Bitter melon, known for its distinctive bitter taste and rich nutritional value, is a common guest on summer dining tables.
Bitter melon salad is a refreshing, easy-to-make dish that is especially perfect for the hot summer months. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this tasty dish.
Ingredients:
1 to 2 bitter melons: Choose bitter melons with smooth, blemish-free skin, a vibrant green color, and firm texture. Bitter melon is known for its strong bitterness, but this very bitterness offers a variety of health benefits, such as cooling the body, nourishing the blood, improving energy, supporting kidney and spleen function, and promoting liver and eye health. It’s particularly suitable for consumption in the summer.
1 tablespoon salt: Added to the boiling water, the salt helps increase the boiling point and cooks the bitter melon faster, while also reducing some of its bitterness. A pinch of salt is also used later to season the dish.
1 tablespoon cooking oil: Adding oil to the boiling water helps the bitter melon retain its vibrant green color, making it more visually appealing, and can help preserve some of its nutritional value.
5 cloves of garlic, minced: Garlic has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, boosts the immune system, and its sharp flavor complements the bitterness of the melon, creating a unique taste combination.
3 dried chili peppers: Adjust according to your spice tolerance. The dried chilies add a spicy kick that enhances the flavor of the dish, making it more complex.
10g sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds bring a nutty aroma and crunchy texture to the salad, improving both the dish’s flavor and presentation.
5g chicken bouillon powder (optional): Chicken essence can be used to enhance the freshness and umami of the dish, but be careful not to overuse it, as it may overpower the bitter melon’s natural flavor.
15ml light soy sauce: A common seasoning for cold dishes, light soy sauce adds a savory depth to the bitter melon.
15ml Chinese black vinegar: The acidity of vinegar helps balance out the bitterness of the melon, making the dish more harmonious and refreshing. Vinegar also aids digestion.
10ml sesame oil: Known for its fragrant aroma, sesame oil adds a rich, savory flavor that enhances the overall taste of the salad.
Half an onion, thinly sliced: The sweet, crunchy texture of onion adds complexity to the dish, and its nutrients complement the health benefits of bitter melon.
Instructions:
- Prepare the bitter melon:
- Wash the bitter melon thoroughly, cut it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds and white membrane. These parts are where most of the bitterness comes from, so removing them will help reduce the intensity of the flavor.
- Slice the melon into 3-5mm thick pieces. Try to keep the thickness uniform so the pieces cook evenly and absorb the seasoning more effectively.
- Blanch the bitter melon:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add a tablespoon of salt and a tablespoon of cooking oil. Once the water is boiling, add the sliced bitter melon and blanch for about one minute.
- Be careful not to blanch the melon for too long, as it will lose its crispness and become too soft.
- Cool the melon:
- After blanching, immediately transfer the bitter melon to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This step is crucial as it helps preserve the melon’s crunch and keeps its bright green color.
- Let it sit in the ice water for 1-2 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
- Season the salad:
- Place the drained bitter melon in a large bowl. Add the minced garlic, dried chili pieces, and sesame seeds.
- Heat some oil until it’s hot and pour it over the garlic, chili, and sesame seeds. This will release their aromatic flavors.
- Add salt, chicken bouillon powder, light soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, and sesame oil to the bowl, followed by the onion slices.
- Toss and serve:
- Gently toss all the ingredients together using chopsticks or your hands (wear gloves if you prefer). Make sure the seasoning evenly coats the bitter melon without crushing the pieces.
- Once well-mixed, transfer to a serving dish and enjoy!
Features of Cold Bitter Melon Salad:
Crisp and Refreshing: The blanching and ice water bath help the bitter melon retain its crisp texture, making each bite satisfyingly crunchy. This refreshing quality is particularly pleasing during the hot summer months, as it helps stimulate appetite and provides a cool, refreshing sensation.
Nutrient-Rich: Bitter melon is packed with vitamins C, B1, B2, niacin, carotene, calcium, and iron, among others. Vitamin C boosts immunity, while bitter melon compounds aid digestion and appetite stimulation. The dietary fiber in bitter melon promotes bowel health, preventing constipation.
Simple to Make: The preparation of cold bitter melon salad is quick and easy, requiring no complicated cooking techniques or special equipment. It’s an excellent choice for a family-friendly dish that’s both delicious and healthy.
This cold bitter melon salad is a perfect addition to your summer menu. With its fresh, vibrant flavors and health benefits, it’s sure to be a hit at your next meal. Try making it at home and enjoy a simple, nutritious, and tasty summer treat!
Bitter Melon Salad Recipe: A Delicious Summer Refreshment
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 bitter melons
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 5 cloves of garlic minced
- 3 dried chili peppers
- 10 g sesame seeds
- 5 g chicken bouillon powder optional
- 15 ml light soy sauce
- 15 ml Chinese black vinegar
- 10 ml sesame oil
- Half an onion thinly sliced
Instructions
Prepare the bitter melon:
- Wash the bitter melon thoroughly, cut it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds and white membrane. These parts are where most of the bitterness comes from, so removing them will help reduce the intensity of the flavor.
- Slice the melon into 3-5mm thick pieces. Try to keep the thickness uniform so the pieces cook evenly and absorb the seasoning more effectively.
Blanch the bitter melon:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add a tablespoon of salt and a tablespoon of cooking oil. Once the water is boiling, add the sliced bitter melon and blanch for about one minute.
- Be careful not to blanch the melon for too long, as it will lose its crispness and become too soft.
Cool the melon:
- After blanching, immediately transfer the bitter melon to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This step is crucial as it helps preserve the melon’s crunch and keeps its bright green color.
- Let it sit in the ice water for 1-2 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
Season the salad:
- Place the drained bitter melon in a large bowl. Add the minced garlic, dried chili pieces, and sesame seeds.
- Heat some oil until it's hot and pour it over the garlic, chili, and sesame seeds. This will release their aromatic flavors.
- Add salt, chicken bouillon powder, soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, and sesame oil to the bowl, followed by the onion slices.
Toss and serve:
- Gently toss all the ingredients together using chopsticks or your hands (wear gloves if you prefer). Make sure the seasoning evenly coats the bitter melon without crushing the pieces.
- Once well-mixed, transfer to a serving dish and enjoy!
