16 Chinese Bitter Melon Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 19, 2024
Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd or karela, is a popular vegetable in Chinese cuisine. With its unique bitter flavor and numerous health benefits, it has become a staple ingredient in many Chinese dishes. In this article, we will share a traditional Chinese bitter melon recipe that is not only delicious but also easy to make.
Stir-Fried Bitter Melon and Shrimp with Fermented...
Main Ingredients: Melons, Peanut Oil, Medium Shrimp, Garlic Cloves
If you're looking for a flavorful and healthy dish to add to your recipe repertoire, this stir-fried bitter melon and shrimp with fermented black beans is a must-try. Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd, is a vegetable that is commonly used in Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines. It has a unique bitter taste that may take some getting used to, but it's packed with nutrients and health benefits.
For this recipe, the bitter melon is paired with succulent shrimp and fermented black beans, which add a savory and slightly salty flavor to the dish. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a winner, and it's also easy to prepare.
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The Best Bitter Melons
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Minced Garlic, Chili Pepper Flakes, Oil
When it comes to cooking with bitter melon, it's important to choose the right one. Look for bitter melons that are firm and have smooth, bright green skin. Avoid ones that are wrinkled or have yellow spots, as they may be overripe. The best bitter melons are about 4-6 inches long and have a slightly bumpy texture.
When preparing the bitter melon, make sure to remove the seeds and pith, as they are the most bitter parts. Some recipes call for soaking the bitter melon in salt water for a few minutes to reduce the bitterness, but this step is optional.
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Chinese Steamed Minced Chicken with Bitter Melon
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Bitter Melon, Red Chiles, Cornstarch
This Chinese-style steamed minced chicken with bitter melon is a simple and healthy dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The bitterness of the melon is balanced by the savory minced chicken and the addition of soy sauce and oyster sauce. Steaming the dish helps to retain the nutrients and flavors of the ingredients, making it a nutritious and delicious meal.
To make this dish, simply mix minced chicken with diced bitter melon and seasonings, then steam until cooked through. It's a great way to incorporate bitter melon into your diet, especially if you're not a fan of its bitter taste.
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Chinese Stir-fried Pork With Bitter Melon
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Pork Tenderloin, Bamboo Shoots, Egg
This Chinese stir-fried pork with bitter melon is a classic dish that is popular in many Chinese households. The combination of tender pork, slightly bitter melon, and fragrant garlic and ginger makes for a flavorful and comforting meal. This dish is also quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The key to making this dish is to stir-fry the bitter melon until it is slightly charred, which helps to reduce its bitterness. The pork is then added and cooked until it is tender, and the dish is finished off with a simple sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar.
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How To Make Bitter Melon Juice For Diabetic
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Water, Watermelon, Orange, Honey
Bitter melon has been used in traditional medicine for its numerous health benefits, including its potential to help manage diabetes. This bitter melon juice is a simple and effective way to incorporate this vegetable into your diet and potentially reap its benefits.
To make this juice, simply blend bitter melon with water, lemon juice, and a touch of honey or sugar to balance out the bitterness. You can also add other fruits or vegetables for added nutrients and flavor. Drink this juice regularly to help manage blood sugar levels and improve overall health.
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Beef with Bitter Melon (苦瓜炒牛肉)
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Dark Soy Sauce, Peanut Oil, Cornstarch
This Chinese-style beef with bitter melon is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family meal. The bitterness of the melon is balanced by the savory and tender beef, and the addition of garlic and ginger adds a fragrant kick. This dish is also quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The key to making this dish is to slice the beef thinly and marinate it for at least 30 minutes to ensure it is tender and flavorful. The bitter melon is then stir-fried until it is slightly charred, and the beef is added and cooked until it is cooked through. Serve over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Bitter Melon with Eggs
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Large Eggs, Salt, White Pepper, Sesame
This simple and nutritious dish of bitter melon with eggs is a staple in many Chinese households. The combination of bitter melon and eggs may seem unusual, but the bitterness of the melon is balanced by the creamy and savory eggs. This dish is also quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a simple weeknight meal.
The key to making this dish is to cook the bitter melon until it is slightly charred, which helps to reduce its bitterness. The eggs are then added and cooked until they are set, resulting in a comforting and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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CHINESE-STYLE FRIED BITTER GOURD OMELETTE
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Eggs, Coriander, Light Soy Sauce, Sesame
This Chinese-style fried bitter gourd omelette is a popular dish in many Asian countries, and for a good reason. The combination of the slightly bitter gourd and the fluffy omelette is a match made in heaven. This dish is also incredibly versatile and can be served as a main dish or as a side dish.
To make this dish, bitter gourd is sliced and stir-fried until slightly charred, then mixed with beaten eggs and cooked until fluffy. The result is a tasty and satisfying omelette that is perfect for any meal of the day.
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Chinese Pork With Bitter Melon
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Pork, Light Soy Sauce, Chinese Rice Wine
This Chinese-style pork with bitter melon is another classic dish that is loved by many. The combination of tender pork, slightly bitter melon, and fragrant garlic and ginger makes for a flavorful and comforting meal. This dish is also quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a simple weeknight meal.
The key to making this dish is to marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes to ensure it is tender and flavorful. The bitter melon is then stir-fried until it is slightly charred, and the pork is added and cooked until it is cooked through. Serve over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Pinakbet
Main Ingredients: Pork, Large Egg, Bitter Melon, Squash, Large Tomato
Pinakbet is a traditional Filipino dish that is made with a variety of vegetables, including bitter melon. The bitterness of the melon is balanced by the other ingredients, such as eggplant, okra, and squash, resulting in a flavorful and nutritious dish. This dish is also quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
To make this dish, the vegetables are stir-fried with shrimp paste and other seasonings until they are cooked through. The result is a colorful and flavorful dish that can be served as a main dish or as a side dish.
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Braised Chicken with Bitter Gourd 苦瓜焖鸡
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Bitter Gourd, Ginger, Garlic, Black Bean
This Chinese-style braised chicken with bitter gourd is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for colder days. The bitterness of the melon is balanced by the savory and tender chicken, and the addition of soy sauce and oyster sauce adds a depth of flavor. This dish is also easy to prepare, making it perfect for a family meal.
To make this dish, chicken is marinated and then braised with bitter gourd and other seasonings until the chicken is tender and the bitter gourd is soft. Serve with rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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The Bitter Gourd (with chicken and black bean paste)
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Bitter Gourd, Ginger, Minced Garlic, Yellow
This Chinese-style dish of bitter gourd with chicken and black bean paste is a flavorful and healthy meal that is perfect for any day of the week. The bitterness of the melon is balanced by the savory chicken and the umami flavor of the black bean paste. This dish is also easy to prepare, making it a great option for a quick weeknight meal.
To make this dish, chicken is stir-fried with black bean paste, then bitter gourd is added and cooked until tender. Serve with rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Beef with Bitter Melon
Main Ingredients: Beef, Melons, Salt, Baking Soda, Oil, Garlic, Black
This beef with bitter melon is a simple and tasty dish that is perfect for a family meal. The bitterness of the melon is balanced by the savory and tender beef, and the addition of garlic and ginger adds a fragrant kick. This dish is also quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
To make this dish, beef is marinated and then stir-fried with bitter melon and other seasonings until the beef is cooked through. Serve over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Powerful Juice for Diabetes
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Celery, Lettuce
This powerful juice for diabetes is another way to incorporate bitter melon into your diet and potentially reap its health benefits. This juice is made with bitter melon, green apple, and celery, which are all known for their potential to help manage diabetes.
To make this juice, simply blend the ingredients together and enjoy regularly to potentially help manage blood sugar levels and improve overall health. You can also add a touch of honey or sugar to balance out the bitterness.
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A Bitter Melon Juice for Weight loss
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Pineapple, Pear, Celery Sticks, Lemon
If you're looking to shed a few pounds, this bitter melon juice for weight loss may be just what you need. Bitter melon is known for its potential to aid in weight loss, and this juice is a simple and tasty way to incorporate it into your diet.
To make this juice, blend bitter melon with other fruits and vegetables, such as apples, cucumbers, and lemon, which are also known for their weight loss benefits. Drink this juice regularly as part of a healthy diet and exercise routine for best results.
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Stir Fried Bitter Melons
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Chili Pepper Flakes, Sugar, Minced
This simple and flavorful dish of stir-fried bitter melons is a great way to enjoy this vegetable. The bitterness of the melon is balanced by the savory and umami flavors of the stir-fry sauce, which is made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar.
To make this dish, simply stir-fry bitter melons with the sauce until they are slightly charred and tender. Serve as a side dish or add protein, such as chicken or shrimp, to make it a complete meal.
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CRISPY BITTER MELON FRITTERS
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Rice Flour, Red Chile Powder, Asafoetida
If you're looking for a unique and delicious way to enjoy bitter melon, these crispy bitter melon fritters are a must-try. The bitterness of the melon is balanced by the crispy and slightly sweet batter, resulting in a tasty and addictive snack or appetizer.
To make these fritters, the bitter melon is sliced and coated in a batter made with flour, eggs, and seasonings, then deep-fried until golden and crispy. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty treat.
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Chicken Sotanghon
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Sotanghon, Garlic, Onion, Salt, Black
This Filipino-style chicken sotanghon is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family meal. The combination of tender chicken, chewy noodles, and slightly bitter melon, along with other vegetables, makes for a flavorful and satisfying dish.
To make this dish, chicken is simmered with vegetables and then combined with sotanghon noodles. The bitter melon is added towards the end and cooked until tender. Serve hot for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Bitter Melon Curry with Shrimp
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Large Shrimp, Red Curry Paste, Coconut
This flavorful and spicy bitter melon curry with shrimp is a unique and delicious way to enjoy this vegetable. The bitterness of the melon is balanced by the creamy and spicy curry sauce, and the addition of shrimp adds a touch of sweetness and umami flavor.
To make this dish, bitter melon is stir-fried with shrimp and then simmered in a flavorful curry sauce made with coconut milk, curry powder, and other seasonings. Serve over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Ground Chicken with Bitter Melon
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Onion, Garlic, Ground Chicken, Bitter
This ground chicken with bitter melon is a simple and tasty dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The bitterness of the melon is balanced by the savory ground chicken and the addition of soy sauce and oyster sauce. This dish is also easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The key to making this dish is to cook the bitter melon until it is slightly charred, which helps to reduce its bitterness. The ground chicken is then added and cooked until it is cooked through, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish. Serve with rice for a complete meal.
The Health Benefits of Bitter Melon
Bitter melon has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries due to its many health benefits. It is known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties. It is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it a great addition to any diet.
Chinese Bitter Melon Recipe
Bitter melon stir-fry is a simple and quick dish that is packed with flavor and nutrition. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients:
2 medium-sized bitter melons, cut into thin slices
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 small onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 teaspoon of sugar
1/4 cup of water
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
Add the sliced onion and stir-fry for a couple of minutes.
Add the sliced bitter melon and red bell pepper and stir-fry for 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sugar, and water until well combined.
Pour the mixture into the pan with the vegetables and stir-fry for another 3 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and serve hot.
Tips:
To reduce the bitterness of the bitter melon, you can soak it in saltwater for 10 minutes before cooking.
You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or broccoli to this stir-fry for more flavor and nutrition.
For a protein-packed meal, you can add some tofu or chicken to the dish.
With this simple recipe, you can enjoy the unique flavor and health benefits of bitter melon in a delicious and nutritious dish. Give it a try and discover why this vegetable is a staple in Chinese cuisine.
