Ever tried stuffing bitter melon for a delicious twist on traditional comfort food? Let me take you on a culinary adventure that transforms this often overlooked ingredient into a soul-soothing stuffed melon soup that’s both nourishing and surprisingly delightful!
I love combining bold flavors with nutritious ingredients, and my Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup is the perfect example. With tender bitter melons filled with savory ground pork, a hint of dried shrimp, and aromatic onions and garlic, this soup balances flavor and health.
I think the fish sauce and soy sauce add depth, while fresh scallions and cilantro brighten the dish beautifully.
Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup Recipe Ingredients
- Bitter Melons: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C; known for their distinct bitter flavor.
- Ground Pork/Chicken: Provides protein content, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Dried Shrimp: Adds umami flavor and is high in protein and calcium.
- Fish Sauce: Enhances savory flavor with umami richness; contains sodium, use moderately.
- Garlic: Offers a pungent aroma and may help support immune health.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, umami taste, and contributes to the soup’s savory profile.
- Egg: Binds ingredients; provides protein and essential nutrients.
Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 3-4 medium-sized bitter melons (approximately 1 pound/450g)
- 8 ounces (225g) ground pork or chicken
- 2 tablespoons dried shrimp, soaked and finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 4 cups chicken or pork broth
- Salt to taste
- Chopped scallions and cilantro for garnish
- Optional: red chili slices for garnish
How to Make this Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup Recipe
1. Prepare the bitter melons by cutting them into 2-3 inch segments. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and pith, creating hollow tubes for stuffing. Rinse them in cold water and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork or chicken with the finely chopped dried shrimp, onion, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, black pepper, and the beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
3. Stuff each piece of bitter melon with the meat mixture, pressing the filling firmly inside to ensure it is tightly packed.
4. In a large pot, bring the chicken or pork broth to a gentle boil.
5. Carefully add the stuffed bitter melons to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let them cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the melon is tender and the meat is cooked through.
6. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.
7. Once done, turn off the heat and let the soup sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Serve the stuffed bitter melon soup in bowls, ensuring each bowl has a fair portion of broth and stuffed melons.
9. Garnish with chopped scallions and cilantro for added freshness.
10. Optionally, add slices of red chili for a bit of heat, and serve hot with steamed rice or on its own.
Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Chef’s knife
2. Cutting board
3. Spoon
4. Mixing bowl
5. Large pot with lid
6. Measuring spoons
7. Stirring spoon or spatula
8. Ladle
9. Serving bowls
FAQ
- What is the best way to reduce the bitterness of the bitter melon? To reduce the bitterness, you can blanch the bitter melons in salt water for a few minutes after slicing them open and removing the seeds.
- Can I use ground beef instead of pork or chicken? Yes, ground beef can be used as an alternative, but it will give a slightly different flavor profile to the soup.
- How can I adjust the seasoning of the soup? Taste the soup halfway through cooking and adjust the salt, sugar, and fish sauce according to your preference.
- What can I use if I don’t have dried shrimp? You can omit dried shrimp or substitute it with a small amount of fish paste or anchovy paste for a similar umami flavor.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes, substitute the meat with firm tofu or a medley of mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or pork broth.
- How should I serve Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup? Serve it hot, garnished with scallions, cilantro, and optional red chili slices for a touch of heat and color.
Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Ground pork or chicken: Substitute with ground turkey or ground beef for a different flavor.
- Dried shrimp: Use fish sauce or shrimp paste for a similar umami kick.
- Fish sauce: Soy sauce or tamari can be a good substitute for a similar savory depth.
- Soy sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter touch.
- Chicken or pork broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a lighter, vegetarian option.
Pro Tips
1. De-bittering the Melons: If you find bitter melon too bitter, try rubbing the cut segments with salt and letting them rest for about 15 minutes. Rinse them thoroughly before stuffing to remove excess bitterness.
2. Enhanced Filling Flavor: Lightly sauté the chopped onion and garlic before mixing them into the meat filling. This will enhance their sweetness and bring out more flavor in the stuffing.
3. Filling Texture: For a firmer filling texture, consider mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour into the meat mixture. This helps bind the ingredients and adds a nice consistency to the stuffing.
4. Broth Depth: Add a small piece of ginger or a couple of dried mushrooms to the broth while it simmers. This will add depth and a subtle umami flavor to the soup.
5. Serving Suggestion: Serve the soup with a side of a light soy sauce and vinegar dipping sauce. The tanginess will beautifully complement the bitterness of the melon.
Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup Recipe
My favorite Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Chef’s knife
2. Cutting board
3. Spoon
4. Mixing bowl
5. Large pot with lid
6. Measuring spoons
7. Stirring spoon or spatula
8. Ladle
9. Serving bowls
Ingredients:
- 3-4 medium-sized bitter melons (approximately 1 pound/450g)
- 8 ounces (225g) ground pork or chicken
- 2 tablespoons dried shrimp, soaked and finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 4 cups chicken or pork broth
- Salt to taste
- Chopped scallions and cilantro for garnish
- Optional: red chili slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the bitter melons by cutting them into 2-3 inch segments. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and pith, creating hollow tubes for stuffing. Rinse them in cold water and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork or chicken with the finely chopped dried shrimp, onion, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, black pepper, and the beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
3. Stuff each piece of bitter melon with the meat mixture, pressing the filling firmly inside to ensure it is tightly packed.
4. In a large pot, bring the chicken or pork broth to a gentle boil.
5. Carefully add the stuffed bitter melons to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let them cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the melon is tender and the meat is cooked through.
6. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.
7. Once done, turn off the heat and let the soup sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Serve the stuffed bitter melon soup in bowls, ensuring each bowl has a fair portion of broth and stuffed melons.
9. Garnish with chopped scallions and cilantro for added freshness.
10. Optionally, add slices of red chili for a bit of heat, and serve hot with steamed rice or on its own.
