Tips for Selecting and Preparing Bitter Melon

Bitter snail is a specialty of Vietnam known for its delicious flavor and high nutritional value. However, not everyone knows how to choose fresh bitter snail or cook this unique dish. In this article, we will learn together how to select fresh bitter snail, how to cook delicious dishes, and important notes to ensure the dish remains fresh and safe.

1 What is bitter snail?

Bitter snail is a specialty seafood of Vietnam. It has a long shell resembling a horn and a bright brown color. Bitter snail is typically found in coastal waters, especially in the coastal areas of Central and Southern Vietnam.

Bitter snail is one of the specialty seafood of Vietnam

Bitter snail has a rich, delicious, crispy, and sweet flavor. It is commonly used in seafood dishes such as stir-fry, soup, steam, fry, grill, and salads. Additionally, bitter snail is also used as an ingredient in dishes like tube cake, soup cake, or bitter snail porridge.

Bitter snail is also a good source of nutrition. It is high in protein, calcium, and vitamins, which help strengthen bones and the nervous system. Furthermore, bitter snail has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in the body’s protection against diseases.

However, it is important to choose fresh bitter snail and ensure food safety when consuming it to avoid health risks.

2 Delicious dishes from bitter snail

Grilled bitter snail with butter and green onions

Grilled bitter snail with butter and green onions

The bitter snail is cleaned, marinated with necessary spices, and then grilled on charcoal until the meat is cooked and has a beautiful pink-yellow color. It is then placed on a plate and garnished.

The dish of grilled bitter snail with butter and green onions has a delicious, tender, firm, and nutritious flavor. The combination of butter and pork fat when grilled with bitter snail creates a distinctive and attractive taste.

Bitter snail stir-fried with tamarind

Bitter snail stir-fried with tamarind is a delicious, unique and popular dish

Bitter snail stir-fried with tamarind is a delicious, unique and popular dish. The snails are stir-fried with tamarind paste, purple onions, and other spices, creating a sweet and sour, refreshing, and flavorful taste. The dish is usually garnished with fried shallots to enhance the color and flavor.

Bitter snail soup

Bitter snail soup is a delicious and unique dish in Vietnamese cuisine

Bitter snail soup is a delicious and unique dish in Vietnamese cuisine. Bitter snails have a rich, firm, and sweet flavor. The soup is often garnished with Vietnamese mint or cilantro to enhance the aroma and appeal.

Steamed bitter snail with lemongrass and chili

Steamed bitter snail with lemongrass and chili is a dish with a distinctive and attractive flavor

Steamed bitter snail with lemongrass and chili is a dish with a distinctive and attractive flavor. It is made from fresh bitter snails, lemongrass, chili, garlic, onions, and necessary spices. The snails are cleaned and steamed with lemongrass, chili, garlic, onions, and spices. This dish has a spicy and delicious taste of lemongrass and chili combined with the sweet and salty flavor of bitter snail, creating an unforgettable experience.

Bitter snail porridge

Bitter snail porridge is very good for health

Bitter snail porridge is made from bitter snails and various spices. The snails are cooked in a pot with finely chopped purple onions and spices. The dish is cooked until the bitter snails are tender and the spices are evenly absorbed into each grain of rice.

The delicious aroma of shiitake mushrooms and purple onions also plays an important role in this dish. Bitter snail porridge is usually eaten with raw vegetables like lettuce and cucumber. This dish not only brings a special flavor but also provides health benefits, as it is high in protein and calcium, making it suitable for those on a diet or with diabetes.

Bitter snail fried with butter and garlic

Bitter snail fried with butter and garlic is a light dish, often served at parties

Bitter snail fried with butter and garlic is a light dish, often served at parties or family meals. The snails are boiled in spices until cooked, then drained and cooled. The dish has a distinct aroma of butter and garlic, combined with the delicious and crispy taste of bitter snail, creating a special flavor.

3 How to choose bitter snail

Bitter snail is a very popular food in Vietnam

• Select snails with beautiful shells that are not scratched, cracked, or broken.
• Choose snails that can be easily opened. If the shells are difficult to open or cannot be opened, they may no longer be fresh.
• The color of the shell should be bright and without any unpleasant odor. Opt for medium-sized snails to ensure freshness, avoiding those that are too small or too big.
• If buying frozen snails, choose tightly packaged ones that are not covered in frost and are not broken or cracked.

Bitter snail is a popular food in Vietnam with diverse culinary uses. Hopefully, this article provided useful information on selecting and cooking dishes using this seafood. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and relatives to explore and savor the distinctive flavor of bitter snail together!