Simmered Bitter Melon and Pork Stir-Fry with Garlic and Soy

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

A traditional Asian stir-fry that balances the distinct bitterness of melon with savory pork, garlic, and soy, creating a flavorful and nutritious dish. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs Bitter melon, Ground pork, Garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 8 oz ground pork, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 medium sliced bitter melon, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice wine, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bitter melon is tender but still slightly crisp.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, then stir in 2 sliced green onions. Cook for another minute before serving hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Bitter Melon and Pork Stir-Fry with Garlic and Soy take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Simmered Bitter Melon and Pork Stir-Fry with Garlic and Soy?

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 Simmered Bitter Melon and Pork Stir-Fry with Garlic and Soy?

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 Simmered Bitter Melon and Pork Stir-Fry with Garlic and Soy 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.

What goes well with Simmered Bitter Melon and Pork Stir-Fry with Garlic and Soy?

Asian pork 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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