Bitter Melon Lamb Stir Fry

Bitter Melon Lamb Stir Fry aka 苦瓜羊肉 - who would've thought something bitter could be yummy? Not me when I was a child, but now as an adult, I appreciate the unique flavors of this dish. Plus, apparently bitter melon goes very well with slices of lamb!

What is Bitter Melon?

Jump to:

• What is Bitter Melon?
• How to make Bitter Melon Lamb Stir Fry (Step by Step)
• Storage & Reheating
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Bitter Melon Lamb Stir Fry
• More Delicious an Easy Lamb Recipes
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Bitter melon, aka bitter gourd, is part of the gourd family - closely related to zucchini, squash, and cucumber.

Many Asian cuisine uses bitter melon as an ingredient, including Chinese, Indian, Burmese, Indonesian, Thai, and more.

This gourd is known for its bitter tasty and bumpy appearance. It can definitely be known for its acquired taste, but some still like to eat it due to its health benefits.

Bitter melons is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, fiber, and Iron. It can also help reduce blood sugar, decrease cholesterol, and may have cancer fighting properties!

If you want to check out bitter melons, check out some of my favorite bitter melon recipes!

How to make Bitter Melon Lamb Stir Fry (Step by Step)

First, gather the ingredients:

• ½ lb lamb, sliced
• 2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, smashed
• 1 bitter melon, seeds removed, halved and sliced ¼-inch thick
• Dried chili peppers, optional

Add the sliced lamb with soy sauce, cornstarch, olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Let this marinade for at least 15 minutes (up to over night).

If you haven't already sliced the bitter melons, this is a great time to do it. Cut it half way through length-wise first, then slice it ¼-inch thick.

Heat a wok or large skillet with 2 tablespoon vegetable oil with garlic, and when oil is hot add lamb and cook stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes or until the meat is mostly browned. Remove lamb from heat but keep the oil / juice in the wok / skillet.

Add sliced bitter melons, and red peppers (optional), and stir fry over high heat about 3 minutes, and add lamb back in to wok/skillet.

Stir fry for another 2 minutes or until meat is cooked thoroughly and bitter melon is softened but still crisp.

Remove from heat and serve!

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended - bitter melon becomes mushy and loses its texture after thawing.

Reheating:

• Stovetop (best): Add a splash of oil to a skillet or wok and stir fry over medium heat until just heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts (30-45 seconds), stirring in between, to avoid overcooking the lamb.

💡 Tip: If reheating on the stovetop, you can add a drizzle of soy sauce or a splash of broth to refresh the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different protein instead of lamb?
Yes! This recipe works well with beef, pork, or even chicken. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the slices.

How do I reduce the bitterness of bitter melon?
After slicing, sprinkle the pieces with salt and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse under cold water and squeeze gently before cooking. This helps mellow out the bitterness.

Do I need to remove the seeds?
Yes - the seeds and white pith should be scooped out before cooking. They are very bitter and should not be eaten.

More Delicious an Easy Lamb Recipes

• Bold, spicy, and fragrant, this cumin lamb stir fry brings the heat with tender lamb slices tossed in chili, garlic, and toasted cumin. It's a quick, flavor-packed dish inspired by Northwestern Chinese street food.
• Or try it as cumin lamb chops! Juicy lamb chops coated in a smoky cumin spice mix, then grilled or pan-seared to perfection. These chops are bold, savory, and made for serious flavor lovers.
• If you're a fan of asparagus, check out this simple Stir Fry Lamb with Asparagus! You got your protein and veggies and it is yummy and easy to make!
• Move over pepper steak, try this Lamb Stir Fry with Peppers instead! Marinated sliced lamb stir fried with ginger, scallions and green peppers! What's not to love?

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