Bitter Melon Pancakes (Yeoju-jeon): A Healthy & Delicious Twist
Healthy Bitter Melon Dishes: Experience the Deliciousness of Bitter Melon Pancakes and Bitter Melon Salad
Bitter melon, a vegetable with a bumpy, gourd-like appearance, is often avoided due to its strong bitter taste. However, you’ll be amazed by its incredible health benefits! Today, we’re sharing recipes for delicious bitter melon pancakes that minimize bitterness and a refreshing bitter melon salad. Enjoy both health and taste with these delightful dishes!
1. Crispy & Flavorful Bitter Melon Pancakes- 1/2 bitter melon (approx. 100g)
- 1 cup pancake mix (approx. 100g)
- 1 egg
- Approx. 1/2 cup water (for batter consistency)
- Generous amount of olive oil
- Pinch of salt (for pre-treatment)
- Pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
2. Refreshing & Healthy Bitter Melon Salad- ▶ 1/2 bitter melon (approx. 100g)
- Oriental dressing (store-bought or homemade)
3. Delicious Oriental Dressing (Homemade)- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- A touch of sesame oil (for finishing)
- ▶ 1/2 bitter melon (approx. 100g)
- Oriental dressing (store-bought or homemade)
3. Delicious Oriental Dressing (Homemade)- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- A touch of sesame oil (for finishing)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
[Making Bitter Melon Pancakes] First, wash the bitter melon thoroughly. Slice it in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scrape out all the seeds and the white pith from the inside. Then, slice the bitter melon into bite-sized pieces, about 0.5cm thick, like half-moons or manageable shapes. Slicing thinly helps reduce the bitterness. 
Step 2
Sprinkle a little salt over the sliced bitter melon and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This process draws out the bitterness and moisture, resulting in crispier pancakes. Gently pat the salted bitter melon dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, crack the egg and whisk it, then add the pancake mix and water. Stir until you have a smooth batter without lumps. Add the prepared bitter melon to the batter and mix well to coat.
Step 3
Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Ladle about a portion of the batter onto the hot pan and spread it into a round, flat shape. It’s important to fry both sides until they are golden brown and crispy. Once one side is cooked, flip it over and cook the other side until equally delicious.
Step 4
Transfer the golden-brown bitter melon pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Arrange the finished pancakes on a serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy them while they’re warm for the best crispy texture.
Step 5
[Making Bitter Melon Salad] Wash the bitter melon intended for the salad, remove the seeds and pith, and slice it thinly. Place the thinly sliced bitter melon in a bowl, sprinkle with a little salt, and let it sit for about 15 minutes. You can give it a gentle toss halfway through. Rinse the salted bitter melon under cold water and squeeze out any excess moisture. 
Step 6
Add the prepared Oriental dressing generously to the squeezed bitter melon and mix well by gently tossing. Ensure the dressing is evenly distributed. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. You’ll have a crunchy and refreshing bitter melon salad! If the bitterness is still a concern, you can adjust the amount of dressing or add a touch of honey or corn syrup to the dressing for a sweeter profile.
