Spicy Stir-Fried Bitter Gourd

Transform your weeknight meals with this bold and flavorful Spicy Stir-Fried Bitter Gourd recipe—a delightful blend of vibrant spices and wholesome ingredients. This Indian-inspired dish balances the natural bitterness of tender bitter gourd slices with the earthy warmth of cumin, turmeric, and coriander, all complemented by the fiery kick of red chili powder. The addition of tangy tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of zesty lemon juice elevates the flavors to perfection. Perfectly simmered and lightly crisped, this quick and easy stir-fry pairs beautifully with steamed rice or chapati, making it an irresistible vegetarian side dish. Ideal for spice lovers and adventurous palates, this 40-minute recipe is sure to impress with its unique taste and simple preparation.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 bitter gourd (medium-sized)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 0.25 cup water
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Wash the bitter gourds thoroughly and slice them into thin rounds. If you want to reduce the bitterness, scoop out the seeds and pulp from the center.

Step 2

Place the sliced bitter gourds in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well and let them rest for 10 minutes. This will help to draw out some of the bitterness.

Step 3

After 10 minutes, rinse the bitter gourd slices under running water and squeeze out excess moisture. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 4

Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.

Step 5

Add 0.5 teaspoon of cumin seeds to the hot oil and allow them to crackle for a few seconds.

Step 6

Add the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and lightly golden.

Step 7

Stir in the bitter gourd slices and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Add 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, 0.5 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 1 teaspoon of coriander powder. Mix well to coat the bitter gourd slices evenly with the spices.

Step 9

Add the chopped tomato and pour in 0.25 cup of water. Stir and cover the pan with a lid. Allow it to simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the bitter gourds are tender.

Step 10

Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until most of the liquid evaporates and the bitter gourd starts to crisp up slightly.

Step 11

Turn off the heat and sprinkle the stir-fried bitter gourd with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro. Toss to combine.

Step 12

Serve the spicy stir-fried bitter gourd hot as a side dish with steamed rice or chapati.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(687.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	500.6

Total Fat 41.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 25.2g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2421.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 35.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.0g	0%
Total Sugars 10.6g
Protein 7.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 152.4mg	0%
Iron 5.0mg	0%
Potassium 1710.9mg	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: 68.5%

Protein: 5.3%

Carbs: 26.2%