Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavor with this Spicy & Sour Bitter Melon Curry featuring succulent grilled fish! This vibrant Thai-inspired dish expertly balances the bitterness of the melon with a tangy, spicy, and intensely savory sauce. The delicate sweetness of the grilled fish perfectly complements the complex curry, creating a harmonious symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. Forget bland, predictable meals; this recipe offers a unique culinary adventure.
The combination of fiery chilies, fragrant herbs, and the surprisingly delightful bitter melon creates a culinary masterpiece that's both refreshing and deeply satisfying. This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for novice cooks. Ready to embark on this delicious journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below and create this unforgettable Spicy & Sour Bitter Melon Curry with Grilled Fish together.
Tools Needed
- Scissors
- Mortar and pestle
- Pot
Ingredients
- Bitter melon (or neem)
- Dried fish
- Tamarind
- Shallots: 3
- Dried chili
- Tamarind juice
- MSG
- Palm sugar
- Shrimp paste: ½ teaspoon
- Fish sauce
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Grilled fish (e.g., snakehead or sea catfish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients and Curry Paste
- Cut the bitter melon, removing the root part. Wash thoroughly.
- Boil the dried fish until soft. Shred the cooked fish.
- Combine dried chili, shallots, salt, and shrimp paste in a mortar and pestle. Grind to desired spiciness.
- Add the shredded boiled fish to the curry paste.
Step 2. Simmer the Curry
- In a pot, bring fish broth (from boiling the dried fish) to a boil. Add the curry paste and dissolve it.
- Season the curry with palm sugar, MSG, fish sauce, and tamarind juice to taste.
- Add the boiled and shredded dried fish to the curry.
Step 3. Add Bitter Melon and Finish
- Add the bitter melon just before turning off the heat. Stir until cooked through.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve hot.
Read more: Easy Ground Beef Curry: A Delicious Asian Home-Style Recipe
Tips
- The root part of the bitter melon can be discarded.
- Adjust the seasoning (sour, salty, sweet) to your preference.
- Using grilled fish instead of dried fish adds a richer flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 400-500
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbs: 25-35g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the bitter melon?
While bitter melon is key to the dish's unique flavor, you could try using green beans or zucchini as a less bitter alternative. The flavor profile will change, however.
2. What type of fish is best for grilling?
Firm, white fleshed fish like cod, snapper, or sea bass work well. Avoid oily fish as they may not grill as well.
3. How can I adjust the spiciness?
Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chilies used. Start with fewer chilies and add more to your preference, tasting as you go.
This Spicy & Sour Bitter Melon Curry with Grilled Fish is a testament to the magic of Thai cuisine, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. We hope you enjoyed this culinary adventure and encourage you to experiment with your own variations. Now, go forth and impress your friends and family with this unforgettable dish!