Stir-Fried Bitter Melon with Shrimp and Egg
Ingredients:
- Bitter Melon (Pare) – 2 medium-sized
- Eggs – 2 (adjust to taste)
- Shrimp – 200 grams (peeled and deveined)
- Cooking Oil – 2 tablespoons
- Seasoning:
- Red Shallots – 2 (thinly sliced)
- Garlic – 3 cloves
- Red Chilies – 3 (adjust to spice preference)
- Tomato – 1 medium
- Shrimp Paste (Terasi) – a small amount (optional, adjust to taste)
- Chicken Bouillon Powder (Masako) – 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Salt – to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Bitter Melon:
- Slice the bitter melon thinly and sprinkle with salt. Gently massage the salt into the melon slices to help release excess moisture and reduce bitterness. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse the bitter melon thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt and bitterness. Repeat the process if needed until the bitterness is reduced.
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Prepare the Shrimp:
- Clean the shrimp thoroughly, removing the heads and shells. Set aside.
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Prepare the Spice Paste:
- In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, blend together the garlic, red chilies, tomato, and shrimp paste (if using) with a pinch of salt until smooth.
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Cook the Shallots:
- Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the sliced red shallots and cook until they become translucent and slightly golden.
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Add the Spice Paste:
- Add the blended spice paste to the skillet with the shallots. Stir and cook for a few minutes until the paste is aromatic and slightly reduced.
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Cook the Shrimp:
- Add the cleaned shrimp to the skillet. Stir-fry until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add Bitter Melon:
- Add the prepared bitter melon slices to the skillet. Stir-fry for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
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Add the Eggs:
- Push the mixture to one side of the skillet. Crack the eggs into the empty space and scramble them gently. Once cooked through, mix the eggs with the bitter melon and shrimp.
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Season and Finish:
- Add the chicken bouillon powder to taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Serve:
- Cook until everything is well combined and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy!
This flavorful stir-fried dish blends the unique taste of bitter melon with succulent shrimp and eggs, creating a delightful and satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick dinner or a hearty side dish, it’s sure to impress!
