Bitter Melon Stir-Fry with Garlic and Fermented Black Beans

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-05 · Updated 2026-07-05

A vibrant stir-fry featuring crisp bitter melon balanced by pungent garlic and savory fermented black beans for an umami-packed vegetable dish. This Chinese vegetarian recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs bitter melon, vegetable oil, and garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Build a week of meals around this recipe" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 medium (about 8 oz) bitter melon
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp rinsed and chopped fermented black beans
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 1/4 tsp (optional) red chili flakes
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut 1 medium bitter melon in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and slice into 1/4-inch thin half-moons. Soak in salted water (about 1 tsp salt in 2 cups water) for 15 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp chopped fermented black beans, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the drained bitter melon slices and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. Cook for another 1 minute.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat, drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the stir-fry, and toss in 2 sliced scallions before serving hot.