How to Remove the Bitter Taste from Bitter Melon Before Cooking, Without Having to Massage it with Salt

Kapanlagi.com - Bitter melon, the bitter vegetable that is often avoided, actually holds a wealth of health benefits that are worth considering! Besides being rich in vitamin C, bitter melon is also known to be effective in combating various diseases and supporting the wound healing process. Unfortunately, many people are reluctant to consume it due to its very strong bitter taste. But don't worry! KapanLagi.com has summarized from various sources, Tuesday (25/3/2025) about some interesting ways to eliminate the bitter taste of bitter melon without having to squeeze it with salt. With these tips, you can enjoy bitter melon with a more delicious flavor. Let's take a look!

1. Why Does Bitter Melon Have a Bitter Taste?

Before we dive into tricks to eliminate the bitter taste of bitter melon, it's good to recognize the origin of that bitterness. Bitter melon, the green vegetable that often becomes a topic of debate, contains a compound called momordicin that gives it its bitter flavor. This compound is not just a flavor enhancer; it also serves as a natural shield for the plant against pest and disease attacks. By understanding the reason behind this bitterness, we can be smarter in choosing the right processing methods to enjoy bitter melon in a more delicious way.

2. Health Benefits of Bitter Melon That Should Not Be Missed

Although often avoided due to its bitter taste, bitter melon actually holds a wealth of incredible health benefits. This plant, which often adorns Asian dishes, is rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamin C, which plays a vital role in strengthening the immune system, fighting infections, and speeding up the healing process of wounds. Not only that, bitter melon is also known to effectively lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making it a loyal companion for managing type 2 diabetes. With its abundant fiber content, bitter melon also greatly contributes to maintaining digestive health, preventing constipation, and taking care of our gut health.

3. Techniques to Remove the Bitter Taste from Bitter Melon Without Salt

For many people, salt may be the go-to solution to tackle the bitter taste of bitter melon, but unfortunately, this method often makes the texture of bitter melon soft and less appetizing. However, don’t worry! We have a more effective and practical solution: simply soak the bitter melon in rice water or hot water. With this technique, you can eliminate its bitterness without sacrificing the crunchiness and true deliciousness of bitter melon!

4. Steps to Boil Bitter Melon to Reduce Bitterness and Retain Green Color

Creative TikTok user, @misshanaid, shared a clever trick to tackle the bitter taste of bitter melon that often disrupts the palate. The method is quite simple: soak slices of bitter melon in hot water for five minutes. This method effectively reduces bitterness without damaging its valuable nutritional content. After boiling, simply drain and rinse under running water, and you’re ready to enjoy a more delicious bitter melon!

5. Preparation of Bitter Melon Before Cooking: Tips and Tricks

Before you start boiling bitter melon, here are the steps to follow:

• Choosing the perfect bitter melon

Look for large bitter melons with fresh green color, as larger bitter melons generally have a milder bitter taste compared to smaller, older ones. Remember, smaller bitter melons tend to be more bitter, so avoid those that are starting to yellow or have brown spots, which indicate that the bitter melon is overripe and can taste very pungent.

• After that, clean the bitter melon by washing it under running water to remove dirt.
• Cut the bitter melon in half and remove the insides or seeds, which are usually more bitter, then slice or chop according to your cooking needs, whether thinly sliced or diced. Happy cooking!

6. How to Boil Bitter Gourd Properly to Remove Its Bitterness

Boiling bitter gourd can be an effective solution to eliminate its bitterness without compromising its quality! The method is quite simple: prepare a pot of boiling water and add about 3 tablespoons of salt, which helps neutralize the bitter taste while preserving the bright green color of the bitter gourd. Once the water is boiling, add the sliced bitter gourd and boil for 3 minutes—don't overcook it, so the color remains beautiful and the texture doesn't become mushy. After that, remove and drain the bitter gourd, then rinse it under running water to stop the cooking process. With this trick, your bitter gourd will stay fresh, green, and free from the annoying bitter taste, ready to be made into delicious dishes!

7. Processing Boiled Bitter Gourd: Delicious Culinary Creations to Try

After boiling, bitter gourd can be processed into enticing dishes that are not only delicious but also rich in flavor. One of the most popular is Stir-Fried Bitter Gourd with Tempeh and Tofu. Simply slice the boiled bitter gourd thinly, then stir-fry it with garlic, shallots, and chili for a refreshing spicy touch. Add tempeh and tofu to enrich the texture and enhance the savory flavor; serve it as a side dish with tempting warm rice. Not only that, boiled bitter gourd can also be made into a fresh salad. Slice it thinly and enjoy it with shrimp paste chili sauce or sweet soy sauce, where its bitterness perfectly blends with the spiciness and acidity of the sauce. For those looking to try something unique, Bitter Gourd Siomay can be an interesting option. Use boiled bitter gourd as a substitute for vegetables in siomay, fill it with seasoned fish or chicken meat mixture, then steam until cooked. Serve with peanut sauce to add unparalleled deliciousness!

8. Alternative Processing of Bitter Melon to Naturally Reduce Bitterness

Who says bitter melon is always bitter? There are many interesting ways to reduce the bitterness of this green vegetable without sacrificing its nutrition! One way is to soak slices of bitter melon in saltwater for 10-15 minutes; the salt will draw out the bitter taste without changing the texture and color. If you prefer a natural method, try soaking the bitter melon in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour, or use lemon juice to neutralize the bitterness. Not only that, drying the slices of bitter melon under the sun or storing them in the refrigerator can also be a smart solution. With these various techniques, you can enjoy a more delicious and still nutritious bitter melon!

(kpl/lfz)