Bitter Melon with Shrimp Soup: A Kid-Friendly Recipe

Updated at: 30/05/2025

Bitter melon, with its distinctive bitter taste, might not be the first ingredient that springs to mind for a kid-friendly recipe. However, this surprisingly versatile vegetable, when prepared correctly, can be a delightful addition to a nutritious and flavorful soup. This recipe transforms the sometimes-challenging bitter melon into a delicious and surprisingly palatable dish, even for picky eaters. We'll achieve this by carefully balancing the melon's bitterness with the sweetness of shrimp and a carefully crafted broth, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that kids will love.

The secret lies in blanching the bitter melon to reduce its bitterness and then pairing it with the naturally sweet shrimp. We'll also utilize aromatics and spices to build a rich and comforting broth that complements both the shrimp and the subtly sweetened melon. Ready to discover how to make this surprisingly delicious and healthy soup? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of this kid-approved Bitter Melon & Shrimp Soup.

Tools Needed

  • Pot
  • Knife
  • Chopping board

Ingredients

  • Bitter melon
  • Shrimp
  • Other ingredients (e.g., garlic, fish sauce, etc.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prep the Vegetables and Shrimp

  • Wash and cut the bitter melon. Remove the seeds and cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • Clean and devein the shrimp. (This step is implied, it's a common sense step in cooking shrimp)
  • Chop garlic, prepare other spices/condiments as needed for the soup.
Prepare the bitter melon: Wash and cut the bitter melon. Remove the seeds and cut into bite-sized pieces.Prepare the shrimp: Clean and devein the shrimp. (This step is implied, it's a common sense step in cooking shrimp)Prepare other ingredients: Chop garlic, prepare other spices/condiments as needed for the soup.
Prep the Vegetables and Shrimp

Step 2. Cook the Soup

  • Add garlic (and other aromatics if using) to a pot and saute until fragrant.
  • Add the bitter melon to the pot and sauté briefly.
  • Add the shrimp and sufficient water or broth. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer until the bitter melon is tender and the shrimp is cooked through. This will take about 15-20 mins
Sauté aromatics: Add garlic (and other aromatics if using) to a pot and saute until fragrant.Add Bitter Melon: Add the bitter melon to the pot and sauté briefly.Add Shrimp and Water/Broth: Add the shrimp and sufficient water or broth. Bring to a boil.Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer until the bitter melon is tender and the shrimp is cooked through. This will take about 15-20 mins
Cook the Soup

Step 3. Season and Finish

  • Season with fish sauce or other condiments to taste. Serve hot.
Season and Serve: Season with fish sauce or other condiments to taste. Serve hot.
Season and Finish

Read more: Creamy Thai Coconut Turkey Meatballs: Easy Recipe

Tips

  • To reduce bitterness, you can blanch the bitter melon in boiling water for a few minutes before adding it to the soup.
  • Adjust the amount of fish sauce or seasoning according to your preference.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. My kids are really picky eaters. Will they actually like this soup?

Many parents are surprised! Blanching the bitter melon reduces its bitterness significantly, and the sweetness of the shrimp and flavorful broth create a balanced taste most kids enjoy. You can always start with a small portion to see their reaction.

2. Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?

Absolutely! Chicken, tofu, or even pork would work well as substitutes. Adjust cooking time accordingly, depending on the protein you choose.


This Bitter Melon & Shrimp Soup recipe proves that healthy eating doesn't have to mean compromising on flavor or fun. With a few simple techniques, even the pickiest eaters can enjoy the nutritional benefits of bitter melon. So, gather your ingredients and get cooking – your family will thank you for it!