Braised Winter Melon
红烧冬瓜
Pan-fried winter melon braised in savory soy sauce until tender and flavorful with peppers. A simple vegetarian dish showcasing winter melon's delicate texture in rich, glossy sauce.
Servings
2-3 people
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Spice Level
Mild
Ingredients
Instructions
Remove the pulp and skin from winter melon, use a knife on the hard side to cut a "well" pattern, this will make the winter melon more flavorful, after cutting the pattern, cut into small pieces and set aside.
Cut red and green chili into small rings, prepare appropriate amount of ginger and garlic.
Put appropriate amount of oil in the pan, sprinkle a small spoon of salt, place the hard side (the side with the pattern) face down, start pan-frying winter melon on medium heat.
Shake the pan to let the winter melon heat evenly, pan-fry the bottom until golden brown.
After the winter melon bottom is golden brown, add appropriate amount of ginger and garlic, sugar, 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, half tablespoon dark soy sauce, half tablespoon oyster sauce and stir-fry evenly.
Cover the pan, simmer on medium heat for 3 minutes, open the lid and add red and green chili rings, pepper powder, stir-fry evenly then serve.
- Be sure to cut a cross pattern on the hard side of the winter melon; it's okay if it's a bit deep, as it helps the flavor penetrate.
- Be sure to pan-fry over medium heat until the bottom is golden brown (high heat will definitely burn it). Not pan-frying will directly affect the texture.
- When braising, be sure to use medium heat. The winter melon will release its own moisture; if you control the heat well, you can achieve super flavorful winter melon.
- This dish is basically not difficult; just follow the steps closely, and the winter melon you make will definitely be extraordinary!