Tumis Pare (Stir-Fried Bitter Gourd)

🛒 Ingredients

• #Main Ingredients;
• 2 medium bitter gourd (pare) — about 300 g
• 4 cloves garlic — thinly sliced.., 3 shallots — thinly sliced
• 2–3 fresh red chillies — sliced diagonally (adjust to taste)
• 2 fresh green chillies — optional.. 3 tbsp neutral cooking oil
• #Sauce & Seasoning;
• 1 tbsp soy sauce.. 1 tsp sweet soy sauce or coconut sugar
• ½ tsp sea salt — adjust to taste.. ½ tsp ground white pepper
• ½ tsp sugar — to balance bitterness.. 2–3 tbsp water — optional
• #To reduce bitterness (optional but recommended);
• ½ tsp salt — for rubbing

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prep & reduce bitterness: Wash bitter gourd thoroughly. Cut in half lengthwise, scoop out the soft seeds and pith. Slice thinly into half-moons. Rub slices generously with salt, let rest 5–10 minutes, then squeeze firmly and rinse well. This removes excess bitterness. Drain thoroughly and pat dry.

2. 2

   Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a wok or pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and shallots, stir-fry 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden. Add chillies and toss briefly.

3. 3

   Stir-fry bitter gourd: Turn heat to high. Add bitter gourd slices and stir-fry rapidly for 3–5 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green — do not overcook or it becomes mushy and overly bitter.

4. 4

   Season: Drizzle with soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, salt, pepper, sugar, and a splash of water if too dry. Toss quickly to coat evenly and let flavours absorb for 1 minute.

5. 5

   Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately while hot and crisp with steamed rice!