables | BIG Bites MY

Bittergourd Stir Fried with Canned Dace and Preserved Vegetables

I do not like bittergourd when I was a kid but I grew to tolerate it. I still am not a big fan of bittergourd now but I felt strangely satisfied after having this for dinner. Prepping the ingredients may take a while but it really SO EASY LAH to dish up! The recipe shown here feeds one to two, just double up accordingly if you are cooking for more. It goes very well with a bowl of hot rice!

Watch video for step-by-step method of preparation

CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD

Prep time: 20 minutes + 1 hour (curing time) 

Cooking time: 15 minutes 

Serving: 1 to 2 (increase portions accordingly if you are cooking for more)

Ingredients:

• Part 1
• 1/2 bittergourd (small size)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1000ml water
• 1 can dace with preserved vegetables
• 1 Thai chili
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
• 2 + 1 tablespoons water

Method:

1. Part 1:
• Split bittergourd into halves. Remove the core and scrape away the pith.
• Slice bittergourd (About 3mm thick)
• Add salt and rub to coat bittergourd slices. Set aside for an hour or two to sweat (to draw out the bitter juices).
• After sweating for an hour or two, discard the liquid collected inside the basin
• Soak the bittergourd slices in water for 10 minutes to wash off the salt
• Bring 1000ml of water to a boil and blanch bittergourd slices for 1 minute. Drain and set aside.
2. Cut Thai chili into 5mm lengths (Remove chili seeds if you prefer it less spicy)
3. Remove the fish bones from the fried dace. Tear the fish into small pieces.
4. Remove the oil from the can of fried dace and heat it up over MEDIUM LOW heat
5. Add garlic and saute until lightly browned and aromatic
6. Add bittergourd slices and saute until aromatic
7. Add the preserved vegetables from the can of fried dace and stir fry until fragrant
8. Add 2 tablespoons water and soy sauce. Stir to combine.
9. Taste and flavor to your liking
10. If it's a bit dry, add more water (I added another 1 tablespoon of water)
11. Add the flesh of the fried dace. Stir to combine and braise for about a minute until bittergourd soften.
12. Check if the bittergourd have softened. If it breaks easily, it is almost ready.
13. Add Thai chili. Stir to combine and the dish is ready.