Bitter melon is a type of gourd that came from India and was brought to China in the 14th century. It's now widely used in Chinese cooking and remains just as popular today as it was centuries ago.

Bitter melon can be either crunchy or soft depending on how you cook it.

For a simple stir-fry recipe, start with garlic, chili flakes, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil to create a flavorful sauce. A bit of sugar helps balance the bitterness. Lykkers, you can also add proteins like dried shrimp or meat for variety. This dish pairs well as a side with meat, chicken, or seafood alongside rice or noodles.

How do you get the bitterness out of bitter melon?

While you can't completely eliminate the bitterness of bitter melon, you can reduce it. Look for more mature bitter melons, which are lighter in color with red seeds inside. When preparing bitter melon, remove the seeds and as much of the white pith as possible.

In this recipe, you can salt the cut bitter melon and let it sit to draw out excess moisture; gently squeeze it before using. Another method is to briefly parboil the bitter melon pieces in salted boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes, then shock them in ice water, blot them dry, and proceed with the recipe. These techniques help to lessen the bitterness and improve the flavor.

Ingredients

- 1 pound bitter melon

- 1 tablespoon minced garlic

- 1/2 teaspoon chili pepper flakes

- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like peanut or canola)

- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)

- 1/2 teaspoon sugar

- Toasted sesame oil (optional)

Steps to Make It

1. Gather the ingredients.

2. To prepare the bitter melon, start by cutting 1 pound of bitter melon in half lengthwise. This step is the beginning of getting it ready for your recipe!

3. After cutting the bitter melon in half lengthwise, use a small metal spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds. This will help reduce the bitterness and prepare the bitter melon for cooking.

4. After removing the seeds, cut the bitter melon on the diagonal into 1/4-inch slices. This slicing method helps create pieces that are great for stir-frying and ensures even cooking.

5. To degorge the bitter melon, sprinkle salt over the slices evenly. Then, place the salted bitter melon slices in a colander and let them drain for about 15 minutes. This process helps draw out excess moisture and reduces some of the bitterness before cooking. After draining, gently squeeze the bitter melon to remove any remaining liquid before proceeding with your recipe.

6. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of minced garlic with 1/2 teaspoon of chili pepper flakes. Mash them together to blend the flavors, creating a fragrant mixture for your stir-fry recipe. This will add a delicious kick to the dish!

7. Heat a wok over medium-high heat, then add 2 tablespoons of neutral oil (such as peanut or canola oil). Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and chili pepper mixture to the wok. Stir-fry briefly until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn. This step will infuse the oil with the flavors of garlic and chili, creating a delicious base for your stir-fry.

8. Stir-fry the garlic and chili mixture briefly until aromatic, which usually takes about 30 seconds. This quick cooking time helps release the flavors into the oil without burning the garlic.

9. Add the prepared bitter melon to the wok. Stir-fry it for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously to cook it evenly.

After that, add 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of vinegar or balsamic vinegar to the bitter melon in the wok. This will add seasoning and a hint of acidity to balance the flavors in the stir-fry.

10. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of sugar into the bitter melon stir-fry mixture. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bitter melon pieces are starting to brown and soften slightly. This cooking time allows the flavors to meld together and the bitter melon to reach a tender texture while maintaining a bit of crunch. Adjust the cooking time slightly if you prefer a softer texture for the bitter melon.

11. If you like, stir in a few drops of sesame oil to add a nutty aroma and flavor to the dish. Then, your bitter melon stir-fry is ready to serve! Enjoy it as a flavorful side dish or part of a meal with rice or noodles.

Lykkers, after reading this article, what are your thoughts on bitter melon and its versatile uses in cooking? Have you tried preparing bitter melon stir-fry before, or does this inspire you to give it a try?

Feel free to share your experiences and any additional tips you have for reducing bitterness or enhancing flavors in bitter melon dishes. Let's exchange ideas and make our culinary journeys even more flavorful together!