Sautéed Bitter Melon Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili
This quick stir fry highlights the unique bitter flavor of fresh bitter melon, balanced by garlic and chili for a vibrant side dish. This asian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 17 minutes pairs bitter melon, vegetable oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 80 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.
Ingredients
- 300 g bitter melon
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1, sliced fresh red chili
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 300 g bitter melon in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, then slice into 1/4-inch thin half-moons. Rinse under cold water and drain.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 sliced fresh red chili, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add the sliced bitter melon to the wok and stir-fry for 3 minutes until it begins to soften and the edges turn slightly translucent.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp water. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the melon slices.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate. Serve hot as a side dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Bitter Melon Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 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 Sautéed Bitter Melon Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili?
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 Sautéed Bitter Melon Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili?
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 Sautéed Bitter Melon Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili 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.
Is Sautéed Bitter Melon Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili 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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