Delicious and Nutritious Coconut Milk Braised Bitter Melon Recipe

Bitter melon, despite its characteristic bitterness, is a rich source of nutrients beneficial for health. The bitter taste of bitter melon combined with the sweet and creamy flavor of coconut milk creates a unique and appealing dish. This article will guide you through making a delicious and nutritious coconut milk braised bitter melon dish that your whole family will love.

Ingredients for Coconut Milk Braised Bitter Melon

Preparing the Ingredients

• Bitter melon: 2 fruits
• Fresh coconut milk: 300ml
• Shallots: 2 bulbs
• Garlic: 3 cloves
• Chili: 1-2 fruits (depending on taste)
• Green onions: 2 stalks
• Seasonings: Cooking oil, fish sauce, salt, sugar, seasoning powder, pepper.

Ingredients for the Bitter Melon Dish

Steps to Follow

Preparing the Ingredients

• Wash the bitter melon, cut it in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and slice diagonally or into bite-sized pieces. Soak the bitter melon in diluted salt water for about 10-15 minutes to reduce bitterness. Drain, rinse with clean water, and let it dry.
• Peel and finely chop the shallots and garlic.
• Remove the stems from the chili and finely chop it.
• Wash and finely chop the green onions.

Preparing Bitter Melon

Braising Bitter Melon with Coconut Milk

• Sauté the chopped shallots and garlic in 1 tablespoon of cooking oil until fragrant. Add the bitter melon and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until it firms up.

Stir-Frying Bitter Melon

• Pour the fresh coconut milk into the pot, season with 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning powder. Stir well and bring to a boil over high heat.
• Once the coconut milk boils, reduce to a low simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes until the bitter melon is tender and absorbs the flavors. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
• Add the chopped chili and green onions, stir well, and turn off the heat.

Braising Bitter Melon with Coconut Milk

Final Product

The coconut milk braised bitter melon dish is visually appealing, with a mild bitterness from the bitter melon blending perfectly with the sweet and creamy coconut milk, creating a unique and unforgettable flavor. The tender, flavorful bitter melon goes great with hot rice.

Finished Coconut Milk Braised Bitter Melon

Tips for an Even Better Coconut Milk Braised Bitter Melon

• Choose fresh bitter melon with bright green color, evenly spread thorns, and a firm feel.
• You can blanch the bitter melon in boiling water before braising to reduce bitterness.
• Add a pinch of ground pepper when turning off the heat for added flavor.
• Using fresh coconut milk will give the dish a naturally sweet and refreshing taste.

Benefits of Bitter Melon

Bitter melon contains many vitamins and minerals beneficial for health, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, calcium, etc. It helps in cooling the body, detoxifying, aiding digestion, and is good for people with diabetes and heart conditions.

Conclusion

The recipe for coconut milk braised bitter melon is simple, easy to follow, and uses readily available ingredients. It’s a delicious and nutritious dish perfect for family meals. Give it a try and showcase your culinary skills today!