The Best Chinese Bitter Melon Recipe

bitter melon

🥗Healthier: zucchini

💰Cheaper: cucumber

Zucchini offers a milder flavor while maintaining a similar texture.

tofu

🥗Healthier: tempeh

💰Cheaper: seitan

Tempeh is higher in protein and has a nutty flavor.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: tamari

💰Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free while liquid aminos is often less expensive.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is healthier with more beneficial fats.

Cut the bitter melon in half, then quarter it.

Remove the white spongy inside part.

Use a rounded teaspoon to scrape out the last bits of the white part.

Cut the bitter melon into 1/3 of an inch thick slices at a 45-degree angle.

Season the slices with 1.5 tsp of salt and toss thoroughly.

Rub the bitter melon for a minute or two to draw out moisture and reduce bitterness.

Let the bitter melon sit for 15 minutes.

Slice a few cloves of garlic thinly and cut a red chili into small pieces for presentation.

Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the bitter melon and discard the liquid.

Rinse the bitter melon with cold running water several times to remove the salt and drain thoroughly.

Turn the heat to medium and add the fermented black bean and oil mixture from the can.

Add the garlic slices and stir until fragrant.

Toss in the shredded fish and drained bitter melon; stir for a couple of minutes.

Season the dish with 2 tsp of oyster sauce, 2 tsp of soy sauce, and 1/2 tsp of sugar.

Cook over medium heat for 3 more minutes to mingle everything.

Before serving, toss in the red chili and mix well.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens