Vietnamese Bitter Melon And Egg Recipe

Ready to mix up your kitchen routine with something totally unexpected? Let me introduce you to the wonder that is scrambled eggs with bitter melon—a dish that sounds like a plot twist but is a culinary revelation waiting to happen! Trust me, you’re going to love this delightfully bold combo as much as I do.

In my recipe for Vietnamese Bitter Melon and Egg, three of my favorite flavors come together in an unexpected combination. Bitter melon, one of the most underrated–and one of the most miraculous–vegetables I’ve ever encountered, is packed with vitamins.

It contrasts beautifully with the virility of fish sauce and depth of garlic in this dish. The oil in which I cook it lends a crisp texture, and the eggs create a creamy contrast.

There’s just enough salt and pepper, and a flirtation with fresh scallions, enhance the nutrition.

Vietnamese Bitter Melon And Egg Recipe Ingredients

• Bitter Melon: Low in calories, rich in vitamin C, supports immunity and digestion.
• Eggs: High in protein, provide essential amino acids, promote muscle and brain health.
• Fish Sauce: Adds umami and depth, rich in vitamins and minerals from fermented fish.
• Garlic: Antioxidant-rich, supports heart health and immune function, adds aromatic flavor.
• Green Onion: Contains fiber, vitamins A and C, adds mild flavor and crunch.

Vietnamese Bitter Melon And Egg Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 1 large bitter melon
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green onion, chopped

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How to Make this Vietnamese Bitter Melon And Egg Recipe

1. Cut the bitter melon lengthwise in half. Use a spoon to remove the seeds, and then slice the bitter melon very thinly into half-moons.

2. Preheat a skillet on medium-high heat and pour in the oil.

3. Place the minced garlic in the pan and sauté until it releases its wonderful fragrance, which should take about half a minute.

4. Include the divided bitter melon into the pan. Stir-fry for around 3-4 minutes or until the shape of the bitter melon remains with the appearance of crisp tenderness.

5. Bitter melon is a very healthy vegetable; it is very rare, but it can be found in Southeast Asia and China. The bitter melon is not a special fruit since, according to scientists, it belongs to the same family as gourds. However, it is called a fruit because of the hard structure on the inside. Inside the bitter melon is a lot of pulp, and it is a healthy vegetable for a very special reason: it can help one lose weight.

6. After cooking the bitter melon, spread it uniformly in the pan.

7. Spread the egg mixture over the bitter melon in the skillet.

8. Allow the eggs to remain still while they cook for a minute or two, then stir them gently into a scramble with the bitter melon until the scramble is fully cooked and the eggs are done.

9. Take the pan off the heat. Then sprinkle the chopped green onion over the eggs and bitter melon.

10. Serve as a side dish or with steamed rice. Enjoy!

Vietnamese Bitter Melon And Egg Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Knife
3. Spoon
4. Skillet or frying pan
5. Spatula
6. Mixing bowl
7. Whisk or fork
8. Measuring spoons

FAQ

• Q: What is bitter melon?A: Also referred to as bitter gourd, bitter melon is a tropical fruit that is famous for its acrid flavor and is used prolifically in dishes throughout Asia.
• Q: How do you reduce the bitterness of bitter melon?A: Cut the bitter melon, take out the seeds, and immerse it in brine for about 15 minutes. Wash it well before cooking.
• Q: Can I substitute fish sauce?A: Yes, you can use soy sauce or tamari to replace it, but the flavor may be slightly altered.
• Q: Can this dish be made vegetarian?Yes, leave out the fish sauce and substitute a vegetarian alternative, like soy sauce, to make this suitable for a vegetarian diet.
• Q: How do I know when the eggs are done?A: For the best texture, cook the eggs until they are just set and still a bit creamy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes over medium heat.
• Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?A: You can, indeed, increase the layers of flavor and depth in your dish by adding sliced bell peppers or mushrooms.

Vietnamese Bitter Melon And Egg Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Bitter melon. Substitute with zucchini or cucumber for a milder flavor.
Cooking oil: Olive oil or coconut oil can be used as alternatives.
Fish sauce: You can use soy sauce or tamari for an alternate taste.
Garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic cloves, use garlic powder.
Shallots or chives can easily replace green onions in this dish. Since they can be chopped to a similar size, these substitutions maintain the original ingredient’s texture and appearance.

Pro Tips

1. Reduce Bitterness: Before cooking, try salting the sliced bitter melon and letting it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse and pat dry. This helps reduce its bitterness.