Choose the right bitter gourd
Bitter gourds come in a wide variety of varieties with varying degrees of bitterness. Generally speaking, smaller bitter melons with dark green skin color have a heavier bitter taste, while larger bitter melons with greenish skin color have a lighter bitter taste. When choosing, you can select according to your taste and cooking needs.
Cleverly removing bitterness
Removing the bitterness of bitter melon is a key step in cooking. The easiest way is to soak it in salt water. Slice the bitter melon and soak it in salt water with a concentration of 3% to 5% for 15 to 20 minutes. The salt will penetrate the inside of the bitter melon and draw out the bitter substances in it. After soaking, rinse it thoroughly with water and then drain it to remove the bitter flavor effectively.
In addition to soaking in salt water, you can also use flour to remove the bitter flavor. After slicing the bitter melon, add an appropriate amount of flour and mix well. The flour will adsorb the bitter substances in the bitter melon. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse it off with water.
Steamed Bitter Gourd
Steamed Bitter Gourd is a simple and tasty home-cooked dish. Pour a little oil into the pan, add minced garlic and chili peppers to burst incense. Add bitter melon slices and stir-fry until the bitter melon becomes soft. Add salt, chicken essence and other seasonings, then stir-fry evenly to remove from the pan. Stir-frying bitter melon retains the fragrance and nutrition of bitter melon, and is a low-fat and healthy dish.
Cold Bitter Melon
Cold Bitter Melon is appetizing and refreshing, and is a must-have cold dish in the hot summer. Slice the bitter melon, soak it in salt water and drain it. Add minced garlic, cilantro, millet pepper and other ingredients, then drizzle soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil and other seasonings, mix well. Cold bitter melon is sweet and sour, which removes the bitter flavor of bitter melon and retains its fresh aroma.
Bitter Melon Soup
Bitter Melon Soup is a health soup that clears heat and removes fire. Slice the bitter melon and put it into a pot with water to boil. Add ribs, tofu, mushrooms and other ingredients, boil over high heat and then turn to low heat to simmer. Simmer until the ribs are soft and the bitter melon is flavorful. Bitter melon soup bitter taste is light, the soup is sweet, has the effect of clearing heat and detoxification, spleen and stomach.
Bitter Melon Stuffed Meat
Bitter Melon Stuffed Meat is a classic Hakka dish. Split the bitter melon in half and remove the flesh. Mix the ingredients such as pork stuffing, minced mushrooms and shrimp well and fill the bitter melon. Put it into a steamer and steam it. Bitter Melon Stuffed Pork is fresh and flavorful, with a perfect blend of the fresh aroma of bitter melon and the freshness of pork.
Warm tips
Bitter melon is rich in vitamin C, should not be cooked for a long time at high temperatures to avoid vitamin loss.
Bitter melon is cold, and should not be eaten by people with a cold spleen and stomach.
Bitter melon contains * acid, it is recommended to eat with calcium-rich foods to promote calcium absorption.
Dear friends, after mastering these tips, you will surely be able to make bitter gourd dishes that are not bitter but delicious, making you fall in love with this unique ingredient. Go ahead and give it a try and make bitter gourd a delicious sight on your table!