Braised Winter Melon Strips with Soy Paste
Sweet and tender winter melon strips coated in a rich savory sauce. A quick, easy home-style dish perfect for summer.
Ingredients
10 items- Winter melon 500g
- Garlic 3 cloves
- Scallions 2
- Yellow soybean paste 1 tbsp
- Light soy sauce 1 tbsp
- Dark soy sauce 1/2 tsp
- Sugar 1 tsp
- Salt to taste
- Water 1/2 cup
- Cooking oil 2 tbsp
Nutrition
Steps （6 steps）
Peel, seed, and cut winter melon into strips about 5cm long and 1cm thick. Mince garlic, chop scallions separating white and green parts.
Heat oil in a wok over medium heat. Add white scallion and garlic, stir-fry on low heat for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Turn to medium heat, add 1 tbsp soybean paste, stir-fry for 10 seconds to release aroma.
Add winter melon strips, turn to high heat and stir-fry for about 1 minute to coat evenly with the sauce.
Pour in 1/2 cup water along the edge, add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat, cover, and simmer for 5-8 minutes until melon is translucent and tender, and liquid reduces.
Uncover, turn to high heat to reduce the sauce, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until the sauce thickens and clings to the strips. Sprinkle green scallions, toss, and serve.
Tips
Stir constantly during the final reduction to prevent sticking. For a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) before the final toss.
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