Stir-Fried Bitter Melon with Beef

Ingredients

• 1 pound bitter melon
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil
• 3 cloves organic garlic, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 tablespoons chicken stock or water
• 2 tablespoons dark sesame oil

Directions

1. Slice the bitter melon in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and finely chop the melon.
2. Blanch the bitter melon in boiling water for 2 minutes and drain thoroughly.
3. Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat until it is hot.
4. Add the oil and the garlic; stir-fry for 30 seconds.
5. Add the beef and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
6. Add the soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, salt, bitter melon, and stock; stir-fry for another 4 minutes or until the beef is cooked.
7. Stir in the sesame oil.
8. Turn onto a serving platter and serve.