Low Carb Spicy Stir-Fried Bitter Gourd

Transform your weeknight meals with this vibrant Low Carb Spicy Stir-Fried Bitter Gourd recipe, a bold and nutrient-packed dish that reimagines the humble karela. Infused with aromatic garlic, freshly grated ginger, and a blend of earthy spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, this quick and easy stir-fry balances irresistible heat from red chili flakes with tangy lime juice to brighten every bite. The bitterness of the gourd is delicately mellowed by a clever salting technique, making it approachable even for skeptics. Stir-fried to perfection in fragrant coconut oil and finished with a drizzle of gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos, this dish is a low-carb, keto-friendly option that sings with flavor and pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice or as a fresh standalone side. Healthy, delicious, and an exciting way to bring traditional ingredients to your table!

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized Bitter gourd (karela)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Coconut oil
• 3 large Garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon Fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon Red chili flakes
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon Low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon Lime juice
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (chopped)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the bitter gourds thoroughly. Cut them in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds using a spoon, and slice them into thin half-moon shapes.

Step 2

Place the sliced bitter gourd in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and mix well. Set aside for 10 minutes. This helps reduce the bitterness.

Step 3

After 10 minutes, rinse the bitter gourd slices under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.

Step 4

Peel and finely mince the garlic and ginger. Set aside.

Step 5

Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 7

Place the bitter gourd slices into the skillet and stir-fry for 5 minutes over medium-high heat.

Step 8

Sprinkle the red chili flakes, turmeric powder, ground cumin, and ground coriander over the bitter gourd. Stir well to coat the slices evenly with the spices.

Step 9

Drizzle the low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos) into the skillet and stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes until the bitter gourd is tender but still slightly crisp.

Step 10

Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the stir-fried bitter gourd.

Step 11

Transfer the dish to a serving plate and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

Step 12

Serve immediately as a side dish or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(279.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	339.7

Total Fat 28.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2878.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 18.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.6g	0%
Total Sugars 4.2g
Protein 4.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 91.3mg	0%
Iron 3.1mg	0%
Potassium 859.7mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 73.9%

Protein: 5.5%

Carbs: 20.6%