Processing bitter melon is often a challenge because of its bitter taste. Many people avoid cooking bitter melon because of the difficulty in removing the bitter taste. This bitter taste is caused by a compound called momordicin, which, despite its health benefits, can make bitter melon less desirable.
Removing the bitter taste from bitter melon is not an easy task. Some techniques that are often used include soaking the bitter melon slices in salt water for a few minutes, or boiling them briefly before processing them further. However, these techniques take time and do not always completely remove the bitter taste.
In addition, boiling the bitter melon for too long can cause the color to become darker and less visually appealing, which can reduce the appeal of the dish. Another challenge is keeping the texture of the bitter melon crispy without becoming too soft. Controlling the cooking time and method is essential to achieving the desired texture.
Well, if you are confused, you can use the trick shared by TikTok user @christinesiahaans. Through one of the videos uploaded, she admitted to applying several tricks when processing bitter melon so that the bitter taste disappears and the color does not change.
 TikTok/@christinesiahaans
As reported by Briliofood from TikTok @christinesiahaans on Friday (10/25), the first thing to do is cut and split the bitter melon first. After that, scoop out the center of the bitter melon using a spoon. Then, throw away the contents of the bitter melon. Once done, slice the bitter melon until it is thin.
 TikTok/@christinesiahaans
Next, put the bitter melon in a container and add 1 tbsp of salt. Stir and squeeze using your hands until the bitter melon releases water by itself. If so, let it sit for 15 minutes so that the sap that causes the bitter taste of the bitter melon comes out even more.
 TikTok/@christinesiahaans
After letting it sit, wash the bitter melon thoroughly while squeezing it again. Once done, rinse and drain. Now, at this stage, you can set the bitter melon aside and prepare the spices to process the bitter melon. In the video, TikTok user @christinesiahaans is about to saute it with rebon shrimp and garlic and shallots.
 TikTok/@christinesiahaans
Well, another trick to remove the bitter taste lies in the stir-frying process. After sauteing the spices, you can add the sliced bitter melon. The key is, don't add water when sauteing the bitter melon so that it doesn't taste bitter and the color changes. The reason is, adding water can make the bitter melon soft and no longer green because it is overcooked. When sauteing bitter melon, also add ingredients with strong flavors that can balance the remaining bitterness. Seasonings such as garlic, shallots, chilies, and shrimp paste or salted fish can provide a more complex flavor and cover the bitterness of the bitter melon. The rebon shrimp added by TikTok user/@christinesiahaans can also help disguise the remaining bitter taste that is still attached, you know.