How to Cook Bitter Melon

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Bitter melon is a tropical vegetable that's grown in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. It's known for its bitter flavor and thought to have a variety of health benefits. You can find several different varieties of the vegetable, including Chinese bitter melon, which has smooth skin, and Indian bitter melon, which has spiky skin. Stir-frying the melon is usually the most common way to cook it, but it's important to prepare the melon by cleaning and cutting it properly first. Whether you prefer simple stir-fried bitter melon, a Thai flavor that mixes the melon with eggs, or bitter melon with onion and Indian spices, you can quickly and easily prepare this unusual fruit with a little preparation and a wok.

Ingredients

Simple Stir-Fried Bitter Melon

  • 2 to 3 bitter melons
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) peanut oil
  • 2 tablespoons (36 g) kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon (12 ½ g) sugar

Makes 4 servings

Stir-Fried Bitter Melon

  • 1 bitter melon
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) peanut oil
  • 1 to 3 tablespoons (15 to 45 ml) light soy sauce
  • Dash of ground white pepper

Makes 2 to 3 servings

Bitter Melon with Onion and Spices

  • 2 pounds (1 kg) bitter melon
  • 4 small onions, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon (2 g) fennel seeds
  • ½ teaspoon (1 ½ g) turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon (6 g) fennel seed powder
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon (12 ½ g) sugar

Makes 6 to 8 servings

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Preparing Bitter Melon for Cooking

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  1. Rinse the melon under running water at the sink. Use a produce brush to gently scrub the melon, and then rinse again. Pat the melon dry with a clean towel. [1]
  2. Use a sharp knife to trim the stalks off at either end. Next, slice the melon in half lengthwise to split it. [2]
    • If you like, you can also use your knife to scrape off the outer peel on the melons. The outer skin is edible, but scraping some of it off helps lessen its roughness.
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  3. When the melon is cut in half, use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and all of the white pith that forms the fibrous flesh inside. Discard the seeds and fibrous core. [3]
    • The seed and core are actually edible, so you can cook them along with the rest of the melon. However, the texture can be a little tough and chewy, and the pith is usually unpalatably bitter.
  4. Once you’ve removed the seeds, flip the halves of the melon over. Use your knife to cut the melon into slices width-wise. The slices should be approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. [4]
  5. Place the sliced melon in a large bowl, and cover it with cold water. Allow the melon to soak for 1 to 3 hours, changing the water every hour to remove as much of the bitterness as possible.
  6. Another way to tone down the bitterness in a bitter melon is to blanch it before using it in a recipe. Fill a large pot about halfway with water, and bring it to a boil over high heat on the stove. Add the sliced melon, and allow it to boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove it from the pot and drain it before dropping it in a bowl of ice water for 3 minutes. Drain the melon again, and use it in your favorite recipe.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Making Simple Stir-Fried Bitter Melon

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  1. Place a wok on the stove, and turn the heat up to high. Allow the wok to heat for about 5 minutes. [5]
    • If you don’t have a wok, substitute a wide pan with slanted sides.
  2. Drizzle 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of peanut oil into the hot wok. Let the oil heat for 1 to 2 minutes. [6]
    • You can substitute vegetable oil for the peanut oil if you prefer.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add 2 to 3 bitter melons that have been sliced to the wok. Allow the slices to cook briefly, stirring continuously. [7]
  4. When the melon has cooked for a few seconds, sprinkle 2 tablespoons (36 g) of kosher salt and 1 tablespoon (12 ½ g) of sugar over the slices. Allow the mixture to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring continuously. [8]
    • You can adjust the amount of salt and sugar based on your preference.
  5. When the melon is finished cooking, carefully pour the mixture onto a serving plate. Serve the stir-fried melon while it’s still warm. [9]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Stir-Frying Bitter Melon with Eggs

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  1. Add 2 eggs, 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 ml) of light soy sauce, and a dash of ground white pepper to a bowl. Beat the mixture with a spoon until all of the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. [10]
  2. Place a wok on the stove, and turn the heat up to high. Allow it to heat until the wok begins to smoke, which should take approximately 3 to 5 minutes. [11]
    • Any large skillet with slanted sides can be substituted for the wok.
  3. When the wok is hot, pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of peanut oil into it. Let the oil heat for 10 to 15 seconds. [12]
    • You can use vegetable oil in place of the peanut oil if you prefer.
  4. Once the oil is warmed, add 1 bitter melon that’s been cleaned and sliced to the wok. Let it sauté in the oil for a minute, stirring continuously. [13]
  5. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of light soy sauce over the melon. Stir the mixture well, and allow it to cook until the melon begins to soften, which should take approximately 1 to 2 minutes. [14]
    • Be sure to stir the melon continuously as it cooks.
  6. When the melon has softened, use a wooden spoon to spread it out in a single layer. Add the beaten egg mixture to the wok, pouring it evenly over the melon. Let the mixture cook for 30 seconds so the eggs have time to set. [15]
  7. When the eggs have set a bit, use a spatula to turn the mixture over. Let it cook on the other side until the eggs set and turn a light brown, which should take approximately 1 to 3 minutes. [16]
  8. When the eggs are finished cooking, pour the melon mixture into a dish or bowl. Eat the stir-fried melon and eggs while they’re still warm. [17]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Whipping Up Bitter Melon with Onion and Spices

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  1. Place a wok on the stove, and add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of vegetable oil to the wok. Allow the oil to heat on medium for 3 to 5 minutes. [18]
  2. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon (2 g) of fennel seeds into the wok. Stir fry the seeds briefly. [19]
  3. Add ½ teaspoon (1 ½ g) of turmeric powder to the wok, and stir it in well. Let the mixture cook for 30 seconds to allow the flavors mix. [20]
  4. Add 4 small, sliced onions and some salt to taste to the wok. Allow the mixture to cook until the onions turn brown and begin to caramelize. [21]
    • Be sure to stir the onions continuously as they cook.
  5. When the onions are caramelized, mix in 2 pounds (1 kg) of bitter melon that has been cleaned and sliced. You may want to add a little more salt to counter the bitterness of the melon. [22]
  6. Place the lid on the wok, and allow the mixture to cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the melon is softened. Be sure to stir the mixture periodically to ensure that it cooks evenly. [23]
  7. When the melon is cooked, add 1 tablespoon (6 g) of fennel seed powder, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of lime juice, and 1 tablespoon (12 ½ g) of sugar. Stir well to ensure that all of the ingredients are combined. [24]
    • You can substitute lemon juice for the lime if you prefer.
  8. When all of the ingredients are combined, let the melon cook until all of the flavors are combined. Give it a taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. [25]
  9. When the mixture is finished cooking, pour it into a serving dish. Enjoy the melon and onion dish while it’s still hot. [26]
    • The dish is often served with rice or roti.
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      Tips

      • When you’re choosing bitter melons at the store, opt for those with green skin instead of yellow, which are overripe. Darker green melons are more bitter than light green, though, so keep that in mind.
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      • Look for large warts on the melons’ exterior too, so you’ll know that the flesh is thicker.
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      Things You’ll Need

      • Produce brush
      • Kitchen towel
      • Sharp knife
      • Spoon
      • Wok
      • Wooden spoon
      • Spatula

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.travelchinaguide.com/tour/food/chinese-cooking/stir-fried-bittermelon.htm
      2. ↑ https://www.travelchinaguide.com/tour/food/chinese-cooking/stir-fried-bittermelon.htm
      3. ↑ https://www.travelchinaguide.com/tour/food/chinese-cooking/stir-fried-bittermelon.htm
      4. ↑ https://www.travelchinaguide.com/tour/food/chinese-cooking/stir-fried-bittermelon.htm
      5. ↑ https://www.travelchinaguide.com/tour/food/chinese-cooking/stir-fried-bittermelon.htm
      6. ↑ https://www.travelchinaguide.com/tour/food/chinese-cooking/stir-fried-bittermelon.htm
      7. ↑ https://www.travelchinaguide.com/tour/food/chinese-cooking/stir-fried-bittermelon.htm
      8. ↑ https://www.travelchinaguide.com/tour/food/chinese-cooking/stir-fried-bittermelon.htm
      9. ↑ https://www.travelchinaguide.com/tour/food/chinese-cooking/stir-fried-bittermelon.htm
      1. ↑ http://www.thaifoodandtravel.com/recipes/bitterm.html
      2. ↑ http://www.thaifoodandtravel.com/recipes/bitterm.html
      3. ↑ http://www.thaifoodandtravel.com/recipes/bitterm.html
      4. ↑ http://www.thaifoodandtravel.com/recipes/bitterm.html
      5. ↑ http://www.thaifoodandtravel.com/recipes/bitterm.html
      6. ↑ http://www.thaifoodandtravel.com/recipes/bitterm.html
      7. ↑ http://www.thaifoodandtravel.com/recipes/bitterm.html
      8. ↑ http://www.thaifoodandtravel.com/recipes/bitterm.html
      9. ↑ http://showmethecurry.com/subzis-vegetables/karela-bitter-gourd-onion-subzi.html
      10. ↑ http://showmethecurry.com/subzis-vegetables/karela-bitter-gourd-onion-subzi.html
      11. ↑ http://showmethecurry.com/subzis-vegetables/karela-bitter-gourd-onion-subzi.html
      12. ↑ http://showmethecurry.com/subzis-vegetables/karela-bitter-gourd-onion-subzi.html
      13. ↑ http://showmethecurry.com/subzis-vegetables/karela-bitter-gourd-onion-subzi.html
      14. ↑ http://showmethecurry.com/subzis-vegetables/karela-bitter-gourd-onion-subzi.html
      15. ↑ http://showmethecurry.com/subzis-vegetables/karela-bitter-gourd-onion-subzi.html
      16. ↑ http://showmethecurry.com/subzis-vegetables/karela-bitter-gourd-onion-subzi.html
      17. ↑ http://showmethecurry.com/subzis-vegetables/karela-bitter-gourd-onion-subzi.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To cook bitter melon, start by cutting the melon in half lengthwise and removing the seeds. Then, slice the melon into 1 inch thick slices and soak them in cold water for 1 to 3 hours to reduce the bitterness. Next, add 2 tablespoons of peanut oil to a hot wok or a large pan with slanted sides. After letting the oil heat for 2 minutes, add the melon and stir-fry for 5 seconds. Finally, add salt and sugar, and stir-fry for another 3 minutes. To learn how to cook stir-fried bitter melon with eggs, scroll down.

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      • Melonie Bitterice

        Apr 7, 2020

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