Kale and Radicchio Stir-Fry with Garlic and Bitter Melon

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

A quick stir-fry blending the bitterness of kale, radicchio, and bitter melon with aromatic garlic and soy for a savory vegetable dish. This asian fusion-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs bitter melon, sliced thin, kale leaves, chopped, radicchio, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 110 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 "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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup thinly sliced bitter melon and stir-fry for 3 minutes until it softens slightly but retains some bite.
  3. Step 3: Toss in 2 cups chopped kale and 1 cup chopped radicchio, stir-frying for 4-5 minutes until greens are wilted but still vibrant.
  4. Step 4: Season with 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then drizzle 1 tbsp sesame oil over the vegetables and toss to combine.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately as a bold-flavored side dish with a pleasant bitter edge.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Kale and Radicchio Stir-Fry with Garlic and Bitter Melon?

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, sliced thin from drying out.

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

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 Kale and Radicchio Stir-Fry with Garlic and Bitter Melon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Kale and Radicchio Stir-Fry with Garlic and Bitter Melon 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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