The Secret to Cooking Bitter Melon Without the Bitter Taste and Keeping It Fresh

Kapanlagi.com - Processing bitter melon can indeed be a challenge for many people. This green bitter vegetable, known for its bitter taste due to the content of momordicin, often makes people hesitant to use it as an ingredient in cooking. Although bitter melon is rich in nutrients and easily found, many are still looking for effective ways to eliminate its bitterness.

Various techniques have been tried, ranging from soaking bitter melon in salt water to boiling it before cooking. However, unfortunately, these methods do not always succeed in completely removing the bitterness of the bitter melon. In fact, if done for too long, the appearance and texture of this vegetable may end up being damaged.

Now, for those of you who want to enjoy bitter melon without the bitter taste while still maintaining its bright green color, there is an interesting trick shared by TikTok user @christinesiahaans and quoted on Wednesday, October 30. Let's check out the tips so that the bitter melon on our dining table is not only delicious but also appetizing!

1. Preparation of Bitter Melon: Cut and Scrape the Middle Part

TikTok user, @christinesiahaans, shares a clever trick to process bitter melon so that it tastes better. First, cut the bitter melon and split it in half. Make sure to scrape out the middle part that contains the seeds and sap using a spoon until it's clean. Why is this important? Because the seeds and sap of bitter melon can make the vegetable taste more bitter, and we certainly want to avoid that!

Once the middle part is clean, it's time to slice the bitter melon into thin pieces. Slim slices not only speed up the cooking process but also help ensure an even flavor when cooked. This way, we can enjoy the deliciousness of bitter melon without being disturbed by the bitterness that often bothers us. Happy trying!

2. Soaking Bitter Melon in Salt to Remove Sap

After slicing, the bitter melon is placed in a container and sprinkled with one tablespoon of salt. At this stage, the bitter melon is massaged to release the water from the sap that causes the bitter taste. This process takes about 15 minutes to ensure that the sap is fully released.

"Massage until the bitter melon releases water, this is important to reduce the bitter taste of the bitter melon," explains @christinesiahaans in her video. With this technique, the bitter melon will taste fresher and will not leave an annoying bitter aftertaste.

3. Rinse the Bitter Melon Until Clean Before Cooking

After letting it sit for a few minutes, the bitter melon needs to be rinsed under running water while being squeezed again. This process serves to remove any remaining salt and sap that has already been released from the bitter melon. This cleaning step is important because it ensures that the bitter melon does not taste too salty and that its texture remains crunchy when cooked.

Make sure the bitter melon is completely clean and drained before moving on to the next stage. At this stage, the bitter melon is ready to be processed according to your taste.

4. Avoid Adding Water When Sautéing Bitter Melon

When sautéing bitter melon, this TikTok user shares another important tip: do not add water during the sautéing process. Adding water can make the bitter melon become mushy, overcooked, and its color can turn pale. Sauté the bitter melon in a hot pan over medium heat, then stir gently to ensure the spices are evenly absorbed.

According to them, the bitter melon can remain green and look appealing without undergoing significant color changes. Sautéing without adding water also helps keep the texture of the bitter melon crunchy.

5. Use Strong-Flavored Ingredients to Balance Bitterness

One additional trick shared in the video is to use strong and aromatic spices. Shallots, garlic, chili, shrimp paste, and dried shrimp are recommended options to provide a more complex aroma and flavor. These spices help balance any remaining bitterness, making the taste of bitter melon more delicious and appetizing.

By using strongly flavored spices, bitter melon can be cooked into a dish that is not only delicious but also rich in flavor.

6. Common Questions About How to Process Bitter Melon

How to remove the bitterness of bitter melon without salt?The way to eliminate the bitterness of bitter melon without salt can be done by soaking it in sour water (a mixture of water and a little vinegar) or briefly boiling it with strongly aromatic ingredients, such as bay leaves.

7. How long does it take to soak bitter melon to reduce its bitterness?

Usually, soaking bitter melon in salt for about 15-20 minutes is enough to remove most of its bitter taste.

8. Does adding sugar reduce the bitterness of bitter melon?

Sugar does not directly eliminate the bitterness of bitter melon, but it can help balance the overall flavor of the dish when bitter melon is cooked with other ingredients.

9. Does processing bitter melon with salt reduce its nutrients?

The soaking process with salt does not affect the main nutrients in bitter melon, especially its fiber and mineral content. However, excessive cooking or prolonged boiling can lead to changes in texture and a slight reduction in nutrient content.

10. Is bitter melon safe to consume every day?

Pare is safe to consume regularly in reasonable amounts, but avoid excessive consumption to prevent potential digestive issues.

(kpl/mnd)