Best 3 Bitter Melon And Eggs Mara Pad Kai Recipes
Introducing the delectable Bitter Melon and Eggs (Mara Pad Kai), a classic Thai dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its unique blend of flavors. This dish features the bitter melon, a tropical vegetable known for its distinct flavor profile, stir-fried with eggs and complemented by a savory sauce. The bitterness of the melon is perfectly balanced by the richness of the eggs, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors.
In this comprehensive article, we present not just one, but three variations of this beloved dish. The first recipe showcases the traditional Bitter Melon and Eggs, capturing the authentic Thai flavors. The second variation introduces a delightful twist with the addition of crispy pork belly, adding an extra layer of texture and umami. And for those seeking a vegetarian alternative, the third recipe presents a flavorful rendition using tofu instead of eggs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the goodness of this dish.
Each recipe is meticulously explained with step-by-step instructions, making it easy for home cooks of all levels to recreate this Thai delicacy in their own kitchens. Detailed ingredient lists, cooking times, and serving suggestions accompany each recipe, ensuring a successful culinary experience. So, embark on a culinary journey and discover the magic of Bitter Melon and Eggs, prepared in three distinct ways to cater to diverse preferences and dietary choices.
BITTER MELON AND EGGS/ MARA PAD KAI
Make and share this Bitter Melon and Eggs/ Mara Pad Kai recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Missy Wombat
Categories Melons
Time 10m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Cut the bitter melon in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and slice each half crosswise in thin pieces.
- Beat the eggs in a bowl with 1 to 2 tsp of light soy sauce and a dash of ground white pepper.
- Heat a wok until its surface begins to smoke.
- Swirl in the oil and let heat 10 to 15 seconds.
- Add the bitter melon and sauté in the oil for about one minute.
- Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce and continue to sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until the melon starts to soften.
- Spread the melon pieces thinly over the wok surface.
- Pour the beaten eggs evenly over the melon pieces.
- Let eggs set about half a minute, then flip the mixture over to cook the other side.
- Cook until eggs are set and lightly browned.
KARELA (BITTER MELON OR GOURD)
As the name suggests, karela are bitter but are known to have therapeutic value, especially for those suffering from diabetes. When tomatoes and other vegetables are mixed with it, the bitterness is reduced. Traditionally people first scrape karela and remove the hard skin. Then they rub salt in them and let them rest for about 1 hour. Then they squeeze out bitter water before using. Karela can be used with any meal or in a sandwich or pita bread. You may prepare them in advance, and refrigerate or freeze them. Or you may freeze uncooked karela. Buy them fresh, when in season, and rinse, trim, and cut them before freezing.
Provided by kusum gupta
Categories Melons
Time 30m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Rinse bitter melon.
- Trim on both ends as needed and scrape any blemishes or hard skin.
- Cut into small rounds.
- Heat the oil in a skillet on medium-high heat.
- Add karela almost in a single layer; stir and cook until brownish.
- Reduce the heat if they tend to burn.
- Add the onions, potatoes and all the seasonings; stir until the potatoes are cooked.
- Add the tomatoes.
- Cook slowly on medium low heat, half covered, stirring as needed, until everything is cooked.
- Variation: To make STUFFED KARELA: Mix all the seasonings for stuffing, substituting 1 teaspoon cumin powder for cumin seeds.
- Using a paring knife, make a long slit in each karela, from one end to another (leaving two ends and bottom of the pod intact).
- Keep the slit open with your thumb and use a spoon to fill the opening with the stuffing.
- Stuff all the karela this way.
- Cook karela in a wide skillet using 2 tablespoons oil, almost in a single layer, on medium heat.
- Stir gently so that stuffing does not come out.
- When half cooked, add the onions.
- Reduce heat to medium low, cooking slowly, half covered or uncovered, until karela are browned.
NO-FRY KARELA CRISPIES (BITTER MELON)
I was horrified, then fascinated, then in love with this strange (to me) little vegetable dish when I had it mixed with potatoes in a dry curry at my local Indian vegetarian lunch counter. It's a very strong flavor, so if you make this and aren't yet familiar with it, you've been warned! ;o) I haven't yet tried it, but I'm looking around for various bitter melon recipes (aka bitter gourd).
Provided by Sandi From CA
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 55m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to about 375°F.
- Wash the bitter melon and slice them using a mandolin slicer into thin round slices.
- Mix with salt, turmeric and chilli powder and marinate for about 1/2 an hour. Squeeze excess moisture out.
- Spread foil on a baking tray and grease it with about a tbsp oil. Toss the bitter melon slices with 2 tbsp oil and spread them on the baking tray.
- Bake for about 5-7 mins and then broil it for 7 minutes Depending on the type of your oven, the broiling might be a few mins more or less. Crispy Karela -- without frying!
Tips:
- Choose the right bitter melon: Look for bitter melons that are deep green in color and have smooth, firm skin. Avoid melons that are yellow or have blemishes.
- Prepare the bitter melon properly: To reduce the bitterness, cut the bitter melon in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and pith. Then, slice the melon into thin strips.
- Soak the bitter melon in water: Soaking the bitter melon in cold water for 30 minutes will help to remove some of the bitterness.
- Use a variety of cooking methods: Bitter melon can be stir-fried, sautéed, grilled, or steamed. Each cooking method will produce a different flavor and texture.
- Add other ingredients to balance the flavor: Bitter melon pairs well with sweet, salty, and sour flavors. Try adding ingredients like eggs, tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, or chili peppers to your bitter melon dishes.
Conclusion:
Bitter melon is a healthy and versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its unique flavor and texture make it a popular ingredient in many Asian cuisines. If you're looking for a new and exciting way to cook with bitter melon, try one of the recipes from this article. With a little creativity, you can create delicious and healthy meals that the whole family will enjoy.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love
