Bitter Melon Stir-Fry with Garlic and Shiitake

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional stir-fry where blanched bitter melon balances with savory garlic and mushrooms for a nuanced flavor. This asian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs bitter melon, shiitake mushrooms, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 2 medium bitter melon in half lengthwise, remove seeds and white membrane, then slice into 1/4-inch thick half-moons.
  2. Step 2: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add bitter melon, and blanch 3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. Step 3: Slice 4 oz shiitake mushrooms thinly. Mince 3 cloves garlic and measure 1 tbsp minced ginger.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat. Add blanched bitter melon and stir-fry 2 minutes until slightly softened.
  5. Step 5: Add minced garlic, minced ginger, and 4 oz sliced shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry 3 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bitter Melon Stir-Fry with Garlic and Shiitake take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bitter Melon Stir-Fry with Garlic and Shiitake?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bitter melon from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bitter Melon Stir-Fry with Garlic and Shiitake?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bitter Melon Stir-Fry with Garlic and Shiitake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Bitter Melon Stir-Fry with Garlic and Shiitake vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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