Chicken and Bitter Gourd Stew Recipe calmyourbeans

Name: Chicken and Bitter Gourd Stew Recipe calmyourbeans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: - 1/2 chicken, cut to pieces (you can also use chicken thighs and other cuts); - half bitter gourd/bitter melon (about 300-400g); - 1 tbsp sesame oil; - 1 tbsp tau cheo (soya bean paste); - 1/2 tbsp black fermented beans (rinsed, patted dry and mashed slightly with a fork); - 5 garlic cloves, peeled & bruised; - 5 slices ginger; - salt; - 1 tbsp Chinese wine (shao hsing/hua tiao); - light soy sauce, to taste (optional); Sauce; - 1 cup water; - 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce; - 1 tsp sugar

Servings: persons

- 1/2 chicken, cut to pieces (you can also use chicken thighs and other cuts)
- half bitter gourd/bitter melon (about 300-400g)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp tau cheo (soya bean paste)
- 1/2 tbsp black fermented beans (rinsed, patted dry and mashed slightly with a fork)
- 5 garlic cloves, peeled & bruised
- 5 slices ginger
- salt
- 1 tbsp Chinese wine (shao hsing/hua tiao)
- light soy sauce, to taste (optional)
Sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar

1
Cut the bitter gourd in half lengthwise.
2
Use a spoon to scrap out the seeds and white pulp.
3
Rub some salt on the flesh portion and leave for a few minutes before rinsing the salt off.
4
This will remove some of the bitterness (skip this step if you like it bitter).
5
Slice the bitter gourd in half lengthwise again, then cut it to 2.5cm (1 inch) vertical slices.
6
Heat sesame oil in clay pot, stir fry tau cheo & fermented black beans until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
7
Add chicken pieces, bitter gourd, garlic and ginger.
8
Stir fry until the chicken is no longer pink on the surface.
9
Season to taste with light soy sauce or salt, if needed.
10
If you like, add a splash of Chinese wine to the cooked stew as a finishing touch, and off the flame when you smell the lovely aroma of the wine.

No nutrition data on file — estimate from the ingredient list.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: - 1/2 chicken, cut to pieces (you can also use chicken thighs and other cuts), - half bitter gourd/bitter melon (about 300-400g), - 1 tbsp sesame oil, - 1 tbsp tau cheo (soya bean paste), and more.

Yes, Chicken and Bitter Gourd Stew Recipe calmyourbeans falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!