20 Chinese Stuffed Bitter Melon Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 22, 2024
Chinese stuffed bitter melon is a traditional dish that is popular in many Asian countries, particularly in China. This dish is made with bitter melon, a vegetable that has a unique flavor and numerous health benefits. In this article, we will explore the origins of this dish and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make it at home. We will also discuss the key ingredients and techniques used in this recipe to help you create an authentic and delicious Chinese stuffed bitter melon dish for your next meal. So, whether you are a fan of bitter melon or looking to try something new, read on to discover the secrets of this delectable dish.
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Bitter Melon, Red Chiles, Cornstarch
If you're looking for a healthier and more flavorful way to enjoy chicken, then this Chinese steamed minced chicken with bitter melon recipe is a must-try. The combination of minced chicken and bitter melon creates a unique and delicious dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Start by marinating the minced chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. This will not only add flavor to the chicken but also help to tenderize it. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the bitter melon by removing the seeds and slicing it into thin pieces.
Next, place the marinated chicken on top of the sliced bitter melon in a steamer and steam for about 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. The bitter melon will absorb the flavors from the chicken and the steaming process will help to retain the nutrients in the bitter melon. Serve hot and enjoy this healthy and delicious dish!
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Chinese Stir-fried Pork With Bitter Melon
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Pork Tenderloin, Bamboo Shoots, Egg
For a quick and easy dish that is packed with flavor, try this Chinese stir-fried pork with bitter melon. The combination of tender pork and slightly bitter melon creates a perfect balance of flavors that is sure to please.
To make this dish, start by marinating the pork in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch. While the pork is marinating, slice the bitter melon and prepare a stir-fry sauce with a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chicken broth.
Stir-fry the marinated pork until it is cooked through and set it aside. In the same pan, stir-fry the bitter melon until it is slightly softened. Then, add the cooked pork back to the pan and pour in the stir-fry sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the pork and bitter melon. Serve over rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Beef with Bitter Melon (苦瓜炒牛肉)
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Dark Soy Sauce, Peanut Oil, Cornstarch
Beef and bitter melon may not seem like an obvious combination, but they actually work incredibly well together in this Chinese dish. The beef adds a rich and savory flavor while the bitter melon adds a refreshing and slightly bitter taste.
To make this dish, start by marinating thin slices of beef in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. While the beef is marinating, prepare the bitter melon by removing the seeds and slicing it into thin pieces.
Stir-fry the marinated beef until it is almost cooked through and then add in the bitter melon. Cook until the bitter melon is slightly softened and then add in a stir-fry sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and beef broth. Serve hot over rice for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Bitter Melon with Eggs
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Large Eggs, Salt, White Pepper, Sesame
If you're looking for a simple and nutritious meal, then this bitter melon with eggs recipe is perfect for you. This dish is a popular breakfast or lunch option in many Asian countries and is loved for its simple yet delicious flavors.
To make this dish, start by slicing the bitter melon and removing the seeds. Then, beat eggs in a bowl and add in a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat a pan with oil and pour in the beaten eggs. Once the eggs are slightly set, add in the sliced bitter melon and cook until the eggs are fully cooked and the bitter melon is slightly softened. Serve hot with a side of rice for a filling and healthy meal.
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CHINESE-STYLE FRIED BITTER GOURD OMELETTE
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Eggs, Coriander, Light Soy Sauce, Sesame
Eggs and bitter melon come together again in this Chinese-style fried bitter gourd omelette. This dish is a great way to introduce bitter melon to those who may not be familiar with its taste as the eggs help to balance out the bitterness.
To make this omelette, start by slicing the bitter melon and removing the seeds. Then, beat eggs in a bowl and add in a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat a pan with oil and pour in the beaten eggs. Once the eggs are slightly set, add in the sliced bitter melon and cook until the eggs are fully cooked and the bitter melon is slightly softened. Flip the omelette and cook until both sides are golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy!
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Stuffed Karela (Bharwan Karela) or Stuffed Bitter Gourd
Main Ingredients: Karela, Oil, Besan, Roasted Peanuts, Minced Garlic
Karela, also known as bitter gourd, is a popular vegetable in Indian cuisine. This stuffed karela recipe is a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. The stuffing is made with a combination of spices, onions, and potatoes, which helps to balance out the bitterness of the karela.
To make this dish, start by slicing the karela and removing the seeds. Then, boil the karela in water for a few minutes to help reduce the bitterness. In a separate pan, cook the stuffing mixture and then stuff it into the boiled karela. Pan-fry the stuffed karela until it is cooked through and slightly crispy. Serve hot with a side of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Chinese Pork With Bitter Melon
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Pork, Light Soy Sauce, Chinese Rice Wine
This Chinese pork with bitter melon recipe is a quick and easy dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. The pork is tender and flavorful while the bitter melon adds a refreshing and slightly bitter taste to the dish.
To make this dish, start by marinating thin slices of pork in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. While the pork is marinating, prepare the bitter melon by removing the seeds and slicing it into thin pieces.
Stir-fry the marinated pork until it is almost cooked through and then add in the bitter melon. Cook until the bitter melon is slightly softened and then add in a stir-fry sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chicken broth. Serve hot over rice for a tasty and satisfying meal.
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Pinakbet
Main Ingredients: Pork, Large Egg, Bitter Melon, Squash, Large Tomato
Pinakbet is a popular Filipino dish that features a variety of vegetables, including bitter melon. This dish is a great way to incorporate bitter melon into your diet as it is cooked with other flavorful ingredients, such as pork, shrimp paste, and tomatoes.
To make this dish, start by sautéing pork in a pan until it is slightly browned. Then, add in onions, garlic, and tomatoes and cook until the vegetables are softened. Next, add in sliced bitter melon, eggplant, okra, and string beans and cook until they are slightly softened. Finally, add in a mixture of water, shrimp paste, and fish sauce and let it simmer until the vegetables are fully cooked. Serve hot over rice for a hearty and delicious meal.
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The Best Bitter Melons
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Minced Garlic, Chili Pepper Flakes, Oil
When it comes to choosing the best bitter melons, there are a few things to keep in mind. Look for bitter melons that are firm and have a bright green color. Avoid ones that are too soft or have dark spots. Also, choose smaller bitter melons as they tend to have a milder and less bitter taste compared to larger ones.
When cooking with bitter melon, it is important to remove the seeds as they can add to the bitterness. You can also reduce the bitterness by soaking the sliced bitter melon in salt water for a few minutes before cooking. Overall, bitter melon is a nutritious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes.
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Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup
Main Ingredients: Soup, Bitter Melon, Green Onions, Low Sodium Chicken
This stuffed bitter melon soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for colder days. The soup is made by stuffing bitter melon with a mixture of ground pork, mushrooms, and spices. The stuffed bitter melon is then simmered in a flavorful broth until it is fully cooked and tender.
To make this soup, start by removing the seeds from the bitter melon and stuffing them with the ground pork mixture. Place the stuffed bitter melon in a pot with chicken broth and let it simmer until the bitter melon is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious and unique soup.
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Braised Chicken with Bitter Gourd 苦瓜焖鸡
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Bitter Gourd, Ginger, Garlic, Black Bean
This Chinese braised chicken with bitter gourd is a savory and comforting dish that is perfect for family dinners. The chicken is braised in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Chinese cooking wine. The bitter gourd adds a refreshing and slightly bitter taste to the dish.
To make this dish, start by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese cooking wine, and cornstarch. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the bitter gourd by removing the seeds and slicing it into thin pieces. Then, stir-fry the marinated chicken until it is almost cooked through and add in the bitter gourd. Let it cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the bitter gourd is slightly softened. Serve hot over rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Braised Stuffed Bitter Melon in Black Bean Sauce
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Ground Pork, Shiitake, Corn, Soy Sauce
This braised stuffed bitter melon in black bean sauce is a flavorful and savory dish that is perfect for special occasions. The bitter melon is stuffed with a mixture of ground pork, mushrooms, and spices and then braised in a rich and savory black bean sauce.
To make this dish, start by removing the seeds from the bitter melon and stuffing it with the ground pork mixture. In a separate pan, cook the black bean sauce with garlic, ginger, and chicken broth. Then, place the stuffed bitter melon in the pan with the black bean sauce and let it simmer until the bitter melon is fully cooked and tender. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious and unique dish.
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The Bitter Gourd (with chicken and black bean paste)
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Bitter Gourd, Ginger, Minced Garlic, Yellow
This Chinese dish, also known as "kow choi kai," is a popular and flavorful way to enjoy bitter gourd. The bitter gourd is cooked with chicken, black bean paste, and a variety of spices to create a delicious and savory dish that is perfect for sharing with family and friends.
To make this dish, start by stir-frying chicken in a pan until it is almost cooked through. Then, add in sliced bitter gourd and continue to stir-fry until the bitter gourd is slightly softened. Next, add in a mixture of black bean paste, soy sauce, and chicken broth and let it simmer until the bitter gourd is fully cooked and tender. Serve hot over rice for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Powerful Juice for Diabetes
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Celery, Lettuce
If you are looking for a natural way to manage diabetes, this powerful juice made with bitter melon, cucumber, and lemon is worth a try. Bitter melon is known for its ability to lower blood sugar levels and this juice combines it with other nutritious ingredients to create a refreshing and healthy drink.
To make this juice, blend together bitter melon, cucumber, lemon juice, and a small amount of honey for sweetness. You can also add other ingredients such as ginger or green apple for added flavor and health benefits. Enjoy this juice daily to help manage diabetes and improve overall health.
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A Bitter Melon Juice for Weight loss
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Pineapple, Pear, Celery Sticks, Lemon
Bitter melon is also known for its weight loss benefits as it can help to suppress appetite and aid in digestion. This simple bitter melon juice is a great addition to a weight loss diet as it is low in calories and packed with nutrients.
To make this juice, blend together bitter melon, apple, celery, and lemon juice. You can also add a small amount of honey for sweetness. Enjoy this juice as a snack or as a replacement for a meal to help with weight loss and improve overall health.
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Stir Fried Bitter Melons
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Chili Pepper Flakes, Sugar, Minced
This stir-fried bitter melon dish is a quick and easy side dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners. The bitter melon is stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and a little bit of soy sauce for added flavor, making it a tasty and healthy addition to any meal.
To make this dish, start by slicing the bitter melon and removing the seeds. Then, heat a pan with oil and stir-fry the bitter melon with garlic and ginger until it is slightly softened. Add in a small amount of soy sauce and continue to stir-fry until the bitter melon is fully cooked and tender. Serve hot as a side dish or add it to your favorite stir-fry for a nutritious and flavorful meal.
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Chicken Sotanghon
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Sotanghon, Garlic, Onion, Salt, Black
This Filipino dish, also known as "chicken glass noodle soup," is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for colder days. The chicken is cooked in a flavorful broth with glass noodles, bitter melon, and other vegetables, creating a hearty and nutritious soup.
To make this dish, start by sautéing chicken in a pot until it is slightly browned. Then, add in onions, garlic, and tomatoes and cook until the vegetables are softened. Next, add in sliced bitter melon, glass noodles, and chicken broth and let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and the noodles are tender. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious and comforting soup.
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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, then these crispy bitter melon fritters are a must-try. The bitter melon is mixed with a batter made with flour, egg, and spices, and then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown.
To make these fritters, start by slicing the bitter melon and removing the seeds. Then, mix together flour, egg, garlic, and spices to create a batter. Dip the bitter melon slices in the batter and deep-fry until they are crispy and golden brown. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty and satisfying snack or appetizer.
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Bitter Melon Curry with Shrimp
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Large Shrimp, Red Curry Paste, Coconut
This flavorful and spicy curry is a great way to enjoy bitter melon with shrimp. The bitter melon is cooked in a rich and creamy curry sauce with other vegetables and shrimp, making it a hearty and satisfying dish.
To make this curry, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan until they are softened. Then, add in sliced bitter melon, shrimp, and other vegetables such as eggplant and okra. Pour in a mixture of coconut milk, curry powder, and other spices and let it simmer until the vegetables are fully cooked and the shrimp is pink. Serve hot over rice for a delicious and flavorful meal.
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Ground Chicken with Bitter Melon
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Onion, Garlic, Ground Chicken, Bitter
For a quick and easy dish that is packed with flavor, try this ground chicken with bitter melon recipe. The combination of ground chicken and bitter melon creates a unique and tasty dish that is sure to please your taste buds.
To make this dish, start by stir-frying ground chicken with garlic, ginger, and a small amount of soy sauce. Once the chicken is cooked through, add in sliced bitter melon and continue to stir-fry until it is slightly softened. Serve hot over rice for a simple yet delicious meal.
The Origins of Chinese Stuffed Bitter Melon
The History of Bitter Melon
Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd or karela, is a tropical and subtropical vegetable that is widely used in traditional medicine and cuisine. It is believed to have originated in India, but it is now grown in various parts of Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. The bitter taste of this vegetable may not be appealing to everyone, but it is highly nutritious and has been used for centuries in Asian cultures for its medicinal properties.
The Origin of the Stuffed Bitter Melon Recipe
The stuffed bitter melon recipe is believed to have originated in China, where bitter melon is a staple vegetable in many dishes. The Chinese have long known about the health benefits of bitter melon and have incorporated it into their cuisine in various ways. The stuffed bitter melon dish is a prime example of how Chinese cuisine can turn a seemingly unappetizing vegetable into a delicious and nutritious meal.
The Key Ingredients and Techniques
The Bitter Melon
The star ingredient of this dish is, of course, the bitter melon. When selecting a bitter melon, look for one that is firm and has a smooth and green skin. Avoid melons that have blemishes or are too soft. The size of the melon will also determine the number of servings, so choose accordingly.
The Filling
The filling for Chinese stuffed bitter melon is typically made with ground pork, which is mixed with various seasonings and vegetables such as onions, garlic, and mushrooms. You can also add other ingredients to your liking, such as water chestnuts or bamboo shoots, to give the filling more texture and flavor.
The Cooking Technique
The traditional way of preparing Chinese stuffed bitter melon is to steam it. This method helps to retain the nutrients and flavors of the bitter melon and the filling. However, you can also choose to pan-fry or deep-fry the stuffed melon for a crispier texture. Whichever method you choose, make sure to cook the stuffed bitter melon until the filling is thoroughly cooked.
In conclusion, Chinese stuffed bitter melon is a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides numerous health benefits. With its unique flavor and versatile cooking techniques, it is a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. So, why not give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness of Chinese stuffed bitter melon for yourself?