20 Japanese Bitter Melon Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
The Japanese bitter melon, also known as goya in Japanese, is a unique and nutritious vegetable that has been a staple in Okinawan cuisine for centuries. This spiky, oblong-shaped vegetable is packed with vitamins and minerals and is known for its bitter taste. In this article, we will explore a delicious Japanese bitter melon recipe that will help you incorporate this exotic vegetable into your diet and reap its health benefits.
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Minced Garlic, Chili Pepper Flakes, Oil
If you're a fan of bold and unique flavors, then you have to try cooking with bitter melon. This tropical fruit has a distinct bitter taste that adds depth to any dish. Not only is it delicious, but it also offers many health benefits, making it a popular ingredient in many cultures. In this list, we've gathered the top 20 beer can chicken recipes that feature this versatile fruit.
2of 20
How To Make Bitter Melon Juice For Diabetic
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Water, Watermelon, Orange, Honey
Bitter melon has been used as a natural remedy for diabetes for centuries. This fruit contains compounds that help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. One way to incorporate bitter melon into your diet is by making a refreshing juice. Simply blend the bitter melon with other fruits like apples, oranges, and ginger for a delicious and healthy drink.
3of 20
Bitter melon with Japanese and white eggplants and...
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Eggplants, Salt, Okra, Long Beans
Bitter melon is a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes, including this Japanese and white eggplant stir-fry. The combination of these three ingredients creates a flavorful and nutritious meal. The bitterness of the melon balances out the sweetness of the eggplant, while the savory sauce ties everything together.
4of 20
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 usually cooked with pork, shrimp, or fish and flavored with bagoong (shrimp paste). The bitter melon adds a unique flavor to this dish, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
5of 20
Powerful Juice for Diabetes
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Celery, Lettuce
As mentioned earlier, bitter melon is known for its ability to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a powerful ingredient for those with diabetes. To make a powerful juice for diabetes, blend bitter melon with other anti-inflammatory and blood sugar-stabilizing ingredients like turmeric, cinnamon, and green apple.
6of 20
A Bitter Melon Juice for Weight loss
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Pineapple, Pear, Celery Sticks, Lemon
Bitter melon is also believed to aid in weight loss due to its ability to suppress appetite and promote fat burning. To make a bitter melon juice for weight loss, blend it with other fat-burning ingredients like lemon, ginger, and green tea. This juice can be a great addition to your weight loss journey.
7of 20
Stir Fried Bitter Melons
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Chili Pepper Flakes, Sugar, Minced
Stir-fried bitter melons are a quick and easy way to enjoy this fruit. Simply slice the bitter melon and stir-fry it with garlic, onions, and your choice of protein. This dish is perfect for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy the health benefits and unique flavor of bitter melon.
8of 20
Chicken Sotanghon
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Sotanghon, Garlic, Onion, Salt, Black
Chicken sotanghon is a traditional Filipino dish that features bitter melon and glass noodles. The bitter melon adds a nice crunch and bitterness to the dish, while the glass noodles provide a satisfying texture. This dish is usually cooked with chicken, but you can also use pork, shrimp, or tofu as a protein source.
9of 20
CRISPY BITTER MELON FRITTERS
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Rice Flour, Red Chile Powder, Asafoetida
If you're looking for a creative and delicious way to enjoy bitter melon, try making crispy fritters. Simply slice the bitter melon into thin strips, dip them in a batter made from flour, eggs, and spices, and deep fry until golden brown. These fritters are a great snack or appetizer and are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
10of 20
Beef with Bitter Melon (苦瓜炒牛肉)
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Dark Soy Sauce, Peanut Oil, Cornstarch
In Chinese cuisine, bitter melon is often paired with beef for a hearty and flavorful dish. This stir-fry is packed with protein and nutrients, making it a satisfying meal. The combination of the bitter melon and tender beef creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
11of 20
Chinese Pork With Bitter Melon
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Pork, Light Soy Sauce, Chinese Rice Wine
Another popular Chinese dish featuring bitter melon is Chinese pork with bitter melon. This dish is cooked in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and rice wine. The bitterness of the melon complements the sweetness of the pork, creating a delicious and well-balanced dish.
12of 20
Bitter Melon Curry with Shrimp
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Large Shrimp, Red Curry Paste, Coconut
If you're a fan of spicy food, then you'll love this bitter melon curry with shrimp. The bitterness of the melon helps balance out the spiciness of the curry, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish. This curry is perfect for a cold day or when you're craving something warm and comforting.
13of 20
Ground Chicken with Bitter Melon
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Onion, Garlic, Ground Chicken, Bitter
Ground chicken with bitter melon is a simple and delicious dish that can be served over rice or noodles. This dish is usually cooked with garlic, onions, and soy sauce, and the bitter melon adds a unique twist to the flavors. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition and color.
14of 20
Bitter Melon, Indian Style
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Oil, Minced Garlic, Cumin Seeds, Mustard
In Indian cuisine, bitter melon is known as karela and is often used in curries and chutneys. One popular dish is bitter melon cooked with spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. This dish is not only delicious but also offers many health benefits, making it a staple in many Indian households.
15of 20
Bittermelon With Black Bean Sauce
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Ground Pork, Garlic, Anchovies, Black
If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, then you've probably tried bitter melon with black bean sauce. This dish features bitter melon stir-fried with fermented black beans, garlic, and chili peppers. The combination of the savory sauce and the bitterness of the melon creates a unique and delicious flavor profile.
16of 20
Bitter Melon and Pork Stir Fry With Black Bean Sauce
Main Ingredients: Pork, Fish Sauce, Lime Juice, Sugar, Bird S Eye
Another variation of this Chinese dish is bitter melon and pork stir fry with black bean sauce. This dish is cooked with sliced pork, bitter melon, and other vegetables like bell peppers and onions. The black bean sauce ties everything together, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.
17of 20
Pavakka Theeyal - Bitter Melon Curry
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Seeds, Tamarind, Turmeric Powder, Coconut
In Kerala, India, bitter melon is often used in a dish called pavakka theeyal. This curry is made by cooking bitter melon with roasted coconut, spices, and tamarind for a tangy and complex flavor. This dish is usually served with rice and is a must-try for anyone who loves Indian cuisine.
18of 20
Vietnamese Bitter Melon Stir-Fry with Eggs
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Large Eggs, Salt, Olive Oil, Fish Sauce
In Vietnam, bitter melon is often used in stir-fries with eggs. This dish is quick and easy to make and is perfect for a busy weeknight meal. The bitterness of the melon is balanced out by the mildness of the eggs, making it a great dish for those who are new to the taste of bitter melon.
19of 20
(Bitter-Melon Stir Fry, Karela ki Sabzi, Pavakkai...
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Onion, Red Chilies, Garlic Cloves, Ginger
Karela ki sabzi, or bitter melon stir fry, is a popular dish in Indian cuisine. This dish is cooked with spices like fenugreek, mustard seeds, and turmeric, giving it a unique and flavorful taste. Serve it with rice or roti for a complete and satisfying meal.
20of 20
Pavakkai Theeyal | Bitter gourd in roasted coconut...
Main Ingredients: Bitter Melon, Grated Coconut, Red Chilly Powder
Pavakkai theeyal is another variation of the bitter melon curry mentioned earlier. This dish is cooked with roasted coconut, shallots, and spices, giving it a rich and complex flavor. The bitterness of the melon is balanced out by the sweetness of the coconut, creating a well-balanced and delicious dish.
Health Benefits of Japanese Bitter Melon
High in Nutrients
Japanese bitter melon is low in calories and high in nutrients, making it an excellent addition to a healthy diet. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, potassium, and magnesium.
Regulates Blood Sugar
One of the most notable health benefits of Japanese bitter melon is its ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that it contains compounds that can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels, making it a great vegetable for those with diabetes.
Boosts Immune System
Japanese bitter melon is also rich in antioxidants, which can help strengthen the immune system and protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. This can help prevent chronic diseases and promote overall health.
Japanese Bitter Melon Recipe: Stir-Fried Goya and Tofu
Ingredients:
1 medium Japanese bitter melon
1 block of firm tofu
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
Cut the Japanese bitter melon in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Cut into thin slices.
Drain the tofu and cut into cubes.
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
Add the bitter melon and tofu to the pan and continue stir-frying for 5-7 minutes, until the bitter melon is tender.
Pour the sauce mixture over the vegetables and tofu and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice.
In Summary
Japanese bitter melon is a versatile vegetable with numerous health benefits. Its unique bitter taste may take some getting used to, but this Japanese bitter melon recipe is a delicious and easy way to incorporate this nutritious vegetable into your diet. Give it a try and reap the benefits of this exotic vegetable.
