bitter gourd soup recipes chinese

Bitter Gourd Soup Recipes Chinese

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If you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine or simply love exploring new flavors, then this article is for you. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds as we uncover the world of “Bitter Gourd Soup Recipes Chinese.” This unique and flavorsome soup is known for its distinct bitter taste, which is balanced perfectly with a variety of ingredients and spices. From traditional recipes passed down through generations to modern twists on this classic Chinese dish, we’ve got everything you need to create a delicious and wholesome bowl of bitter gourd soup that will leave you craving for more. Get your apron on, because we’re about to embark on a culinary adventure like no other!

Bitter Gourd Soup Recipes Chinese

Traditional Bitter Gourd Soup

Bitter gourd soup is a popular Chinese dish that offers a unique blend of flavors. This traditional recipe combines the bitterness of the gourd with the rich and savory taste of various ingredients. If you’re looking to explore the world of bitter gourd soups, this recipe is a great place to start.

Ingredients

To make traditional bitter gourd soup, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 2 medium-sized bitter gourds
  • 250g of pork ribs or chicken pieces
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • 3 cups of water

Preparation

  1. Start by washing the bitter gourds thoroughly and then cut them lengthwise. Remove the seeds and pith, as they can contribute to the bitterness.
  2. Cut the gourds into thin slices and set them aside.
  3. Next, rinse the pork ribs or chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry.
  4. If you’re using pork ribs, you can blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes to remove any impurities. Chicken pieces do not require blanching.
  5. After blanching, rinse the pork ribs under cold water and set them aside.

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat a pot with some water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Add the pork ribs or chicken pieces to the boiling water and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
  3. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
  4. Once the meat is cooked and tender, add the bitter gourd slices to the pot.
  5. Add salt to taste and let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
  6. Drizzle sesame oil over the soup, stir well, and turn off the heat.
  7. The traditional bitter gourd soup is now ready to be served.

Variations

While the traditional bitter gourd soup is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:

  1. Spicy Bitter Gourd Soup: Add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give your soup a kick of heat.
  2. Bitter Gourd and Mushroom Soup: Add sliced mushrooms to the soup for an earthy and hearty flavor.
  3. Bitter Gourd Soup with Seafood: Replace the pork ribs or chicken with your favorite seafood, such as shrimp or fish, for a delightful seafood twist.
  4. Bitter Gourd Soup with Black Bean: Add fermented black beans to the soup for a savory and umami flavor.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite variation of bitter gourd soup.

Clear Bitter Gourd Soup

If you prefer a lighter and more refreshing version of bitter gourd soup, the clear bitter gourd soup is an excellent choice. This soup retains the natural bitterness of the gourd while offering a clear and delicate broth.

Ingredients

To make clear bitter gourd soup, gather the following ingredients:

  • 2 small bitter gourds
  • 300g of lean pork
  • 1 small carrot, sliced
  • 5 cups of water
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of white pepper

Preparation

  1. Wash the bitter gourds, cut them lengthwise, and remove the seeds and pith.
  2. Slice the bitter gourds into thin pieces.
  3. Rinse the lean pork under cold water and cut it into small cubes.
  4. Peel and slice the carrot.

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a pot, bring the water to a boil.
  2. Add the pork cubes to the boiling water and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
  3. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.
  4. Add the bitter gourd slices and carrot to the pot and simmer for another 5 minutes.
  5. Season the soup with salt and white pepper.
  6. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  7. The clear bitter gourd soup is now ready to be served.
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Serving Suggestions

Clear bitter gourd soup is light and refreshing, making it a perfect starter for any meal. You can serve it alongside steamed rice or enjoy it on its own. For added flavor and texture, garnish the soup with some fresh cilantro or spring onions before serving.

Clear bitter gourd soup is an excellent choice for those who enjoy the distinct bitterness of the gourd but prefer a lighter broth.

Bitter Melon and Pork Soup

Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon, is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with various meats. In this recipe, we combine the bitterness of the gourd with the rich flavors of pork to create a hearty and comforting soup.

Ingredients

To make bitter melon and pork soup, gather the following ingredients:

  • 2 small bitter gourds
  • 300g of pork shoulder, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 4 cups of water

Preparation

  1. Wash the bitter gourds, cut them lengthwise, and remove the seeds.
  2. Slice the bitter gourds into thin pieces.
  3. Rinse the pork shoulder under cold water and slice it into thin strips.

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat a pot over medium heat and add the sliced pork shoulder.
  2. Stir-fry the pork until it is slightly browned and cooked through.
  3. Add the bitter gourd slices to the pot and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
  4. Season the ingredients with soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
  5. Pour in the water and bring the soup to a boil.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes.
  7. The bitter melon and pork soup is now ready to be served.

Health Benefits

Bitter gourd is known for its numerous health benefits. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. Bitter gourd also contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and support overall well-being. By incorporating bitter gourd into your diet through soups like this one, you can reap its nutritional benefits while enjoying a delicious and nourishing meal.

Bitter Gourd Soup with Tofu

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option for bitter gourd soup, this recipe with tofu is a fantastic choice. The combination of bitter gourd and tofu creates a well-balanced and flavorful soup that is both healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients

To make bitter gourd soup with tofu, gather the following ingredients:

  • 2 medium-sized bitter gourds
  • 200g of firm tofu, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 4 cups of vegetable broth
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper

Preparation

  1. Wash the bitter gourds, cut them lengthwise, and remove the seeds and pith.
  2. Slice the bitter gourds into thin pieces.
  3. Drain and cut the firm tofu into small cubes.
  4. Mince the garlic cloves.

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
  3. Add the bitter gourd slices and tofu cubes to the pot. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a boil.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the bitter gourd is tender.
  6. Season the soup with soy sauce, salt, and white pepper.
  7. Stir well to combine the flavors.
  8. The bitter gourd soup with tofu is now ready to be served.

Vegetarian Option

By substituting meat with tofu, this bitter gourd soup becomes suitable for vegetarians. Tofu is a great source of protein and adds a creamy and smooth texture to the soup. It also absorbs the flavors of the soup, making it a delicious addition to this dish. This vegetarian option allows everyone to enjoy the benefits and flavors of bitter gourd soup.

Bitter Gourd Soup Recipes Chinese

Spicy Bitter Gourd Soup

For those who enjoy a little heat in their soups, the spicy bitter gourd soup is the perfect choice. By adding some spicy elements to the traditional bitter gourd soup recipe, you can elevate the flavors and give it an exciting twist.

Ingredients

To make spicy bitter gourd soup, gather the following ingredients:

  • 2 medium-sized bitter gourds
  • 250g of pork ribs or chicken pieces
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • 3 cups of water
  • 2 teaspoons of chili flakes or hot sauce (adjust to taste)

Preparation

  1. Wash the bitter gourds, cut them lengthwise, and remove the seeds and pith.
  2. Slice the bitter gourds into thin pieces.
  3. Rinse the pork ribs or chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry.
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Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat a pot with some water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Add the pork ribs or chicken pieces to the boiling water and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
  3. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
  4. Once the meat is cooked and tender, add the bitter gourd slices to the pot.
  5. Add salt to taste and let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
  6. Stir in chili flakes or hot sauce to add spiciness to the soup. Adjust the amount according to your preference.
  7. Drizzle sesame oil over the soup, stir well, and turn off the heat.
  8. The spicy bitter gourd soup is now ready to be served.

Flavor Profile

The addition of chili flakes or hot sauce to the bitter gourd soup brings a zesty and spicy kick to the dish. The combination of the gourd’s bitterness and the spiciness creates a complex and exciting flavor profile. If you enjoy bold flavors and a bit of heat, this spicy bitter gourd soup is the perfect choice for you.

Bitter Gourd and Chicken Soup

Bitter gourd and chicken soup is a delicious and family-friendly variation of the traditional bitter gourd soup. By using chicken instead of pork, you can create a milder yet flavorful soup that both adults and children can enjoy.

Ingredients

To make bitter gourd and chicken soup, gather the following ingredients:

  • 2 medium-sized bitter gourds
  • 300g of boneless chicken thighs, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
  • 4 cups of water

Preparation

  1. Wash the bitter gourds, cut them lengthwise, and remove the seeds and pith.
  2. Slice the bitter gourds into thin pieces.
  3. Rinse the boneless chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry.
  4. Slice the chicken thighs into thin strips.

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat a pot over medium heat and add the sliced chicken thighs.
  2. Stir-fry the chicken until it is cooked through and slightly browned.
  3. Add the bitter gourd slices to the pot and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
  4. Season the ingredients with soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and white pepper. Stir well to combine.
  5. Pour in the water and bring the soup to a boil.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes.
  7. The bitter gourd and chicken soup is now ready to be served.

Family-Friendly Variation

This bitter gourd and chicken soup is an excellent option for families with children who may prefer milder flavors. By using chicken instead of pork and adjusting the seasonings, this variation offers a more subtle taste while still retaining the unique flavor of the bitter gourd. It’s a great way to introduce bitter gourd soup to the whole family, ensuring everyone can enjoy its health benefits and delicious taste.

Bitter Gourd Soup Recipes Chinese

Bitter Gourd Herbal Soup

In Chinese cuisine, bitter gourd herbal soup is highly regarded for its medicinal properties and health benefits. This herbal-infused soup combines the bitterness of the gourd with a blend of traditional Chinese herbs, resulting in a nourishing and therapeutic dish.

Ingredients

To make bitter gourd herbal soup, gather the following ingredients:

  • 2 medium-sized bitter gourds
  • 250g of pork ribs or chicken pieces
  • 2 tablespoons of dried Chinese herbs (such as wolfberries, red dates, and dried tangerine peel)
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • 4 cups of water

Preparation

  1. Wash the bitter gourds, cut them lengthwise, and remove the seeds and pith.
  2. Slice the bitter gourds into thin pieces.
  3. Rinse the pork ribs or chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry.
  4. Rinse the dried Chinese herbs under cold water and drain.

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a pot, bring the water to a boil.
  2. Add the dried Chinese herbs to the boiling water and let them simmer for about 10 minutes.
  3. Add the pork ribs or chicken pieces to the pot and let it simmer for another 20 minutes.
  4. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
  5. Once the meat is cooked and tender, add the bitter gourd slices to the pot.
  6. Add salt to taste and let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
  7. Drizzle sesame oil over the soup, stir well, and turn off the heat.
  8. The bitter gourd herbal soup is now ready to be served.

Medicinal Properties

Bitter gourd herbal soup is renowned for its medicinal properties. The combination of bitter gourd and Chinese herbs creates a powerful tonic that can support overall well-being. Bitter gourd is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels and aid in digestion, while the Chinese herbs provide additional health benefits such as boosting the immune system and promoting detoxification. By incorporating this soup into your diet, you can enjoy its therapeutic qualities while indulging in a comforting and flavorful dish.

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Bitter Gourd and Mushroom Soup

For vegetarian and health-conscious individuals, bitter gourd and mushroom soup is a fantastic option. This recipe combines the bitterness of the gourd with the earthy flavors of mushrooms, resulting in a nutritious and flavorful soup.

Ingredients

To make bitter gourd and mushroom soup, gather the following ingredients:

  • 2 medium-sized bitter gourds
  • 200g of mushrooms (such as shiitake or button mushrooms), sliced
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 4 cups of vegetable broth
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper

Preparation

  1. Wash the bitter gourds, cut them lengthwise, and remove the seeds and pith.
  2. Slice the bitter gourds into thin pieces.
  3. Clean and slice the mushrooms.

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
  3. Add the bitter gourd slices and sliced mushrooms to the pot. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a boil.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the bitter gourd is tender.
  6. Season the soup with soy sauce, salt, and white pepper.
  7. Stir well to combine the flavors.
  8. The bitter gourd and mushroom soup is now ready to be served.

Vegetarian Health Boost

This bitter gourd and mushroom soup provides a wonderful combination of flavors and health benefits for vegetarians. Bitter gourd is a great source of essential vitamins and minerals, while mushrooms offer a wealth of nutrients. Both ingredients are low in fat and calories, making this soup a healthy option for those watching their weight. By incorporating bitter gourd and mushrooms into your diet, you can enjoy a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Bitter Gourd Soup Recipes Chinese

Bitter Gourd Soup with Seafood

For seafood enthusiasts, bitter gourd soup with seafood is a delightful choice. This recipe combines the unique bitterness of the gourd with the delicate flavors of various seafood options, resulting in a delicious and light soup that is perfect for seafood lovers.

Ingredients

To make bitter gourd soup with seafood, gather the following ingredients:

  • 2 medium-sized bitter gourds
  • 250g of seafood (such as shrimp, fish fillet, or squid), cleaned and sliced
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • 4 cups of water

Preparation

  1. Wash the bitter gourds, cut them lengthwise, and remove the seeds and pith.
  2. Slice the bitter gourds into thin pieces.
  3. Clean and slice the seafood of your choice.

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a pot, bring the water to a boil.
  2. Add the seafood to the boiling water and let it simmer until cooked through.
  3. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
  4. Once the seafood is cooked, add the bitter gourd slices to the pot.
  5. Add salt to taste and let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
  6. Drizzle sesame oil over the soup, stir well, and turn off the heat.
  7. The bitter gourd soup with seafood is now ready to be served.

Seafood Selection

The beauty of bitter gourd soup with seafood is the versatility it offers. You can choose from a variety of seafood options, such as shrimp, fish fillet, or squid, depending on your preference. Each seafood choice will bring its own unique texture and flavor to the soup, creating a delightful combination with the bitterness of the gourd. Whether you prefer the sweetness of shrimp or the delicate taste of fish, this soup allows you to tailor the flavors to your liking.

Bitter Gourd Soup with Black Bean

Bitter gourd and black bean is a classic combination in Chinese cuisine that creates a savory and aromatic dish. In this recipe, we bring together the bitterness of the gourd with the umami flavors of fermented black beans to create a satisfying and flavorful soup.

Ingredients

To make bitter gourd soup with black bean, gather the following ingredients:

  • 2 medium-sized bitter gourds
  • 250g of pork ribs or chicken pieces
  • 1 tablespoon of fermented black beans
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • 4 cups of water

Preparation

  1. Wash the bitter gourds, cut them lengthwise, and remove the seeds and pith.
  2. Slice the bitter gourds into thin pieces.
  3. Rinse the pork ribs or chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry.
  4. Rinse the fermented black beans under cold water and drain.

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a pot, bring the water to a boil.
  2. Add the pork ribs or chicken pieces to the boiling water and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
  3. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
  4. Once the meat is cooked and tender, add the bitter gourd slices to the pot.
  5. Add the fermented black beans and salt to the pot and let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
  6. Drizzle sesame oil over the soup, stir well, and turn off the heat.
  7. The bitter gourd soup with black bean is now ready to be served.

Savory Combination

The combination of bitter gourd and fermented black beans creates a savory and delicious flavor profile. The saltiness and umami taste of the black beans complement the bitterness of the gourd, resulting in a satisfying and aromatic soup. If you’re a fan of savory dishes, this bitter gourd soup with black bean is sure to please your taste buds.