Bitter melon, with its distinctive flavor and nutritional prowess, often presents a culinary challenge. But what if we told you this intensely flavored vegetable could be transformed into a surprisingly delightful and easy-to-make dish? This recipe unveils the secrets to creating mouthwatering stuffed bitter melon, a perfect blend of savory and slightly bitter notes, guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates. We'll guide you through a simple yet flavorful preparation, showcasing how easily this often-overlooked vegetable can become a star of your next meal.
Forget tedious chopping and lengthy cooking times. This recipe leverages the convenience of an electric pressure cooker to expedite the cooking process, resulting in perfectly tender bitter melon filled with a delicious savory mixture. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure and discover a new appreciation for bitter melon? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Electric pressure cooker
- short spoon
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Filling and Bitter Melon
- Mix minced pork, coriander root, pounded garlic and pepper, cornstarch, water, sugar, oyster sauce, soy sauce. Mix until sticky.
- Add glass noodles to the pork mixture and stir.
- Select plump bitter melons. Cut into sections and scoop out the flesh, leaving a shell.
- Rub the bitter melon sections generously with coarse salt, inside and out, for several minutes. This helps reduce bitterness.




- Soak the salted bitter melon in plain water for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse the bitter melon and fill with the pork and glass noodle mixture.


Step 2. Assemble and Season in the Pressure Cooker
- Place the stuffed bitter melon in the electric pressure cooker. Add water, stock cube (1-2), dried shrimp, and sliced shiitake mushrooms.

Step 3. Pressure Cook the Stuffed Bitter Melon
- Season with white soy sauce. Cook for 45 minutes (or 30 minutes for softer melon).

Step 4. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot, garnished with coriander.

Read more: Thai Beef Stew with Rice: A Melts-in-Your-Mouth Recipe
Tips
- Use a large, plump bitter melon for best results.
- Salt doesn't completely remove bitterness but significantly reduces it.
- Stuff the bitter melon tightly.
- Adjust cooking time depending on your preferred melon tenderness.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 400-500
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbs: 40-50g
- Protein: 25-30g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat for the stuffing?
Absolutely! Ground beef, pork, chicken, or even a vegetarian mixture would work well. Adjust seasoning to complement your chosen protein.
2. What if my bitter melon isn't very bitter?
Less bitter melons might require a slightly shorter cooking time. Taste test halfway through the pressure cooking to adjust as needed. You can also add a pinch of extra salt or a dash of soy sauce to enhance the flavor.
This recipe proves that stuffed bitter melon can be surprisingly simple and incredibly delicious. The electric pressure cooker simplifies the cooking process, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful and healthy meal without the fuss. Now go forth and impress your family and friends with this unexpectedly delightful dish!