Bitter Melon Soup with Stuffed Pork — A Healthy Dish Made Delicious

Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd, is a highly nutritious vegetable that offers a variety of health benefits. However, because of its naturally strong bitter flavor, many people find it difficult to enjoy. The good news is that with a few simple tricks, you can reduce the bitterness and turn this traditional dish into a wonderfully flavorful and nourishing meal.

Ingredients for Bitter Melon Soup with Stuffed Pork

• 5–6 bitter melons (medium size)

• 200 g (about 7 oz) ground pork

• 2–3 dried wood ear mushrooms (black fungus)

• Green onions, shallots, and coriander (cilantro)

• Salt, pepper, and seasoning powder

• Pork bone broth or plain water
  
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients
Begin by soaking the dried wood ear mushrooms in warm water until they expand and become soft. Trim off any tough stems, rinse thoroughly, and chop them finely. Clean the green onions by removing the roots and wilted leaves. Separate the white parts from the green tops — crush and finely chop the white parts, and set aside the greens for garnish.

Peel the shallots, wash them, then mince or crush them. Wash and trim any other herbs you plan to use for serving, such as coriander or cilantro.

2. Prepare the meat filling
Use lean pork shoulder or a cut that contains a bit of fat for the best texture. Wash the meat and let it drain completely before grinding it finely — this will help the filling stay moist and tender. For an even softer texture, mix two parts ground pork with one part fish paste or pork paste (“giò sống”). You can also replace the paste with ground fish, such as featherback fish, for a lighter version.

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped mushrooms, shallots, and crushed white onion parts. Season with a little salt, pepper, and seasoning powder. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly combined. Let the filling rest for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

3. Prepare the bitter melon
Choose fresh, firm bitter melons with smooth, bright green skin and a plump shape. These will be easier to stuff and result in better presentation. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a teaspoon of salt, and quickly blanch the bitter melons for about one minute. Immediately transfer them into a bowl of cold water with a few ice cubes — this will help maintain their color and slightly reduce the bitterness.

Once cooled, slice each bitter melon lengthwise on one side and gently scoop out all the seeds and pith using a small spoon.

4. Stuff the bitter melon
Carefully fill each melon with the prepared meat mixture, pressing gently so the filling is snug but not overflowing. For a neat finish and to prevent the stuffing from spilling out during cooking, tie each melon with a blanched green onion leaf.

5. Cook the soup
If available, use a pot of pork bone broth to bring out a richer and more aromatic flavor. Otherwise, plain water works fine — just add a touch more seasoning. Bring the broth to a boil, then carefully place each stuffed bitter melon into the pot.

Allow the water to return to a rolling boil, skim off any foam to keep the broth clear, and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer gently until the bitter melon is tender and the filling is fully cooked — this usually takes about 20–30 minutes.

Serving and Finishing Touches

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped coriander and a sprinkle of ground pepper for added aroma. Serve it hot as part of a family meal or enjoy it on its own with a bowl of steamed rice.

Bitter melon soup isn’t just comforting — it’s also highly beneficial for your health. Bitter melon is known to help lower cholesterol levels, support blood sugar control, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Regularly including this dish in your diet can contribute to better digestion and improved overall wellness.

Tip: If you still find the flavor too bitter, try soaking the cut bitter melon in lightly salted water for 15 minutes before blanching. This helps neutralize some of the bitterness while keeping the vegetable crisp and fresh.

Enjoy your hearty, healthy, and beautifully balanced Bitter Melon Soup!

With the method above, even those who used to avoid bitter melon might find themselves asking for a second serving. Cooking is all about balance — and this recipe shows that even the most “bitter” ingredients can create something wonderfully delicious when treated with care.