Vegan Spicy Stir-Fried Bitter Gourd

Transform your weeknight meals with this bold and flavorful Vegan Spicy Stir-Fried Bitter Gourd! Balancing the signature bitterness of bitter melon with the umami notes of soy sauce and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup, this dish is a harmonious blend of spice, aromatics, and texture. Fragrant garlic, ginger, and turmeric create a robust base, while red chili flakes bring just the right amount of heat. Finished with fresh spring onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, this stir-fry is quick to prepare yet full of complex flavors. Perfect as a vibrant plant-based main dish alongside steamed rice or as a zesty side dish, this recipe proves that bitter gourd can be as irresistible as it is nutritious.

Nutriscore Rating: 48/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

After 15 minutes, rinse the bitter gourd slices under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Step 4

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the coconut oil and let it warm up.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the red chili flakes, turmeric powder, and ground coriander, stirring to toast the spices for another 20 seconds.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Add the white parts of the spring onions to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 1 more minute.

Step 10

Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the dish with the green parts of the spring onions and chopped cilantro.

Step 11

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

Serving size	(327.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	354.4

Total Fat 29.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4395.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 23.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.5g	0%
Total Sugars 8.9g
Protein 5.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 109.7mg	0%
Iron 3.3mg	0%
Potassium 1015.8mg	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: 69.5%

Protein: 6.0%

Carbs: 24.5%