「Steamed Stuffed Winter Melon with Egg」

Ingredients and amounts

• 300g ground pork
• 1 egg (optional, may be slightly gamey for some)
• 200g winter melon
• 20g scallion (1 stalk, chopped)
• 5g white pepper powder
• 10ml light soy sauce
• 5g cornstarch
• 25g water starch (25g cornstarch mixed with 50ml water)
• 30g ginger (3-4 slices, minced) and white part of the scallion (minced)
• 20g salt

Step-by-step method

1. 1

   Step 1

   Peel the winter melon and cut into slices 25 cm long and 3 cm thick.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Place the slices in a bowl, add 15g salt, rub evenly, and let sit for 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Step 3

   While the melon rests, in another bowl combine the ground pork, minced ginger and scallion, 5g salt, 5g cornstarch, white pepper, and light soy sauce.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Stir the meat mixture clockwise with chopsticks until the colors are uniform (about 2 minutes).

5. 5

   Step 5

   Rinse the salted winter melon slices under cold water three times.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Take one slice of winter melon, roll it up, and stuff with the meat mixture.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Arrange the stuffed rolls on a plate, placing them around the edge.

8. 8

   Step 8

   Crack the egg into the center of the plate.

9. 9

   Step 9

   Place the plate in a steamer over boiling water. Cover and steam for 15 minutes.

10. 10

    Step 10

    Remove the lid and take out the steamed dish.

11. 11

    Step 11

    Pour the liquid from the plate into a small saucepan. Add the water starch and 50ml water. Bring to a boil.

12. 12

    Step 12

    Pour the thickened sauce over the stuffed winter melon and serve.