If you want to dissolve the bitter taste of bitter gourd, you must first treat it properly. Cut bitter gourd lengthwise, scoop out the pulp and seeds with a spoon, and then cut into thin slices or strips. Sliced or striped bitter gourd can effectively increase its surface area and facilitate subsequent debittering.
The key step to remove bitterness is blanching. Blanch the chopped bitter gourd in boiling water for about 1 min, take it out and drain. This step can remove most of the bitter substances in bitter gourd, while maintaining its crisp taste. The blanching time should not be too long, otherwise the bitter gourd will become soft, rotten and lose its taste.
Blanched bitter gourd can be cooked according to personal preference. Stir-frying is a simple way to keep the original flavor of bitter gourd. Pour oil in a hot pan, saute minced garlic or shredded ginger, add bitter gourd and stir-fry until it changes color, and add appropriate amount of salt and chicken essence to taste. Other side dishes, such as carrots, colored peppers and onions, can also be added to enrich the taste and nutrition.
Cold bitter gourd is also a delicious appetizer. Shred the blanched bitter gourd, add minced garlic, coriander, pepper and other seasonings, and pour sauce, balsamic vinegar, sesame oil and other sauces and mix well. Crispy shredded bitter gourd with sweet and sour appetizing sauce makes people have an appetite.
Bitter melon soup is also a practice worth trying. Put the blanched bitter gourd, ribs, corn, carrots and other ingredients into the pot, and stew with water until the soup is rich. The bitter taste of bitter gourd and the sweet taste of ribs complement each other and form a unique flavor.
It should be noted that bitter gourd is cold, and those with deficiency of spleen and stomach should not eat more. When cooking, you can add a proper amount of ginger or red dates to neutralize its coldness. The content of vitamin C in bitter gourd is high, so it should be eaten as soon as possible after blanching to avoid the loss of vitamin C.
Bitter gourd is a kind of vegetable with rich nutrition, clearing away heat and toxic materials. As long as you master the correct cooking skills, you can get rid of its bitterness and show its delicacy to the fullest. Whether it is cooking, cold salad or stew, it can satisfy different taste buds and add health and delicacy to your table.