Bitter melon, or khổ qua in Vietnamese, is a unique vegetable known for its bitter taste. While some people enjoy this distinctive flavor, others find it unpalatable. So, how can you cook bitter melon without the bitterness?
Fresh bitter melon with chà bông (pork floss) and mắm ruốc (fermented shrimp paste) dip—a refreshing bitter-cold sensation on the palate.
Bitter melon is incredibly versatile and can be prepared in numerous ways. It can be stir-fried, boiled in soups with shrimp, clams, beef, or pork, or enjoyed as a simple, rustic dish. One easy way to prepare bitter melon is to slice it thinly, sandwiching it with herbs and chà bông, or dipping it in mắm ruốc.
Canh Khổ Qua Nhồi Thịt (bitter melon stuffed with meat) is a labor-intensive dish commonly served during ancestral worship ceremonies, holidays, and when hosting guests.
To successfully cook with bitter melon and minimize its bitterness, keep in mind the following three tips:
1. Choosing the Right Bitter Melon: Freshness and Variety Matter
Bitter melon varieties: There are three main types of bitter melon commonly found in Vietnam:
Bitter melon from the forest (khổ qua rừng): Grown mainly in mountainous regions, these melons are about the size of a thumb or big toe, short, slightly round, and covered in thick, sharp spines. They are a deep green color and have an intensely bitter taste, often used for medicinal purposes.
Common bitter melon (khổ qua thường): This variety has larger, more open spines, and a brighter, lighter green color. It is the least bitter of the three types, and the larger the spines, the less bitter the melon tends to be.
Garden bitter melon (khổ qua đèo): Grown in home gardens, these melons have a thick, rough skin with dense spines. They are a deep, dark color and have a bitterness comparable to forest bitter melon.
Garden bitter melon is characteristic of central Vietnam. If you visit this region, you may be treated to a meal featuring canh khổ qua đèo nhồi thịt—a clear soup made with garden bitter melon stuffed with meat.
2. Properly Prepare Bitter Melon: Beyond Just Removing the Seeds
The white pith and seeds of the bitter melon are the most bitter parts. When removing the seeds, be sure to scrape out all the white pith closest to the flesh to reduce bitterness significantly.
Depending on the dish, bitter melon can be left whole or sliced thinly. Soaking the melon in salted water for 20-30 minutes helps reduce bitterness and rinses away any residual bitterness from the melon. Be sure to rinse the melon several times to remove excess salt.
If you want to eliminate any trace of bitterness, you can also try blanching the melon. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the melon, cooking it for 2-3 minutes. Keep in mind that this method will reduce the vitamin and nutrient content of the melon and significantly alter its flavor and bitterness.
3. The Right Seasoning Makes a Difference: Salt First, Then Enhance
According to the Flavor Star principle, salt enhances sweetness and reduces bitterness. Therefore, adding a pinch of salt to boiling water before cooking bitter melon will help reduce its bitterness. While seasonings like MSG, seasoning powder, or fish sauce can enhance the flavor, they won’t reduce the bitterness.
To further minimize bitterness, avoid making bitter melon the star of the dish. Instead, combine it with other ingredients like eggs, minced meat, shrimp, tofu, or cá thác lác (clown knifefish). This will create a harmonious blend of flavors that balances out the bitterness.
Lẩu Cá Thác Lác Khổ Qua (Clown Knifefish and Bitter Melon Hot Pot)—a unique and tasty dish for cold days.
Bitter melon stir-fried with beef—a hearty dish for dinner.
Gỏi Khổ Qua Tôm Thịt (Bitter Melon, Shrimp, and Pork Salad)—a delightful mix of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors, with a touch of soft, fatty pork.
Beyond its culinary uses, bitter melon is also valued for its medicinal properties:
– It helps detoxify the liver, especially for those with unhealthy eating habits, such as a preference for fast food or processed foods, or those who stay up late and consume excessive amounts of alcohol.
– It stabilizes blood sugar levels, boosts immunity, and is beneficial for those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or weight management concerns.
– While bitter melon has excellent medicinal properties, those with digestive issues, diarrhea, or low blood sugar should consume it in moderation or according to a doctor’s advice.
Source: Pháp Luật và Bạn Đọc (Law and Readers)
Finding the Highest Nutritional Value in Bitter Melon
Are you looking for tips on how to select the best quality bitter gourd? Learn how to take advantage of the many health benefits of this flavorful vegetable by choosing the freshest and tastiest option available!
Six Forbidden Dishes for Chinese New Year’s Eve Dinner
Traditions and customs passed down from generation to generation are an integral part of a nation’s culture, where the hopes for a warm, abundant, and beautiful life are embedded.
10 Simple Tips to Reduce the Bitterness of Suffering
Bitter gourd is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, offering numerous health benefits. Its abundance makes it a great addition to a healthy diet.
5 Best Pesticide-Free Vegetables to Buy at the Market: Don’t Hesitate to Spend Money on These When Shopping
Don’t ever overlook these types of vegetables that are less sprayed with pesticides for your health.
Bitter and Prickly Fruit with Detoxifying and Beauty Benefits
This particular fruit is high in nutrients. Regular consumption helps detoxify, cool the body, and is particularly beneficial for the skin and figure.
