Vegan Spicy Stir-Fried Bitter Gourd
Transform your meals with this Vegan Spicy Stir-Fried Bitter Gourd recipe, a vibrant dish that pairs bold spices with the unique flavor of bitter gourd (also known as bitter melon). Perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness from maple syrup and a citrusy finish from lime wedges, this dish is ideal for those seeking a healthy, plant-based option with a kick. The recipe emphasizes a key technique—salting and rinsing the bitter gourd—to mellow its natural bitterness, ensuring a beautifully tender and flavorful result. Featuring aromatic ingredients like garlic, ginger, turmeric, and coriander, this quick stir-fry is ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or a stunning side dish. Serve it with steamed rice for a satisfying vegan meal, topped with fresh cilantro and spring onions to elevate every bite. Search for "vegan stir-fried bitter gourd recipe" now to unlock a treasure trove of flavor!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized Bitter gourd (also known as bitter melon)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Coconut oil (or any neutral-flavored cooking oil)
- 3 units Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon Red chili flakes
- 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce (ensure it's vegan)
- 1 teaspoon Maple syrup or agave syrup
- 2 stalks Spring onions, sliced (green and white parts separated)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 units Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Wash the bitter gourds thoroughly and slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and pith with a spoon. Thinly slice the bitter gourds crosswise into half-moon shapes.
Place the sliced bitter gourd in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Toss well and set aside for 15 minutes to draw out the bitterness.
After 15 minutes, rinse the bitter gourd slices under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the coconut oil and let it warm up.
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the red chili flakes, turmeric powder, and ground coriander, stirring to toast the spices for another 20 seconds.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the bitter gourd slices to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the bitter gourd begins to soften and slightly brown around the edges.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and maple syrup. Pour this mixture over the bitter gourd and toss to coat evenly. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
Add the white parts of the spring onions to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 1 more minute.
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the dish with the green parts of the spring onions and chopped cilantro.
Serve hot with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy as a main dish with steamed rice or as a side to complement other dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
354 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.1 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.3 g | 122% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4395 mg | 191% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.1 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.5 g | 30% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.9 g | ||
| Protein | 5.7 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 110 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 3.3 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 1016 mg | 22% | |
*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.
