Bitter Melon Salad (凉拌苦瓜 Liang Ban Ku Gua)
Do you dislike bitter melon? Try this recipe that reduces the bitterness somewhat. It's a good introduction to bitter melon.
- Prep time
- 35 min
- Cook time
- 5 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 medium sized bitter melon (~1/2 lb or 225g)
- 2 fresh chili peppers
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (use half the amount for table salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- 1
Thoroughly wash the bitter melon. Remove the two ends. Cut it in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon or huller. Then cut each bitter melon half into super thin slices (the thinner the better). Add 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt (or 1/4 teaspoon of table salt) to the sliced bitter melon, and mix well. Let sit for 20 to 30 minutes to marinate. This allows more bitter water to come out.
- 2
While waiting for the bitter melon to release liquid, prepare all the other ingredients. Peel and mince the garlic cloves. Chop the fresh chili peppers into thin strips or slices. When there are 5 minutes left for the marinating of the bitter melon, heat a pot of water in a small sauce pan.
- 3
When the bitter melon is done marinating, there should be plenty liquid in the bowl. Use the bitter melon to form a ball using both palms, squeezing out all the liquid from marinated bitter melon. Rinse a few times afterwards. If not pressed for time, squeeze water from the bitter melon one more time after rinsing. This should further reduce bitterness.
- 4
When the water boils, add all the sliced bitter melon and a few drops of vegetable oil. With the lid open, blanch for 1 minute. Take the bitter melon out immediately after 1 minute and rinse under cold water. Drain well.
- 5
Add the minced garlic, sliced fresh chili, 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt (or 1/8 teaspoon of table salt), 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and mix well. Transfer to a plate and enjoy!