Savory Viet Dăm Bầu Cua Chua
A flavorful Vietnamese dish of tender bitter melon stuffed with succulent crab, blended with traditional Asian spices for a dish full of character and richness.
Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Marinating the Crab Filling
- 1
Combine Filling Ingredients
In a bowl, combine crab meat, onion, garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and pepper.
- 2
Marinate the Mixture
Mix well and let it marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
- 3
Advance to Melon Prep
While marinating, proceed to prepare the bitter melon.
Preparing the Bitter Melon
- 1
Slice and Core
Slice the bitter melon in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and pith.
Tip: Use a spoon to gently scrape out the core of the bitter melon for a neat cavity.
- 2
Blanch the Melon
Blanch in boiling water for 3-5 minutes to reduce bitterness.
- 3
Drain and Cool
Drain and cool under running cold water, then pat dry with a kitchen towel.
Tip: Ensure the bitter melon is thoroughly drained to avoid excess bitterness in the dish.
How to Make Savory Viet Dăm Bầu Cua Chua
Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings
- 1
Stuffing
Fill each bitter melon half with the marinated crab filling, packing tightly.
- 2
Simmering
In a large pan, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, and oyster sauce; bring to a gentle simmer.
- 3
Thickening
Add the cornstarch mixture to the simmering sauce to thicken, stirring constantly.
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