Bitter Melon Stir-Fry with Shrimp and Garlic

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

A traditional dish that tames bitter melon's intensity with shrimp and garlic, creating a savory, complex main course. This chinese-inspired asian ready in about 23 minutes pairs Bitter melon, Shrimp, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 8 min Serves 2 Chinese cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 2 medium bitter melon lengthwise, remove seeds, and cut into 1/4-inch strips; heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat, then stir-fry the bitter melon for 3 minutes until slightly softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 8 oz peeled and deveined shrimp, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced ginger; stir-fry for 2 minutes until shrimp turn pink.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt; cook for 1 more minute until shrimp are cooked through and flavors are combined.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 23 minutes (15 min prep + 8 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 Shrimp and Garlic?

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 Shrimp and Garlic?

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 Shrimp and Garlic 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 Shrimp and Garlic?

Chinese 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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