Bitter melon has a bitter flavor, as its name suggests. This unusual fruit can be used in a variety of dishes. Depending on the preparation method, the texture might be either crunchy or soft. Garlic, chili flakes, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, and sesame oil sauce are used to create a flavor base in this straightforward stir-fry recipe. To counter the bitterness, add a little sugar.
Additions of proteins like dried shrimp or pig are common additions to bitter melon stir-fries in a variety of other forms. The seeds and fibrous interior must first be carefully removed, along with the outer coating. From there, getting ready is quite simple. Even while you can eat it raw, it’s recommended to prepare it to help smooth out the sour and bitter qualities. It will still be quite bitter, though. The melon’s outside is covered in bumps that resemble warts, and its inside is like that of other melons with a center cluster of frothy seeds.
What is Bitter Melon?
The names Pavakkai, bitter squash, and bitter gourd, are also used to refer to bitter melon. They are actually a fruit with seeds inside that resemble a cucumber. Its name comes from the bitter flavor it bears. Momordica charantia, also known as bitter melon, bitter apple, bitter gourd, bitter squash, balsam-pear, and many other names, is a tropical and subtropical vine in the family Cucurbitaceae that is widely cultivated in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean for its edible fruit.
The fruit’s form and bitterness vary greatly among its numerous kinds. The dry-season primary meal of the hunter-gatherer Kung people, bitter melon originated in Africa. In prehistory, wild or partially domesticated varieties were found all over Asia, and Southeast Asia is likely where it was fully domesticated. South, East, and Southeast Asian cuisines all frequently use it.
How to Make Bitter Melon with Beef?
One of the most popular Chinese bitter melon dishes is beef with bitter melon, which is stir-fried with black bean sauce and served with hot steamed rice. We frequently have this bitter gourd curry for dinner because it is filling and quite easy to prepare. a sour, fiery, and spicy recipe for bitter gourd.
This dish has the strongest melon flavor of any on this list. It’s a delicious, saucy dish that proudly displays its distinctive flavor. Then on to this recipe, which is more suited to individuals who actually enjoy the fruit’s sharp flavor.
Ingredients:
You’ll Require
- 1 beef pound
- 2 medium bitter melons
- salt
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon oil
- six cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
- 2 teaspoons of black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of wine from Shaoxing
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- 1tablespoon of dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Light soy sauce
- 1-half teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/ 8 teaspoon of white pepper
- 2 teaspoons of water ( or chicken stock, optional)
To Marinate the Beef:
- 3/4 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon of Baking soda
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 tsp. of wine from Shaoxing
- 2-tablespoons of light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Water
Instructions:
- Mix the marinade ingredients first with the cut beef (cornstarch, baking soda, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, and water). For 20 minutes, marinate the beef.
- The seeds of the bitter melon should be removed using a spoon after each melon has been cut in half lengthwise. The bitterness is brought on by the white bits, so remove them completely with a scraper. The melon should then be thinly sliced at a 45-degree slant.
- An ice bath should be prepared and left aside. Salt and baking soda, equal parts each, are added to a saucepan of boiling water. After one minute of blanching, transfer the bitter melon to the ice bath right away with a slotted spoon. Set aside after draining.
- Heat the wok to a high temperature. For around 45 seconds, add 1 tablespoon of oil and sear the steak. Take out of the wok and place aside.
- Over medium heat, add one more tablespoon of oil to the wok. Black beans and garlic are cooked for one minute. The recipe needs a wok-hay flavor, so turn the heat up to high, add the bitter melon, and stir-fry it briefly.
- Shaoxing wine, sugar, dark and light soy sauces, sesame oil, and white pepper can now be added. Everything should be thoroughly mixed and stirred. Add the meat and chicken stock at this point (if you prefer more sauce), stir-fry, and season with salt to taste.
- I prefer to cover the pan and continue cooking the food for an additional minute at this stage. Not the prettiest meal in your repertoire, but cooking the bitter melon until it is tender certainly improves flavor and lessens the bitterness of the fruit.
How can you Remove the Bitterness from a Bitter Melon?
Even if you can’t totally get rid of the bitterness in bitter melon, try to find older varieties, which are usually lighter in color and have red seeds within. Make sure to get rid of all of the white pith while removing the seeds from the bitter melon. The cut bitter melon can then be salted, like in this recipe, and let sit before being used. The excess moisture can be gently squeezed out before usage.
Another method to lessen the bitterness is to parboil sliced bitter melon pieces for 2 to 3 minutes in salted boiling water, followed by a shock in ice water. Blot the pieces dry and continue with the recipe using them.
Despite the bitterness of bitter gourd being well known, there are ways to somewhat lessen it. Add some salt to the big bowl with the chopped bitter gourd rings. Mix them thoroughly until all of the chopped pieces are thoroughly covered in salt.
Place them aside and give them some time to rest; during this period, you’ll also notice the water that the bitter melon is emitting. Squeeze a small amount of chopped bitter gourd in your palm. Water and some of the bitter gourd’s bitterness are released together. The amount of water spilled is visible in the shot below. Once you’ve squeezed all of the bitter gourd rings, place them in another bowl and repeat the process.
Is Bitter Melon Healthy for You?
Bitter melon is a fantastic summertime food because, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, it has “cooling” characteristics. It is thought to help digestion, increase circulation, and lessen abdominal heat and inflammation. According to some studies on bitter melon, it is moreover highly healthy for you. It contains a lot of polyphenols, and vitamins A, and C. It is reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities and aid in the prevention of diabetes and cancer. A good source of nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, folate, and vitamin A is bitter melon.
Hemoglobin A1c and fructosamine levels are two indicators of long-term blood sugar control that have been proven to be improved by bitter melon. Even still, additional reputable research is required. According to tests conducted in test tubes, bitter melon may possess cancer-preventing abilities and may be useful in the treatment of breast, colon, lung, stomach, and other cancer cells. It may lower cholesterol levels, supporting heart health, if the bitter melon extract is used.
But there hasn’t been enough human study to back up these results. Despite having a lot of fiber, bitter melon is low in calories. A bitter melon extract may also aid in reducing body weight and abdominal fat, according to tests conducted on both humans and animals.
Can you Lose Weight by Eating Bitter Melon?
Bitter melon can promote a faster rate of fat metabolism in your body when consumed regularly. Compounds in bitter melon aid in the release of bile acids. Additionally, bitter gourd contains extremely few calories. It is therefore fantastic for anyone trying to lose weight. Blood sugar levels can be managed with the use of a glass of bitter gourd juice. In order to regulate weight, it stabilizes blood sugar levels.
In turn, this inhibits the body from storing sugar as fat. Bitter gourd juice stimulates insulin. The weight loss process is ultimately aided by all of this. For people trying to reduce weight, this green vegetable is a fantastic option because it has a very low-calorie content. Fat and carbs are in little proportions in it. Your stomach will feel full after drinking a glass of bitter gourd juice, which keeps you from consuming extra calories.
There are only 34 calories in 100 grams of bitter gourd. It offers a wide range of health advantages, especially for reducing body weight, regulating blood sugar, and reducing insulin resistance. A common ingredient in herbal weight loss solutions is bitter melon.
Can I Regularly Eat Bitter Melon?
Bitter melon, when occasionally eaten as a fruit or vegetable, can be a beneficial addition to your diet. Making linkages between the many bitter melon varieties and the treatment of medical diseases requires more study. The strong antioxidant content of Bitter melon makes it effective in treating a variety of blood-related issues.
Skin, hair, and cancer issues are improved with regular bitter gourd consumption. Blood circulation is also aided by it. Most people can probably safely consume bitter melon for no longer than three months. The safety of using it for longer periods of time is unknown to doctors.
Additionally, they are unsure about its safety when applied to the skin. Headache, diarrhea, and upset stomach are a few of the negative effects of bitter melon. Adults have used bitter melon most frequently, taking 0.5–12 grams orally daily for up to 16 weeks. Find out what dosage would be ideal for a particular disease by speaking with a healthcare professional.
The easiest way to get the most out of bitter gourd juice benefits is to take it twice a week if you’re using it as a therapy for any illness. For optimal diabetes management, diabetics are advised to consume at least 30 to 50 ml of bitter gourd juice every day.
Conclusion
The bitter melon family of tropical vegetables is grown in the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa. It is regarded as having a number of health advantages and is renowned for its bitter flavor. A common Taiwanese meal is beef with bitter melon. Bitter melon has a bitter flavor and is occasionally contrasted with the flavor of an artichoke. Minerals and vitamins are abundant in them.
The most typical method of cooking melon is usually stir-frying; nevertheless, it is crucial to clean and cut the melon properly first. With a little planning and a wok, you can quickly and easily cook this odd fruit in a variety of ways, whether you choose a straightforward stir-fry with the melon, a Thai taste that combines it with eggs, or a dish that combines the melon with onion. There is nothing mild about bitter melon, despite the fact that the majority of the squash or melon we consume has a light and sweet flavor.
