Name: Best Bitter Melon Recipe With Egg
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp oil; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 egg; 4 large shrimp (deveined and optionally peeled); 1 1/2 cups bitter melon (sliced into thin, crescent-shaped pieces); 1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 1/2 tsp white sugar; 1/2 tsp white pepper; 3 tbsps water

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This is the best bitter melon recipe with egg and shrimp. It’s a quick and easy to make stir fry, perfect for any home cook looking to get a healthy meal on the table fast. Serve it as a side dish or a light dinner, it’s always delicious and very versatile!

Bitter melon stir fry with egg and shrimp served.

If you love bitterness, you’ll want this bitter melon stir-fry on repeat! It has a somewhat acquired taste, but it’s perfect if you’re looking for something different.

Pair this recipe with a portion of steamed jasmine rice, Thai cucumber and egg stir-fry, or chicken pineapple fried rice for a complete Thai meal.

What is bitter melon

Bitter melon is a tropical fruit known for its distinct, bitter taste and is often used in Asian cuisine, particularly in stir-fries and soups. It’s a healthy fruit rich in vitamins C and A and is believed to have health benefits such as lowering blood sugar levels.

Bitter melon has a sharp, bitter taste that’s unique and intense, often described as earthy and slightly grassy. Its flavor is an acquired taste, commonly used in Asian cooking to add a distinctive bitterness to dishes.

Close-up of a fresh, green bitter melon on a colorful, patterned fabric.

Bitter melon is known for its potential health benefits as it’s packed with nutrients, including vitamins C and A. It may help lower blood sugar levels, support digestive health, boost the immune system, and provide antioxidant properties.

Some synonyms for this fruit are bitter gourd, bitter squash, balsam pear, goya (in Japanese), and foo gwa (in Chinese).

About this stir fried bitter melon recipe with egg

Bitter foods are some of my favorites, since I grew up eating Thai bitter melon soup on a weekly basis!

In this recipe, I’ll teach you how to cook bitter melon Thai-style, with Thai seasonings and a delicious stir-fry sauce that you can easily adjust to taste.

Bitter melon with egg and shrimp stir fry, served in a patterned dish.

It’s a very healthy dish that you can serve or make for almost any occasion. During a hot summer day, a cool winter evening, or just as a quick snack in between since it’s ready in less than 20 minutes.

I suggest serving it as a side dish with one of my other Thai stir-fries or a fresh salad like som tum Thai (green papaya salad). This way, you can balance the bitterness with other flavors.

Did you know that bitter melon is a fruit that’s often used as a vegetable in cooking? If you love vegetable stir-fries just like me, make sure to save my recipes for pad pak boong (morning glory stir-fry) and Thai cabbage stir-fry for later!

One last tip – this is a recipe for bitter gourd stir-fry with shrimp, but feel free to use your favorite protein. You can also add other vegetables or even adjust the flavors to your liking by experimenting with the seasonings!

Ingredients

Ingredients can be sourced at Asian grocery stores and Asian markets.
The exact measurements are in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Bitter melon – You can buy bitter melon at Asian supermarkets, farmers’ markets, health food stores, or online marketplaces like Amazon. Look for fresh, firm, and green bitter melons in the produce section.
Shrimp – Opt for black tiger shrimp or jumbo shrimp to bring a meaty texture and a rich flavor to your bitter melon stir-fry. Feel free to switch up the protein with chicken, pork, beef, or other seafood.
Eggs – Eggs add a rich flavor and texture, making them popular in Thai stir-fries.
Garlic – Garlic is a key ingredient in Thai cuisine, providing a pungent flavor.
Oyster sauce – Oyster sauce brings a savory, slightly sweet umami boost, making it a key ingredient for many Thai recipes.
Light soy sauce – Light soy sauce adds a salty flavor.
White pepper – White pepper provides a mild heat without being too overwhelming.
White sugar – White sugar balances the salty, sour, and spicy elements in Thai dishes with a touch of sweetness.
Water – Water is essential for adjusting the consistency of the stir-fry sauce.
Cooking oil – Use a neutral oil with high smoke point, like canola oil or vegetable oil.

How to stir fry bitter melon

Step 1: Heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden.
Step 2: Crack the egg into the wok, let it cook undisturbed for a few seconds, and then gently scramble the egg until it is just set.
Step 3: Add the shrimp to the wok and stir-fry until the shrimp turns pink and is cooked through.
Step 4: Add the sliced bitter melon, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, white sugar, and white pepper. Stir-fry everything together until the bitter melon is tender but still slightly crisp. Serve hot with steamed rice. Enjoy!

Kitchenware

Here’s what you’ll need to make this bitter melon with egg and shrimp stir fry:

Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board and a sharp knife
Wok or large skillet
Spatula or stirring spoon

Serving suggestions

Stir-fried bitter gourd is a great side dish. Serve it with steamed jasmine rice, grilled meats, or other Thai dishes. For a balanced meal, pair it with a fresh salad like long bean salad to balance the bitterness with refreshing, tangy flavors.

Storing and reheating tips

Storing: To store your leftover bitter melon stir-fry, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the stir-fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating: You can reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

To store bitter melon, keep it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. This will maintain its freshness for up to a week. For longer storage, slice the bitter melon, blanch it briefly in boiling water, then freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

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Praew

Thai food blogger

Hi, I’m Praew! I was born in Isan, Northeastern Thailand, where I started helping my grandmother cook from a young age. When I was six, I moved to Belgium and later spent my years working in Thai takeout restaurants. I even ran my own Thai restaurant there! Now I'm back in Thailand, sharing everything I’ve learned over a lifetime of cooking Thai food on this blog!

Best Bitter Melon Recipe With Egg