Warm up with these authentic Chinese Winter Melon Recipes! From wholesome soups to savory stir-fries, these recipes will show you how to use this tasty gourd.
Chicken, pork, and vegetarian options are all available.
What is Winter Melon?
Winter melon, also known as ash gourd, is a mild-tasting fruit often found in Chinese cuisine.
It's similar in size to a medium to large watermelon and has dark green skin and flesh resembling a cucumber.
It's a popular ingredient in braises, soups, stir-fries, sweets, and drinks.
How to prepare it?
The preparation differs from one recipe to another. Winter melons have thick skin and large seeds. Some recipes suggest removing them, while others don't.
If you choose to keep the skin, be sure to give it a gentle scrub and rinse. In Chinese cuisine, the seeds are thought to have medicinal properties, so they're frequently left in the soup, but it depends on personal preference.
Try this classic Chinese soup recipe! It features winter melon, glass noodles, and homemade meatballs seasoned with light soy sauce, sesame oil, and Shaoxing wine.
Whipping the meatball mixture for at least 10 minutes in one direction is crucial for achieving a tender and bouncy texture.
This soup recipe is light and refreshing, made with pork ribs (or bones) and a hint of ginger and Sichuan peppercorns!
If you want a richer soup, choose a larger melon. Larger ones yield heartier soup, and smaller ones a lighter version.
I love sprinkling on some cilantro to give freshness and herbiness!
This stir-fry is quick and easy, taking about 30 minutes! It's perfect to serve with a bowl of freshly steamed rice.
For the best results, cut the melon into equally sized cubes so they cook evenly.
The secret here is to simmer the melon until it turns see-through so it's tender but not mushy. Don't hesitate to taste as you go.
This winter melon stir-fry takes about 15 minutes to make. It features dried shrimp, which adds a seafood and savory depth to the dish!
You can adjust the intensity of the dried shrimp by how finely you chop the shrimp. You can also add MSG, shiitake seasoning, or chicken powder to improve the umami.
When stir-frying, be careful not to cook the winter melon for too long; it should stay tender but not fall apart!
This Braised Winter Melon and Mushrooms recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare. It features Chinese mushrooms and a hint of umami from dried shrimp.
Fresh shiitake mushrooms will taste best with this recipe, but rehydrating dried shiitake mushrooms will work, too.
Serve this as an appetizer or side dish for one of the easiest winter melon recipes.
This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes to make and has seared chicken drummettes simmered in a rich dashi broth.
Before simmering, make small cuts in the chicken drumettes' bones to enhance their taste and allow them to absorb the sauce better.
This Chinese soup is incredibly flavorful with its use of traditional Chinese dried ingredients: dried scallops and dried shiitake mushrooms.
If I can give one tip, it is to make your own homemade chicken stock or pork stock. Chicken bouillon powder can work in a pinch, but the flavor will be more processed.
8. Chicken Soup
This delicious, soothing soup is perfect for cold days!
You start by boiling water with chicken and ginger, then simmer for 30 minutes. Cook winter melon and carrot for 30 minutes until the veggies are soft, and season with salt.
You can serve this with rice or udon to make it more filling!
Make this quick stir-fry! It's a tasty side dish with tender melon slices, pork mince, dried shrimp, and oyster sauce.
Take care not to overcook the green bean threads; they can become soggy if left to cook for long.
Choose fattier pork mince! The stir-fry will be more flavorful and juicy. If you don't have pork mince, you can also you ground chicken!
Auntie Emily's recipes are always reliable, and this one doesn't disappoint! It's a variation of the famous double-boiled, whole winter melon soup.
This recipe involves steaming a thick slice of winter melon and topping with meat mince.
Did you enjoy these Chinese Winter Melon Recipes? Be sure to check out the other delicious recipes on this blog by checking out our Recipe Index.
Leave a Reply