Delicious Bitter Melon Braised in Coconut Water for Family Meals

Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd, is a familiar ingredient in daily Vietnamese meals. With its distinctive flavor and numerous health benefits, this dish of bitter melon braised in coconut water is sure to be a great addition to your family’s dinner table. Let’s explore how to prepare this dish right away!

Bitter Melon Braised in Coconut Water Dish

Ingredients for Bitter Melon Braised in Coconut Water

• Bitter melon: 300g (about 2-3 pieces)
• Pork belly: 200g
• Fresh coconut water: 300ml
• Shallots: 2 bulbs
• Garlic: 2 cloves
• Chili: 1 piece
• Seasonings: Fish sauce, sugar, seasoning powder, ground pepper
• Cooking oil

How to Choose Fresh Ingredients

Choosing Bitter Melon

• Choose bitter melons that are medium-sized and have a vibrant green color.
• Avoid those that are too ripe (yellow), soft, or have bruises.

Choosing Pork Belly

• Select a piece with a balanced fat-to-lean ratio (about 70% lean, 30% fat).
• The meat should be a fresh pink color and free from any unusual odors.

Ingredients to Prepare

Steps to Follow

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Wash the bitter melon, trim the ends, cut it in half, and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
• Slice the bitter melon into pieces about 1-1.5cm thick.
• Rinse the pork belly and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
• Finely chop the shallots and garlic. Slice the chili.

Step 2: Marinate the Meat

• Marinate the pork with 1 teaspoon of seasoning powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper, and 1 teaspoon of fish sauce for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Sauté the Meat

• Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, add the chopped shallots and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
• Add the pork and stir-fry until it turns color.

Step 4: Braise the Bitter Melon

• Pour the fresh coconut water into the pot with the pork and bring to a boil.
• Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of fish sauce.
• Once boiling, add the bitter melon and simmer on medium heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Finish

• When the bitter melon is tender and the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat.
• Sprinkle with ground pepper and sliced chili on top.

Finished Bitter Melon Braised in Coconut Water

Tips & Notes

• To reduce the bitterness of the melon, soak the sliced pieces in diluted saltwater for about 10 minutes.
• Do not braise for too long to keep the melon crisp.
• You can add a bit of MSG if desired.

The dish of bitter melon braised in coconut water, with its rich flavor and the creamy taste of coconut water combined with the mild bitterness of the melon, is sure to delight your family. Try this recipe and share your results!

Edited by Nguyen Ngoc Phuong Trinh • Updated 10/03/2024