Braised Bitter Melon with Pickled Plums

Steps

▶ Tap a timecode to jump to roughly that moment in the video.

1. 1
   Select white bitter melon with whiter skin and larger bumps; it should feel slightly soft when held, not hard throughout. Cut the melon into appropriately sized pieces without halving or scraping out the pith and seeds—keep them intact for better flavor. Place the cut melon in the electric cooker's inner pot.
   ▶ ≈0:20
2. 2
   Prepare the accompanying ingredients: cut fresh pineapple into small pieces and add to the inner pot. Cut one plum open to release its flavor while keeping the remaining plums whole. Add 1 tablespoon of plum juice to the inner pot. Slice tender ginger but set it aside for now.
   ▶ ≈1:50
3. 3
   Add 1 cup of water to the electric cooker's outer pot. Use a shorter cooker if available, as it cooks faster. Press the switch to steam; once finished, let it rest for about 20 minutes before opening the lid. Test the melon by gently piercing it with a chopstick—it should penetrate easily when fully tender.
   ▶ ≈3:02
4. 4
   Pour the steamed bitter melon from the electric cooker along with all its broth into a pot on the gas stove. Add the sliced tender ginger, 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, 0.5 teaspoon of plant-based MSG, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of fine sugar.
   ▶ ≈3:40
5. 5
   Bring to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce to low heat and cover. During braising, occasionally turn the bitter melon to ensure even coloring and flavor absorption. If the melon isn't yet tender enough, add a little water and continue braising. Keep going until the broth at the edges reduces and thickens, about 20 minutes.
   ▶ ≈4:52
6. 6
   Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for salt and sweetness. If it lacks sweetness, add a little more plum juice or sugar. Finally, increase the heat to high to quickly reduce the sauce until it becomes thick and flavorful.
   ▶ ≈8:08