Sugar-Free Spicy Stir-Fried Bitter Gourd

Transform your mealtime with this Sugar-Free Spicy Stir-Fried Bitter Gourd recipe, a flavorful and healthy dish that strikes the perfect balance between bold spices and earthy goodness. Crafted with tender slices of bitter gourd, this dish is infused with the aromatic sizzle of mustard and cumin seeds, fragrant curry leaves, and a touch of zing from fresh green chilies. Turmeric, red chili powder, and ground coriander add a warm, spicy depth, while a drizzle of lemon juice brightens up the flavors. Made with wholesome coconut oil and completely free of added sugar, this quick 30-minute recipe is perfect for those seeking a diabetic-friendly, low-carb side dish. It’s deliciously versatile—pair it with steamed rice, flatbreads, or enjoy it on its own for a unique way to savor bitter gourd!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized Bitter gourd
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 8 leaves Curry leaves
• 2 small, finely chopped Green chili
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 0.25 cup Water
• 2 tablespoons, chopped Fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Wash the bitter gourds thoroughly. Slice them in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Thinly slice the bitter gourd into half-moons.

Step 2

Sprinkle the bitter gourd slices with 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes. This will reduce their bitterness.

Step 3

Rinse the bitter gourd slices under running water to remove excess salt, then pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel.

Step 4

Heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds to the hot oil. Let them sizzle and pop for about 30 seconds.

Step 6

Stir in the curry leaves and finely chopped green chili. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 7

Add the bitter gourd slices to the skillet. Stir well to coat them evenly with the spices.

Step 8

Sprinkle the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and ground coriander over the bitter gourd. Mix thoroughly.

Step 9

Pour in 1/4 cup of water, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the bitter gourd cook for about 7-8 minutes on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until tender.

Step 10

Remove the lid and stir-fry the bitter gourd on high heat for an additional 2-3 minutes to evaporate any remaining moisture and slightly caramelize the edges.

Step 11

Turn off the heat, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

Step 12

Serve hot as a side dish with steamed rice or flatbreads.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(340.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	342.2

Total Fat 30.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2386.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 15.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.0g	0%
Total Sugars 5.0g
Protein 4.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 122.3mg	0%
Iron 5.4mg	0%
Potassium 798.1mg	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: 77.4%

Protein: 4.9%

Carbs: 17.7%