Braised Bamboo Shoots and Winter Melon

Ingredients

• 3/4 pound winter melon
• 1/2 pound bamboo shoots
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 slices organic ginger root, shredded
• 3 stalks organic green onions (white part only), cut into 1-inch lengths
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons oyster-flavored sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth
• 1/8 teaspoon cornstarch, mixed with 1/4 teaspoon water
• 1 dash white pepper

Directions

1. Skin the winter melon and remove the seeds. Cut into 1- to 1 1/2-inch chunks.
2. Cut the bamboo shoots into 1 1/2-inch chunks.
3. Heat oil in wok over medium-high heat.
4. Deep-fry the bamboo shoots until golden brown. Drain well.
5. Remove the oil, reserving 1 1/2 tablespoons in the wok, and cook over high heat.
6. Add ginger, stirring for 10-15 seconds.
7. Add the fried bamboo shoots, stirring for 30 seconds.
8. Stir in the winter melon and remaining ingredients, except the cornstarch mixture and the white pepper; reduce heat to medium-low.
9. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
10. Thicken with cornstarch solution.
11. Sprinkle with white pepper before serving.