Ingredients
500 g (about 1 lb) winter melon.
Seasonings
2 teaspoons sesame oil, several dried chili peppers, ground Sichuan pepper to taste, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, soy sauce, and sugar.
Instructions
1. Remove the seeds and stems from the dried chili peppers and set aside; peel the winter melon, remove the seeds and pulp, wash, and cut into small slices.
2. Add the sliced winter melon to a pot of boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender, then drain well and toss with salt, soy sauce, sugar, and ground Sichuan pepper.
3. Heat sesame oil in a wok until it reaches about 70% hot, then add dried chili peppers and fry until fragrant. Remove the chili peppers and pour the hot chili-infused oil over the winter melon slices. Toss well and serve. This dish features a rich sauce with bold, savory flavors and a fragrant, numbing spiciness.