Fried Bitter Melon with Spicy Tamarind

Method

1. 1 Slice the bitter melon into 5mm thick slices, then toss with salt for 15 minutes and squeeze out the excess water to reduce bitterness.
2. 2 Pat dry thoroughly, then roll in cornstarch and gently pat to form a thin layer.
3. 3 Fry in oil at 180 degrees for 3 minutes until the edges are golden brown and crispy, then remove from oil.
4. 4 Soak tamarind to extract the juice, then cook it with sugar, fish sauce, and garlic/chili for 5 minutes until it becomes a thick, sticky sauce.
5. 5 Toss the bitter melon in the sauce for exactly 30 seconds, then sprinkle with roasted peanuts; tossing longer will make the skin crispy yet tender.

With an appliance

• Air fryer 33 min

  Replace step 3: evenly spray oil on the floured bitter melon slices, fry in an air fryer at 195 degrees for 8 minutes, flipping at the 5th minute; steps 4 and 5 still involve cooking the tamarind sauce and tossing for exactly 30 seconds.