Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4
This Bitter Gourd Chicken with Black Bean Sauce is a classic Chinese stir-fry that combines the unique bitter flavor of the gourd with savory chicken and an umami-rich black bean sauce. The result is a complex yet satisfying dish that is both flavorful and nutritious.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 large bitter gourd, halved, seeded, and sliced thinly
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons black bean paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Sliced scallions, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, cornstarch, and Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry). Stir well and set aside for 15 minutes.
- Prepare Bitter Gourd: While the chicken marinates, prepare the bitter gourd.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and stir-fry until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Bitter Gourd: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the sliced bitter gourd and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until it begins to soften slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the bitter gourd.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the black bean paste, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, sugar, and chicken broth. Pour the sauce over the chicken and bitter gourd in the skillet.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bitter gourd is tender-crisp.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with sliced scallions and serve hot over cooked rice.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (estimated):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 30g
Tips and Variations from Home Cooks
- Reduce Bitterness: To reduce the bitterness of the gourd, blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before stir-frying.
- Add Protein: Add other proteins like sliced beef or shrimp.
- Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a minced chili for heat.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
