Refreshing Bitter Gourd Salad (Yeoju Muchim)
Making Bitter Gourd Salad: Bitter Gourd for Diabetes – The Best, Slightly Bitter, Healthy Dish!
I made this dish to take care of my family’s health, as bitter melon is known for its benefits for diabetes and obesity. The bitterness of bitter melon is said to prevent diabetic complications. Eating it this way can slightly reduce the bitterness. Heh.
Ingredients- 2 fresh bitter gourds
Seasoning- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp salt
- 2 Tbsp red pepper paste
- 2 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (or oligosaccharide)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 2 Tbsp salt
- 2 Tbsp red pepper paste
- 2 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup (or oligosaccharide)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the 2 fresh bitter gourds. First, soak them in water with 1 tablespoon of vinegar for about 10 minutes to help remove surface impurities and sterilize them. This step can also slightly help to mellow the bitterness. After 10 minutes, rinse them several times under cold running water and pat them dry.
Step 2
Cut the washed bitter gourds in half lengthwise. This makes it much easier to scoop out the seeds and pith.
Step 3
Using a spoon, carefully scoop out all the seeds and the spongy pith from the inside of each bitter gourd half. Removing the pith is key to a smoother texture and less bitterness. The cleaner you scrape, the better the final result.
Step 4
Slice the hollowed-out bitter gourd into bite-sized pieces, about 1 cm thick. Slicing them to a uniform thickness ensures they cook evenly and present nicely. Avoid slicing too thinly, as they can become mushy.
Step 5
In a bowl, combine the sliced bitter gourd with 2 tablespoons of salt, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Gently mix and let it sit for 30 to 40 minutes to pickle. This process draws out moisture, dilutes the bitterness, and results in a crisp texture.
Step 6
Drain the pickled bitter gourd thoroughly using a sieve. If the pickled taste is too strong, you can briefly rinse it under cold water, but be careful not to wash away too much of the flavor. Ensure most of the water is removed so the dressing adheres well.
Step 7
Place the drained bitter gourd in a mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of red pepper paste (gochujang) first. Mixing the red pepper paste in initially helps distribute the other seasonings more evenly.
Step 8
Next, add 2 tablespoons of red pepper flakes (gochugaru) and 2 tablespoons of minced garlic. These ingredients add a spicy kick and aromatic flavor that further balances the bitterness of the bitter gourd.
Step 9
Finally, add 2 tablespoons of corn syrup or oligosaccharide for sweetness and a glossy finish. Mix everything together thoroughly until the bitter gourd is well coated with the dressing. This is where the flavors begin to meld beautifully.
Step 10
Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of perilla oil and mix gently one last time to infuse the aromatic flavor. The nutty scent of the perilla oil enhances the overall taste of the salad. Transfer the prepared bitter gourd salad to a serving dish and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of sesame seeds. Your refreshing bitter gourd salad is ready to be enjoyed! It’s delicious immediately or can be stored in the refrigerator as a healthy side dish.
