Name: Sesame and Chili Spicy Stir-Fried Bitter Gourd and Mushrooms
Total time: 17 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Taiwanese
Ingredients: 2 bitter melons, sliced; 1 cup mixed mushrooms (shiitake, cremini); 8 oz minced pork; 2 tbsp black bean sauce; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp cornstarch; 1/4 cup water; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tbsp sesame seeds; 1/2 tsp chili flakes

A nutty and spicy variation that adds the rich, toasty flavor of sesame seeds and the heat of additional chili, enhancing the dish's depth and complexity.

Method

Before stir-frying bitter melon and mushrooms, mix in sesame seeds and chili flakes into the wok. Continue with step 2 as written.
Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add garlic and pork, cook until browned.
Add bitter melon and mushrooms, stir-fry for 3 minutes.
Mix black bean sauce, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, water, and salt in a bowl.
Pour sauce into wok, stir until thickened and evenly coated.
Cook for 2 more minutes until flavors meld.
Check that the ground meat reaches 71°C (160°F) throughout before serving.