This is humble fare at its best. At first sight it might seem entirely ordinary, but there is something special about this dish when made well.
The Vietnamese take on this combination of bitter gourd (or bitter melon) and eggs includes the important addition of fish sauce and a few final cracks of black pepper to add contrast. The bitter gourd is evenly cooked but retains its crunch, bringing textural balance to the soft and velvety eggs that envelop the dish.
Homey and heartwarming, this recipe is well worth a try.
Flavours and pairings
Lightly bitter and creamy at the same time; pepper brings a warming heat, while fish sauce adds an underlying depth of flavour. Best served with a simple bowl of jasmine rice and a soy-based steamed fish.
Ingredients
- 1 medium bitter gourd, white core and seeds removed, then slice into half moons
- 2-3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 3 eggs
- 2 tablespoons oil
- fresh black pepper
- pinch of salt
Method
- Prepare the sliced bitter gourd by allowing it to soak in a bowl of salted water for 10-15 minutes. This helps to mellow the intensity of its bitterness. Drain and set aside.
- Lightly beat the eggs with 1 teaspoon of fish sauce. Set aside.
- Heat a wok on low-medium fire, and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Then add the garlic and stir through for a few seconds. Add the bitter gourd, 1 teaspoon of fish sauce, and pinch of salt.
- Toss everything through and stir-fry on medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes until the bitter gourd is cooked but still retains crunch.
- Push the bitter gourd to one corner of the wok. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the empty corner and add the egg here. Allow it to sit for 10-15 seconds until almost fully cooked but still velvety, like scrambled eggs.
- Combine with the bitter gourd. Finish with 6-7 healthy cracks of fresh black pepper and serve.
@theorangesieve serves up recipes from the heart, inspired by travels near and far. It’s all about food that humbly invites you to discover the truth about flavour: the people, the culture and the stories behind them… the kind of food that leaves you with a smile for reasons you can’t quite put your finger on.