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Braised Winter Melon in Aromatic Soy Glaze

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Pixicook editorial team

A savory, aromatic dish featuring tender winter melon braised in a flavorful soy glaze.

Ingredients for Braised Winter Melon in Aromatic Soy Glaze

units in
USchevron
serves
4 peoplechevron

Winter Melon, peeled, cored, seeded, and cut into chunks

0 lb

Dark soy sauce

teaspoons

Potato Starch, mixed with cold water

teaspoons

Scallion Oil

tablespoons

Fresh Ginger, unpeeled, cut into thin slices

0.25 inches

Star Anise Pod

each

Soy Sauce

tablespoons

Vegetarian Oyster Sauce

teaspoons

Sugar

teaspoons

Unsalted Stock

cups

Kosher Salt

to taste

Scallion, green part only, thinly sliced

each

How to Make Braised Winter Melon in Aromatic Soy Glaze

1. Prep the Winter Melon

Trim the peel, remove the core and seeds, and cut the winter melon into chunks. Toss the melon pieces with 0.5 teaspoon of dark soy sauce and let them sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

2. Prepare the Slurry

Combine 0.5 teaspoon of potato starch with a bit of cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry. This mixture will ensure your sauce thickens smoothly.

3. Cook the Aromatics

In a wok, heat 2 tablespoons of scallion oil or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the thin slices of unpeeled ginger, a star anise pod, and two bay leaves. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes until the aromatics release their fragrant oils.

4. Stir-Fry the Winter Melon

Add the marinated winter melon pieces to the wok and stir-fry them for about 3 minutes. Caramelize the edges of the melon to enhance the depth of flavor.

5. Simmer the Dish

Pour in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of vegetarian oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 0.5 cup of unsalted stock or water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the wok, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until the melon is tender but still holds its shape.

6. Thicken the Sauce

Whisk the potato starch slurry again and pour it into the wok, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.

7. Serve and Garnish

Transfer the braised winter melon to a serving dish and, if desired, garnish with thinly sliced scallion greens. Serve immediately.

Variations

Protein-Based Variants

. Braised Chicken

Vegetable-Based Variants

. Braised Eggplant

Umami Enhancers

. Miso Paste

Flavor Variants

. Spicy Soy Glaze

Herb and Spice Variations

. Szechuan Twist

Pitfalls and tips

Depth of Flavor

Build a deeply aromatic base for your glaze by using a combination of aromatics such as ginger, garlic, and green onions. Sauté these in oil until fragrant before adding the liquid components of the glaze.

Selecting the Winter Melon

Choose a winter melon with a firm, unblemished skin. The flesh should be white and the seeds should be sparse. A good-quality winter melon will contribute significantly to the success of the dish.

Balance of Flavors

Achieve a balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors in your soy glaze. Adjust the amounts of soy sauce, sugar, and additional ingredients like oyster sauce or Shaoxing wine to taste.

Prepping the Melon

Peel the winter melon thickly to remove not only the green skin but also the underlying fibrous layer. Cut the melon into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.

Gentle Simmering

Maintain a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to infuse the melon without causing it to fall apart. Check for tenderness periodically.

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