Bitter Melon and Eggs Mara Pad Kai
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with *Bitter Melon and Eggs (Mara Pad Kai)*, a quick and flavorful Thai stir-fry that’s ready in just 20 minutes! This unique dish highlights the pleasantly bold bitterness of fresh bitter melon, mellowed by a brief soak in salted water, and balanced perfectly by fluffy scrambled eggs. Enhanced with aromatic garlic and a savory blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar, this dish embodies the harmony of sweet, salty, and umami flavors. A sprinkle of white pepper adds a subtle warmth, while optional green onion garnish brings a pop of freshness. Perfect as a light main dish or a versatile side, this nutritious recipe pairs effortlessly with steamed rice for a satisfying meal. Give this authentic Thai flavor combination a try and elevate your home cooking!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 large bitter melon
- 4 eggs
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 tablespoons water
- 0.25 teaspoon white pepper powder
- 1 stalk green onion (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cut the bitter melon in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds and pith with a spoon. Slice it thinly into half-moons.
Place the sliced bitter melon into a bowl of salted water and let it soak for 5-10 minutes to reduce its bitterness. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water, then set aside.
Crack the eggs into a bowl, season with a pinch of salt, and whisk until well combined.
Peel and finely mince the garlic.
Heat the cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the bitter melon slices to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water. Pour this mixture into the wok and stir everything together.
Push the bitter melon to one side of the wok and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Let the eggs set slightly, then scramble gently, mixing them with the bitter melon as they cook.
Season with white pepper powder and give everything a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Transfer the dish to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onion, if desired.
Serve hot with steamed rice or on its own as a side dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
66 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.1 g | 5% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.0 g | 5% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 3 mg | 1% | |
| Sodium | 193 mg | 8% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7.4 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.2 g | ||
| Protein | 1.5 g | 3% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 25 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 0.8 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 494 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
