Stir-Fried Bitter Melon with Garlic and Soy Sauce

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

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Quick stir-fry of fresh bitter melon with garlic and soy sauce, balancing bitterness with savory umami flavors. This Asian-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 28 minutes, pairs Bitter melon, Garlic cloves, Soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 70 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: 20 min Cook: 8 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 70 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 1 medium bitter melon lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and slice into 1/4-inch thin half-moons. Rinse under cold water, then soak in salted water (1 tsp salt in 2 cups water) for 15 minutes to reduce bitterness; drain and pat dry.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained bitter melon slices and stir-fry for 3 minutes until edges start to soften.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 2 tbsp water; cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the melon.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle 1 tbsp sesame oil over the stir-fry, season with 1/4 tsp salt, toss to combine, and remove from heat immediately to preserve texture.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot as a side dish or with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Bitter Melon with Garlic and Soy Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 28 minutes (20 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 Stir-Fried Bitter Melon with Garlic and Soy Sauce?

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 Stir-Fried Bitter Melon with Garlic and Soy Sauce?

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 Stir-Fried Bitter Melon with Garlic and Soy Sauce 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 Stir-Fried Bitter Melon with Garlic and Soy Sauce 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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