Crispy and Healthy Bitter Melon Stir-Fry (Yeoju Bokkeum)
How to Make a Delicious Bitter Melon Stir-Fry with Reduced Bitterness
Enjoy this nutritious and delightfully crisp bitter melon stir-fry. We’ll show you how to make it even more satisfying by adding flavorful imitation crab and fluffy scrambled eggs.
Main Ingredients- 1 fresh bitter melon (approx. 150g)
- 30g onion
- 2 sticks imitation crab meat
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cloves garlic
- A little canola oil (for stir-frying)
Seasoning- A little sesame oil
- A pinch of salt
- A sprinkle of sesame seeds
- A little sesame oil
- A pinch of salt
- A sprinkle of sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the fresh bitter melon thoroughly, then cut it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully scrape out the seeds and the spongy interior.
Step 2
Slice the prepared bitter melon thinly. To effectively reduce its bitterness, dissolve a pinch of salt in boiling water, add the sliced bitter melon, and let it soak in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This process helps to mellow out the bitterness while retaining its delightful crispiness.
Step 3
Tip: There are a few ways to remove the bitterness from bitter melon. You can soak it in cold water, or briefly blanch it in boiling water and then rinse it under cold water. However, soaking it in slightly salty water is a simple and effective method.
Step 4
Thinly slice the aromatic garlic cloves. Garlic will add a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.
Step 5
Peel the onion, wash it, and slice it into thin strips, similar in thickness to the bitter melon.
Step 6
Crack the two fresh eggs into a bowl. Add a pinch of salt and whisk them well to create a smooth egg mixture. This will help season the dish and create soft scrambled eggs later.
Step 7
Gently tear or cut the imitation crab meat into bite-sized pieces, about 4cm long. This size is perfect for everyone to enjoy.
Step 8
Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add a generous amount of canola oil. Add the sliced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This step infuses the oil with a lovely garlic aroma.
Step 9
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the prepared bitter melon and sliced onion to the pan. Stir-fry over medium-high heat to maintain a crisp texture. Taste as you cook and season with salt as needed.
Step 10
When the onion starts to turn translucent, add the imitation crab meat and stir-fry briefly, just enough to combine. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the crab meat.
Step 11
Push the stir-fried ingredients to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten egg mixture into the empty space and scramble it. Stir the eggs with chopsticks until they form soft curds before they are fully cooked.
Step 12
Gently mix the scrambled eggs with the bitter melon, onion, and imitation crab meat. Stir-fry lightly just to combine everything evenly. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the ingredients mushy.
Step 13
Finally, drizzle a little sesame oil for added flavor and aroma, and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a nutty finish. Your delicious bitter melon stir-fry is now complete! It makes a wonderful side dish for rice or a healthy snack.
