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    Home » Recipe Review

    Bitter Melon Black Bean Fried Dace Fish 豆豉鲮鱼炒苦瓜

    Sep 26, 2023 · 16 Comments

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    豆豉鲮鱼炒苦瓜 Chinese Bitter Melon with Canned Fried Dace Fish and Fermented Black Beans is a well-loved classic dish. This traditional stir-fried bitter gourd is a typical Chinese household vegetable side dish to serve around the dinner table. It is easy to cook this perfect Chinese bitter melon recipe with just a few ingredients in under 10 minutes on a large skillet.

    豆豉鲮鱼炒苦瓜 Chinese Bitter Melon with Canned Fried Dace Fish and Fermented Black Beans

    > In This Post: Everything You'll Need For Homemade Chinese Bitter Melon with Canned Fried Dace

    Bitter Melon stir fry is a delicious vegetable dish you'd want to make on repeat! The traditional way to serve this dish is with salted black beans, canned dace fish and freshly steamed white rice. It is a great way to bring nostalgia to your meals.

    Check out this quick story summary of our recipe!

    Jump to:
    • > In This Post: Everything You'll Need For Homemade Chinese Bitter Melon with Canned Fried Dace
    • What Is Bitter Melon?
    • Ingredients and Substitutes
    • Instructions
    • > Recipe
    • Bitter Melon Black Bean Fried Dace Fish 豆豉鲮鱼炒苦瓜

    苦瓜 Chinese Bitter Melon

    What Is Bitter Melon?

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    Bitter Melon (苦瓜, kǔguā) is a type of vegetable with a bitter taste. This vegetable can be an acquired taste, and its bitter flavor can be lessened through cooking techniques or by combining it with other ingredients. 

    In addition to being a versatile and intriguing food item, bitter melon is valued for its potential health benefits in culinary traditions and natural medicine practices.

    Children's taste buds usually find this bitter taste too sharp. My affection for bitter melon took a long time to develop, also! As an adult, the taste of homemade black bean sauce with bitter melon served is one of the most delicious Chinese dishes to eat!

    Bitter melon is part of the gourd family and is closely related to zucchini and squash. Chinese bitter melon is pale green like jade and covered with wart-like bumps.

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    Bitter Melon Health Benefits & TCM Properties

    What are the properties of bitter melon in TCM? Bitter melon, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is cold and enters the heart, spleen, stomach and liver meridians. It is a cooling, purifying ingredient. Bitter melon purifies, relieves and clears heat, detoxes the liver, strengthens the stomach, and improves eyesight. 

    Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) also reduces blood sugar levels, enhances insulin sensitivity and reduces oxidative stress. Some use it to treat diarrhea, fever, mid-heat heat, phlegm and inflammation. 

    Meanwhile, Ayurveda, the holistic healing practice in India, uses bitter melon's astringent taste to aid digestion, wound cleansing and weight loss. 

    Bitter melon is rich in Vitamins A and C, fibre, minerals and amino acids. 

    苦瓜 Chinese Bitter Melon

    How to Make Bitter Melon Less Bitter

    There are two methods to remove the bitterness of bitter melon. 

    Par-Boil - blanch sliced bitter melon in boiling water for 30 seconds, then put it in an ice bath to stop cooking. 

    Salt Bath - Soak sliced bitter melon in cold salty water for a few hours to tone down the astringent taste. 

    Typically, I avoid either method. I love the taste of fresh, bitter melon!

    豆豉鲮鱼炒苦瓜 Chinese Bitter Melon with Canned Fried Dace Fish and Fermented Black Beans

    Ingredients and Substitutes

    Bitter Melon - choose a bitter melon that is firm and shiny. You can usually find bitter melon at most Asian grocery stores or supermarkets. Cut off the flesh around the pith. 

    Canned Fried Dace - Fried dace with salted black bean (豆豉鯪魚, Dòuchǐ líng yú) is a Chinese canned fish from the Pearl River Bridge in China in the 1950s. This cheap canned food quickly became prevalent for meals during tough times, especially in the 1960s in Hong Kong when people did not have a suitable living environment. The bold taste of black bean sauce compliments steamed white rice well, even if served with rice alone.

    There isn't really a good fried dace with black soybeans substitute because of its unique taste. However, stir-fried Chinese black bean bitter melon with beef, chicken, and scrambled eggs is wildly popular!

    What are the ingredients in canned dace?

    Canned dace has seven main ingredients: fresh dace fish, fermented black beans, vegetable oil, sugar, soybean sauce, salt and spices.

    What does canned dace taste like?

    Preserved dace has a chewy texture and soft, edible ones. It is oily with a bold, seasoned black beans and spices taste.

    Vegetable Oil - There is already oil in the Fried dace can that I typically would stir-fry the bitter melon with. You may add an extra tablespoon of vegetable oil if insufficient.

    Sugar - Add a little bit of brown sugar to balance the flavours. 

    Shaoxing Wine - Add a little splash of Shaoxing Wine to deglaze the pan and add a little extra depth of flavour. 

    Most dry goods ingredients, tools and supplies can be purchased at your local Asian markets and Chinese grocery stores or Amazon Online.

    豆豉鲮鱼炒苦瓜 Chinese Bitter Melon with Canned Fried Dace Fish and Fermented Black Beans

    Instructions

    Wash and pat dry Chinese bitter melon.

    Slice off the flesh around the pith. This is a more efficient way to prepare bitter melon compared to cutting it in half

    lengthwise and having to scoop out the seeds. I do not prefer to have the spongy pith intact with the bitter melon flesh. The pith gives off a weird aftertaste in the bitter melon.

    Open a can of Fried Dace with Salted Black Beans with a can opener. 

    Separate the fish and the vegetable oil with black beans. Reserve.

    If this is your first time cooking bitter melon, I suggest using the black bean sauce from the existing can. There is no need to make your own Homemade Black Bean Sauce!

    Add the vegetable oil with black beans from the canned fried dace to a large skillet and heat to medium-high heat. You can add an extra tablespoon of vegetable oil if there is insufficient oil.

    While the oil is heating, cut the fried dace into little pieces with a pair of kitchen scissors.

    Once the oil is hot, add fried dace into the nonstick pan or large skillet. Stir fry it for about 2-3 minutes.  

    Add sliced bitter melon to the pan and a bit of brown sugar. Add a dash of sugar to taste. Mix well.

    Add ⅛ cup of water to the hot pan and cover the lid. Let the bitter melon steam for a few minutes until the water evaporates. I love a few being blistered bitter melons, too. 

    Avoid overcooking. Soggy bitter melon is not cool.

    Add a little splash of Shaoxing Wine to deglaze the pan

    and add a little extra depth of flavour. 

    Stir fry everything together at the very end and plate.

    Serve and enjoy!

    豆豉鲮鱼炒苦瓜 Chinese Bitter Melon with Canned Fried Dace Fish and Fermented Black Beans

    Meal-Prep Tips

    You can efficiently work this Chinese Bitter Melon Fried Dace with Black Beans recipe into your family meal prep ideas for the week.

    We recommend prepping bitter melon only 24 hours in advance or when you are ready to cook! 

    How long does bitter melon last in the fridge? How to store bitter melon?

    Store whole bitter melon wrapped in a paper towel in the refrigerator or sliced bitter melon in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Alternatively, place sliced okra into reusable vacuum sealer bags and a handy vacuum seal tool. 

    Bitter melon does not freeze well. Bitter melons tend to get mushy after thawing. 

    What To Serve With The Best Stir Fry Bitter Melon with Black Bean Dace Fish Recipe

    This yummy dish compliments a bowl of fresh white jasmine rice. It is a delicious way to complete meal prepping for a healthy week ahead. 

    What to eat with stir-fried bitter melon? 

    Add this traditional plate of alkaline ingredients to help build gut health, reduce cortisol levels and check off our daily vegetable intake values.

    Other Classic Traditional Household Recipes We Love

    Here are some of our favourite dishes to enjoy year long, during holidays like Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival.

    • Air Fryer BBQ Pork Char Siu 氣炸鍋蜜汁叉燒
    • Braised Beef Brisket & Tendon Recipe 柱侯蘿蔔炆牛筋腩
    • 5 Minute Air Fryer Bean Curd Sheets with Baby Bok Choy 氣炸鍋腐皮蒜蓉炒白菜
    • Chinese Tomato Egg Stir-fry 番茄炒蛋
    • Vegan Tofu Stir Fry 五彩金銀滿屋豆乾小炒王
    • Best Chinese Spicy Celtuce Stem Salad Recipe 酸辣涼拌萵筍

    After eating heavy meals and deep fried foods, a great way to reduce heat is with a bowl of this liver-detoxing Chinese Sweet Mung Bean Soup 綠豆沙!

    I'd love to see how you went with my recipes! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @INSTANOMSS #INSTANOMSS.

    > Recipe

    Print

    Bitter Melon Black Bean Fried Dace Fish 豆豉鲮鱼炒苦瓜

    豆豉鲮鱼炒苦瓜 Chinese Bitter Melon with Canned Fried Dace Fish and Fermented Black Beans
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 14 reviews

    豆豉鲮鱼炒苦瓜 Chinese Bitter Melon with Canned Fried Dace Fish and Fermented Black Beans is a well-loved classic dish. This traditional stir-fried bitter gourd is a typical Chinese household vegetable side dish to serve around the dinner table. It is easy to cook this perfect Chinese bitter melon recipe with just a few ingredients in under 10 minutes on a large skillet.

    • Author: Nancy
    • Prep Time: 5
    • Cook Time: 5
    • Total Time: 10 minutes
    • Yield: 2-4 persons 1x
    • Category: Main Dishes
    • Method: Stir Fry
    • Cuisine: Chinese

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 2 Bitter Melons, sliced and pith removed
    • 1 Canned Fried Dace with Salted Black Beans
    • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
    • 1 tbsp Shaoxing Wine

    Instructions

    1. Wash and pat dry Chinese bitter melon.
    2. Slice off the flesh around the pith. This is a more efficient way to prepare bitter melon compared to cutting it in half lengthwise and having to scoop out the seeds. I do not prefer to have the spongy pith intact with the bitter melon flesh. The pith gives off a weird aftertaste in the bitter melon.
    3. Open a can of Fried Dace with Salted Black Beans.
    4. Separate the fish and the vegetable oil with black beans. Reserve.
    5. If this is your first time cooking bitter melon, I suggest using the black bean sauce from the existing can. There is no need to make your own Homemade Black Bean Sauce!
    6. Add the vegetable oil with black beans from the canned fried dace to a large skillet and heat to medium-high heat. You can add an extra tablespoon of vegetable oil if there is insufficient oil.
    7. While the oil is heating, cut the fried dace into little pieces with a pair of kitchen scissors.
    8. Once the oil is hot, add fried dace into the nonstick pan or large skillet. Stir fry it for about 2-3 minutes.
    9. Add sliced bitter melon to the pan and a bit of brown sugar. Add a dash of sugar to taste. Mix well.
    10. Add ⅛ cup of water to the hot pan and cover the lid. Let the bitter melon steam for a few minutes until the water evaporates. I love a few being blistered bitter melons, too.
    11. Avoid overcooking. Soggy bitter melon is not cool.
    12. Add a little splash of Shaoxing Wine to deglaze the pan
    13. and add a little extra depth of flavour.
    14. Stir fry everything together at the very end and plate.
    15. Serve and enjoy!

    Equipment

    Canned Fried Dace

    Canned Fried Dace

    Buy Now →
    carbon steel wok

    carbon steel wok

    Buy Now →
    non stick fry pan neverstick ninja

    non-stick fry pan

    Buy Now →
    shaoxing-cooking-wine

    Shaoxing Cooking Wine

    Buy Now →

    Notes

    Most dry goods ingredients, tools and supplies can be purchased at your local Asian markets and Chinese grocery stores or Amazon Online.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 plate
    • Calories: 39
    • Sugar: 9.1 g
    • Sodium: 16.9 mg
    • Fat: 0.1 g
    • Carbohydrates: 9.9 g
    • Fiber: 0.7 g
    • Protein: 0.5 g
    • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lathiya says

      October 04, 2023 at 1:50 am

      I cook bittermelon but this is something new. It's a really interesting recipe I like to try.

      Reply
    2. Fouzia says

      October 02, 2023 at 6:40 pm

      I have not tried fried dace before though I have made bitter melon and bitter gourd in many dishes and enjoyed it. I would love to try it out. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    3. Vanessa says

      September 29, 2023 at 2:47 pm

      I've seen bitter melon in the store before but have been too intimidated to buy it. Definitely going to bring one home now!

      Reply
    4. Asha says

      September 29, 2023 at 11:39 am

      I added brocolli as the family likes it with everything. The dish turned out very tasty.

      Reply
    5. Marie-Pierre Breton says

      September 28, 2023 at 12:11 am

      I bought this bitter melon once and tried something with it but I was a bit shocked by the bitterness. I'm always up to try again with this recipe, I love to discover new tastes!

      Reply
    6. Bernice says

      September 27, 2023 at 9:04 pm

      The thought of all these delicious flavours together in one dish is making me hungry! I wish we lived closer together so we could have a potluck together!

      Reply
    7. Oscar says

      September 27, 2023 at 1:53 pm

      This Bitter Melon Black Bean Fried Dace Fish recipe is a true culinary adventure! The combination of savory black beans with dace fish, and the slight bitterness of melon creates a delightful and unforgettable flavor profile.

      Reply
    8. Lily says

      September 27, 2023 at 12:39 pm

      What a quick and easy meal for a weeknight. I couldn't find fried Dace so just used canned sardines in tomato sauce and it was great!

      Reply
    9. Padma says

      September 27, 2023 at 1:15 am

      I am huge fan of bitter melon but these flavors are new to me. Love such traditional recipes!

      Reply
    10. Mary says

      September 26, 2023 at 10:50 pm

      You are forcing me to go back to my favorite Asian market again! I have been anxious to try bitter melon as I keep seeing it on cooking shows. Thanks for the excuse to go shopping!

      Reply
    11. Alexandra says

      September 26, 2023 at 8:39 pm

      I always love discovering new recipes, and this is lovely! Your recipes always inspire me, and I always enjoy them very much. Another way to enjoy bitter melon which is just so delicious.

      Reply
    12. Kechi says

      September 26, 2023 at 6:06 pm

      This sounds delicious and am glad it is super easy to make as well! What a wonderful paring of bitter melon and Dace!

      Reply
    13. Anjali says

      September 26, 2023 at 2:56 pm

      This looks like such a delicious and healthy side dish! Can't wait to try it soon!

      Reply
    14. Kathryn says

      September 26, 2023 at 2:38 pm

      I've never heard of this but I want to try it! Sounds like a tasty snack or side.

      Reply
    15. Liza says

      September 26, 2023 at 2:03 pm

      I always love discovering new recipes on your site, and this bitter melon side dish is so tasty! Quick to make and has a really unique flavor.

      Reply
    16. Angela says

      September 26, 2023 at 1:36 pm

      This looks so delicious! Love the char on the bitter melon. Can't wait to try this!

      Reply

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    豆豉鲮鱼炒苦瓜 Chinese Bitter Melon with Canned Fried Dace Fish and Fermented Black Beans
    豆豉鲮鱼炒苦瓜 Chinese Bitter Melon with Canned Fried Dace Fish and Fermented Black Beans
    豆豉鲮鱼炒苦瓜 Chinese Bitter Melon with Canned Fried Dace Fish and Fermented Black Beans
    豆豉鲮鱼炒苦瓜 Chinese Bitter Melon with Canned Fried Dace Fish and Fermented Black Beans
    豆豉鲮鱼炒苦瓜 Chinese Bitter Melon with Canned Fried Dace Fish and Fermented Black Beans
    豆豉鲮鱼炒苦瓜 Chinese Bitter Melon with Canned Fried Dace Fish and Fermented Black Beans
    豆豉鲮鱼炒苦瓜 Chinese Bitter Melon with Canned Fried Dace Fish and Fermented Black Beans