16 Easy Chinese Bitter Gourd Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon, is a popular vegetable in Chinese cuisine. It is prized for its unique bitter flavor and numerous health benefits. While some may find its taste too strong, there are many delicious ways to prepare this vegetable. In this article, we will share an easy Chinese bitter gourd recipe that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Eggs, Coriander, Light Soy Sauce, Sesame
This Chinese-inspired recipe combines the bitterness of gourd with the rich flavors of omelette. Thinly sliced bitter gourd is fried until crispy and then mixed with beaten eggs and cooked to perfection. Serve with a side of 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 recipe combines the earthy flavors of bitter gourd with the savory tang of black bean paste and tender chicken. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, this dish can be served over rice or noodles.
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Braised Chicken with Bitter Gourd 苦瓜焖鸡
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Bitter Gourd, Ginger, Garlic, Black Bean
This traditional Chinese dish is a must-try for any bitter gourd lover. The chicken is braised with bitter gourd, along with other aromatic herbs and spices, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner.
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Stir Fried Hairy Gourd, Mungbean Vermicelli and Shrimps
Main Ingredients: Gourd, Shrimps, Pork Belly, Mung Bean Vermicelli
In this recipe, bitter gourd is replaced with hairy gourd – a similar vegetable with a milder taste. Mixed with mungbean vermicelli and succulent shrimp, this stir-fry dish is a delicious and healthy option for any meal.
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Hairy Gourd with Mince Pork
Main Ingredients: Gourd, Pork, Cooking Oil, Garlic, Chicken Stock, Salt
Another twist on the traditional bitter gourd and pork combination, this recipe uses hairy gourd instead for a milder flavor. The gourd is stuffed with a flavorful mixture of minced pork, garlic, and spices and then cooked until tender.
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Masaledar Karela
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Mustard Oil, Asafoetida, Fennel Seeds
This spicy Indian dish is a great way to add some heat to your meal. The bitter gourd is stuffed with a spicy masala mixture and then cooked until tender and flavorful. Serve with roti or rice for a complete meal.
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Stir Fried Bitter Gourd
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Coconut Flakes, Green Chili, Turmeric
For a simple and quick dish, try this stir-fried bitter gourd recipe. Thinly sliced gourd is stir-fried with garlic, onions, and soy sauce for a flavorful and healthy side dish.
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Quick Bitter gourd Pickle
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Green Chilies, Ginger, Garlic, Curry
This quick pickle recipe is a great way to preserve bitter gourd and add some tangy flavors to your meal. The gourd is marinated in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices for a delicious and easy side dish.
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Crispy Bitter Gourd Kofta
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Oil, Cumin Seeds, Coriander Seeds, Chili
If you're looking for a unique appetizer or snack, try these crispy bitter gourd koftas. The gourd is mixed with spices, flour, and yogurt and then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty treat.
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Spicy Bitter Gourd Curry
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Chili Powder, Turmeric Powder, Yogurt
This spicy curry dish is a great way to add some heat to your meal. The bitter gourd is cooked in a flavorful tomato and onion-based sauce, along with spices and herbs. Serve with rice or naan for a complete meal.
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Bitter Gourd N Tomato Stir Fry
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Onion, Tomato, Curry Leaves, Coriander
In this stir-fry dish, bitter gourd is combined with tangy tomatoes and cooked until tender. The gourd's bitterness is balanced out by the sweet and sour flavors of the tomatoes, making this a great side dish for any meal.
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Pinakbet
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Pork Belly, Bitter Gourd, Okra, Eggplant
This traditional Filipino dish is a favorite among bitter gourd lovers. Along with bitter gourd, it also includes other vegetables like eggplant, okra, and squash, along with meat and shrimp. Seasoned with shrimp paste and spices, this dish is a flavorful and hearty meal.
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Bitter gourd Stir fry
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Onions, Coconut, Chana Dal, Mustard
This simple stir-fry dish is a great way to enjoy the flavors of bitter gourd. Thinly sliced gourd is stir-fried with onions, garlic, and soy sauce, resulting in a tasty and healthy side dish.
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Karela Chips | Bitter Gourd Chips
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Chickpea Flour, Rice Flour, Seeds
For a tasty and crunchy snack, try these bitter gourd chips. The gourd is thinly sliced, coated in spices, and then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. Perfect for snacking on while watching your favorite game or movie.
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Karela Fry, Bitter Gourd Fry | Kakarakaya Fry
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Salt, Turmeric Powder, Oil, Chilli
This South Indian-style dish is a great way to enjoy the flavors of bitter gourd. Thinly sliced gourd is stir-fried with onions, spices, and herbs, resulting in a flavorful and healthy side dish.
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Cooking Pinakbet (Stir-Fry Vegetable)
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Onions, Tomatoes, Okra, Eggplant, Bitter Gourd
This simple and easy recipe is a great way to enjoy a variety of vegetables, including bitter gourd. Along with other vegetables like pumpkin, eggplant, and tomatoes, the gourd is stir-fried in a flavorful sauce and served over rice for a delicious and nutritious meal.
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Karela Stir Fry
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Onions, Mango, Green Chillies, Fenugreek
For a quick and easy side dish, try this bitter gourd stir fry. The gourd is stir-fried with onions, garlic, and spices, resulting in a flavorful and healthy option for any meal.
In this recipe, the bitterness of the gourd is balanced out by the sweet and savory flavors of pork ribs. The gourd and ribs are cooked together in a flavorful sauce for a hearty and satisfying dish.
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Bitter Gourd Pitlai
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Tamarind, Lemon, Coriander Seeds, Chana
This traditional South Indian dish combines the bitterness of bitter gourd with the tanginess of tamarind and the spiciness of various spices and herbs. Serve with rice or roti for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Main Ingredients: Bitter Gourd, Yogurt, Salt, Cooking Oil, Onion, Tomato
In this creamy and flavorful curry, bitter gourd is cooked in a coconut milk base, along with spices and herbs. The result is a delicious and unique dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Why Include Bitter Gourd in Your Diet
Health Benefits
Bitter gourd is packed with nutrients and is known for its medicinal properties. It is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals such as potassium, iron, and calcium. It also contains powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it beneficial for boosting the immune system, improving digestion, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Unique Flavor Profile
Bitter gourd's strong and distinct bitter taste adds depth and complexity to any dish. It is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is often used in stir-fries, soups, and stews to balance out the other flavors. Its texture also adds a satisfying crunch to dishes, making it an excellent addition to any meal.
The Recipe: Stir-Fried Bitter Gourd with Garlic and Soy Sauce
Ingredients:
Bitter gourd - 1 medium-sized
Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
Sesame oil - 1 tablespoon
Sugar - 1 teaspoon
Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
Oil - 2 tablespoons
Instructions:
Wash the bitter gourd and cut it into thin slices.
In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and salt.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
Add the bitter gourd slices and stir-fry for 5 minutes.
Pour in the sauce mixture and continue to stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, or until the bitter gourd is cooked through.
Remove from heat and serve hot.
Enjoy the Unique Flavor of Bitter Gourd
This easy Chinese bitter gourd recipe is a perfect way to incorporate this nutritious and flavorful vegetable into your diet. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy dish that will impress your family and friends. So next time you see bitter gourd at the grocery store, be sure to give this recipe a try and experience the unique taste of this Chinese delicacy.