Bitter Melon Stir-Fry with Garlic and Shrimp

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

A traditional Asian dish that transforms bitter melon's sharp edge into a savory, aromatic stir-fry with garlic and plump shrimp. This asian ready in about 30 minutes pairs bitter melon, salt, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 2, 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 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice bitter melon lengthwise, remove seeds, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick half-moons. Toss with 2 tablespoons salt in a bowl, let sit for 15 minutes to draw out bitterness, then rinse thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant and golden around the edges but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add sliced bitter melon and stir-fry for 4 minutes until slightly softened and edges are crisp. Add shrimp, soy sauce, sugar, and 1/4 cup water, then stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turns pink and is fully cooked through.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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 Shrimp?

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 Shrimp?

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 Shrimp for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

What goes well with Bitter Melon Stir-Fry with Garlic and Shrimp?

Asian asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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