Stir Fry Luffa Gourd (Silk Melon, Si Gua)

Have you ever had Luffa before? It's a gourd, also known as silk melon or si gua in Mandarin. Delicious and nutritious - we love to stir fry this veggie with dried shrimp!

Jump to:

• What is Luffa Gourd?
• How to prepare luffa?
• How to Stir Fry Luffa Gourd (Step by Step)
• Storage & Reheating
• FAQ
• Stir Fry Luffa (Si Gua, Silk Melon) Recipe
• More Delicious Stir Fry Veggie Recipes
• Pin for later!

What is Luffa Gourd?

Luffa, aka Chinese okra, silk melon, si gua 絲瓜 and many other names, this gourd vegetable is harvested at an early stage of development as food. Once it is actually fully mature, it is too fibrous to eat - and actually is what is the source of the loofah scrubbing sponge!

This vegetable is popular in many Asian countries including India, China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Not only is it a tasty vegetable, it also contains dietary fiber, manganese, vitamin C and vitamin A. It can be served raw (in salads, or it can be cooked (in stir fries).

By the way - if you love Chinese Veggies like this one, you have to check out my Chinese Vegetables article here!

This vegetable has white interior that is mild and slightly sweet. When you cook it, it is similar to zucchini or summer squash, but with a software interior.

How to prepare luffa?

First wash luffa by rinsing under water, and then remove the tough skin of the luffa. You can do this by using a peeler to remove dark green peel of the luffa.

There are several ways to cut luffa. The main thing to consider when cutting is you do not want to cut it thin. If luffa is cut too thin it will be too soft and not stay intact very well when you cook it.

You can just cut it in to 1 inch chunks, but we prefer to cut it in a triangular fashion. You can do this by tilting your knife and cutting down at a diagonal line one way, and then in the opposite diagonal line the next. Here's what it looks like:

How to Stir Fry Luffa Gourd (Step by Step)

We like to cook luffa by stir frying with garlic and dried shrimp. To do so, you will need:

• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoon dried shrimp
• 1 lb. luffa gourd, peeled and cut in to chunks (see how to prepare luffa)
• 1 tablespoon of water
• Salt, to taste

Heat wok or cooking pan on high heat. Once it is hot, add oil and let it heat up. Then add dried shrimp and garlic for about 30 second.

Add luffa pieces and water in to the pan, and stir fry until it softens - usually only takes a minute or two. Add salt to taste.

Remove from heat and serve!

Storage & Reheating

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Best enjoyed within 2 days, since luffa gets softer the longer it sits.

Reheat:

• Reheat quickly in a pan or wok on medium-high heat until warmed through (about 1-2 minutes).
• You can also microwave it, but the luffa will soften even more - so stovetop is better if you want to keep some texture.

FAQ

Do I need to soak dried shrimp before cooking?
You can soak dried shrimp in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften them and bring out more flavor (plus use a splash of the soaking water in the stir fry for extra umami). But honestly, when I'm lazy I just toss the small dried shrimp straight in with the garlic - they crisp up and still add tons of flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Just skip the dried shrimp and stir fry the luffa with garlic. If you'd like to add extra depth, a splash of mushroom powder or a drizzle of soy sauce works nicely.

What does luffa taste like?
When cooked, luffa has a mild, slightly sweet flavor, with a texture similar to zucchini but softer inside. It soaks up flavors from garlic, shrimp, or sauces really well.

Can I prep luffa ahead of time?
It's best to peel and cut luffa right before cooking. If you prep it too far in advance, it can oxidize and soften. If needed, you can peel and chop it a few hours ahead and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.

More Delicious Stir Fry Veggie Recipes

Quick, nutritious, and full of flavor-these veggie-forward dishes are perfect as light mains or tasty sides!

• Snow Pea Leaves Stir Fry (炒豆苗 Chao Dou Miao) - A restaurant favorite made at home! Tender snow pea shoots flash stir fried with garlic-delicate, sweet, and savory.
• Stir Fry A Choy (Taiwanese Lettuce) - A simple and comforting veggie dish featuring tender A Choy (aka Taiwanese lettuce) stir fried with smashed garlic. A staple in many Taiwanese homes!
• Stir Fry Bean Sprouts and Garlic Chives - Crunchy mung bean sprouts and fragrant garlic chives come together in this fast and flavorful veggie stir fry.
• Malabar Spinach Stir Fry - This unique leafy green is simply cooked with ginger for a silky, slightly slippery texture and aromatic bite.

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