Bitter melon, known for its distinctive, slightly bitter taste, is a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins and antioxidants. While its bitterness can be off-putting to some, this recipe transforms it into a delicious and surprisingly palatable stir-fry. We'll guide you through a simple yet effective method to minimize the bitterness while enhancing the naturally sweet and savory notes of this unique vegetable. The result is a vibrant dish that's both healthy and satisfying, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful addition to your family dinner.
This recipe focuses on achieving a balance of flavors – reducing the bitterness while accentuating the subtle sweetness of the bitter melon. We'll use a combination of techniques, including proper preparation and careful cooking, to create a stir-fry that's surprisingly non-bitter and utterly delicious. Ready to learn how to make this amazing stir-fry? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Frying pan
- Bowl
Ingredients
- Bitter gourd (seeds removed and grated/thinly sliced): 500g
- Chicken or duck eggs: 3
- Garlic: 6 bunches
- Green onions: 30g
- MSG: 1/3 teaspoon
- Seasoning powder: 1/3 teaspoon
- Ground pepper: 1/3 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Cooking oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Egg Mixture
- Crack eggs into a bowl. Add MSG, seasoning powder, and ground pepper. Whisk well.
- Chop green onions and garlic.
Step 2. Stir-fry Bitter Melon and Season
- Heat cooking oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and fry until golden brown.
- Add grated/sliced bitter melon and stir-fry until bright green and slightly clear.
- Reduce heat to low. Add sugar, MSG, salt, and ground pepper. Stir-fry until spices are well mixed and eggs are slightly dry.
Step 3. Add and Cook Eggs
- Add the egg mixture and stir-fry until eggs are cooked and evenly distributed.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Add green onions and stir-fry until heated through.
- Turn off the heat. Serve and garnish with ground pepper (optional).
Read more: Crispy Tofu with Onions: A Delicious Vietnamese Beer Snack
Tips
- Use enough oil to prevent burning and dryness.
- Stir-fry garlic on medium heat to prevent burning.
- Use a non-stick pan to prevent eggs from sticking.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. How can I reduce the bitterness of bitter melon?
Salt the sliced melon for 15-20 minutes to draw out moisture and bitterness. Rinse thoroughly before stir-frying.
2. What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
Feel free to add other vegetables like onions, garlic, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
3. Can I use a different type of egg?
Yes, you can substitute chicken eggs with duck eggs or quail eggs, although cooking time might need slight adjustment.
This Non-Bitter Stir-Fried Bitter Melon with Eggs recipe is a testament to how simple techniques can transform a challenging ingredient into a delicious and healthy dish. Enjoy this flavorful and nutritious stir-fry as a side or main course, knowing you've created a family-friendly meal that's both satisfying and good for you. We hope you enjoy this recipe and encourage you to share your culinary creations with us!