How to Cook Bitter Melon

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

  1. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 1
    1
    Wash the bitter melon. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 2
    2
    Cut the melon in half. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 3
    3
    Remove the seeds. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 4
    4
    Place the halves face down and slice the melon thinly. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 5
    5
    Soak the melon in cold water for several hours to reduce the bitterness. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 6
    6
    Blanch the melon to tone down the bitterness. 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

  1. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 7
    1
    Heat a wok. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 8
    2
    Add the oil to the wok. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 9
    3
    Mix in the bitter melon slices and stir-fry for 5 seconds. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 10
    4
    Stir in the salt and sugar and stir-fry for another couple of minutes. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 11
    5
    Transfer the melon to a serving dish and enjoy. 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

  1. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 12
    1
    Combine the eggs, soy sauce, and pepper. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 13
    2
    Heat a wok. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 14
    3
    Add the oil and allow it to heat. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 15
    4
    Mix in the bitter melon and stir-fry for a minute. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 16
    5
    Sprinkle the melon with soy sauce and stir-fry for a couple of minutes. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 17
    6
    Spread out the melon in the wok and pour the egg over it. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 18
    7
    Flip the mixture over and cook on the other side. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 19
    8
    Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and serve. 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

  1. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 20
    1
    Heat the oil in a wok. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 21
    2
    Add the fennel seeds and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon (2 g) of fennel seeds into the wok. Stir fry the seeds briefly.[19]
  3. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 22
    3
    Mix in the turmeric powder. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 23
    4
    Stir in the onions and salt and cook the mixture for 10 to 12 minutes. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 24
    5
    Add the bitter melon. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 25
    6
    Cover the mixture and cook for at least 10 minutes. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 26
    7
    Mix in the fennel seed powder, lime juice, and sugar. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 27
    8
    Allow the mixture to cook for another 5 minutes. 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. Image titled Cook Bitter Melon Step 28
    9
    Transfer to a serving dish and serve. 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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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

wikiHow Staff
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 68,737 times.
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Co-authors: 5
Updated: June 6, 2021
Views: 68,737
Categories: Fruits and Vegetables
Article SummaryX

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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