Braised Winter Melon with Dried Shiitake Mushrooms and Goji Berries

Ingredients

Instructions

1. 1

   Rehydrate dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water until soft. Reserve the mushroom soaking liquid. Once soft, remove stems and, if large, slice mushrooms in half. Rinse goji berries.

2. 2

   Heat vegetable oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger slices, stir-fry until fragrant.

3. 3

   Add winter melon cubes and rehydrated shiitake mushrooms to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the winter melon starts to slightly soften.

4. 4

   Pour in water (or reserved mushroom soaking liquid). Add vegetarian oyster sauce, light soy sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Bring to a simmer.

5. 5

   Cover the wok and braise for 10-15 minutes, or until winter melon is tender and translucent.

6. 6

   Stir in goji berries. Thicken the sauce with cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened.

7. 7

   Drizzle with sesame oil, stir well, and serve hot.