Tip How To Make Canh Khổ Qua (Vietnamese Bitter Melon Soup)

Canh Khổ Qua, also known as Vietnamese bitter melon soup, is a unique and delicious soup that highlights the distinctive bitter taste of bitter melons. Bitter melon, as the name suggests, has a pronounced bitter flavor that makes it a polarizing ingredient to many. However, when prepared properly in Canh Khổ Qua, the bitter melon’s sharp bitterness is balanced out by the soup’s savory broth and tender pork and shrimp filling. The end result is a complex, herbaceous soup that both bitter melon lovers and cautious first-timers can enjoy.

While bitter melon can be found in some well-stocked grocery stores, you’ll have much better luck finding it fresh at an Asian specialty market. The strange, bumpy-skinned gourd is popular in a number of Asian cuisines, so markets specializing in Asian ingredients are your best bet for finding high-quality bitter melons.

Where to Find Bitter Melon?

Since bitter melon isn’t a commonly used ingredient in Western cooking, it can be difficult to locate at a regular chain grocery store. You might find bitter melon in the produce section of stores that cater to diverse communities, but the selection is often limited. For the best chance of finding fresh, high-quality bitter melons, I recommend visiting an Asian specialty market.

Bitter melon is very popular throughout Asia, used in dishes from India to China to the Philippines. At an Asian grocery store, you’ll likely find a well-stocked display of many bitter melons to choose from. The bumpy, green gourds should look firm and free of blemishes. Large Asian supermarkets will have the biggest selection, but even smaller specialty grocers are likely to carry bitter melon. Investing in a trip to an Asian market is the best way to ensure you’ll get deliciously bitter melons for your Canh Khổ Qua.

Ingredients

To make Canh Khổ Qua, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Bitter Melon

• 2 medium bitter melons
• Salt for soaking

Filling

• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/4 pound peeled and deveined shrimp, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 dried wood ear mushrooms, soaked and chopped
• 2 ounces mung bean noodles, soaked and chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 egg

Broth

• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Garnish (optional)

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced green onions

The filling for the bitter melon includes ground pork, with shrimp as an optional addition for extra flavor. Dried wood ear mushrooms and sweet mung bean noodles soak up the broth’s flavor. Onion, garlic, and seasoning round out the savory filling.

The broth is simple, made with chicken or vegetable broth seasoned with a bit of fish sauce and sugar. Chopped herbs like cilantro and green onions add a pop of color and freshness when plating.

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make Canh Khổ Qua at home:

Preparing the Filling

If using shrimp in the filling:

• Soak the dried wood ear mushrooms in hot water for 15 minutes, until softened. Drain, remove any hard stems, and chop.
• Soak the mung bean noodles in hot water for 10 minutes, until softened. Drain and chop.

Combine the ground pork, chopped shrimp (if using), chopped wood ear mushrooms, chopped noodles, diced onion, minced garlic, sugar, pepper, fish sauce, and egg in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.

Choosing a Good Bitter Melon

When selecting bitter melons, smoother-skinned, unblemished ones will generally be less bitter and have thinner skin. Avoid melons with overly bumpy exteriors, which tend to be more bitter. Select melons that feel heavy for their size.

Preparing the Bitter Melon

Carefully slice the bitter melons in half lengthwise, then use a spoon to scrape out and discard the seeds and pithy core. This removes much of the intense bitterness. Cut the melon halves into 3/4-inch slices.

Place the melon slices in a colander and sprinkle generously with salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to draw out additional bitterness. Rinse well.

Cooking the Soup

In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth and 2 cups water to a boil over high heat.

Carefully stuff each bitter melon slice with a tablespoon of the filling. Add the stuffed bitter melons to the broth, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if desired, adding more fish sauce for a savory, salty depth or sugar to counteract bitterness. Simmer 10 more minutes, until the bitter melon is fork-tender but not mushy.

Serving

To serve, place several pieces of bitter melon in each soup bowl alongside rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy the complex, herbaceous flavors of the soup.

Additional Information

Here are some extra tips for making Canh Khổ Qua:

Cooking Options

For convenience, the stuffed bitter melons can be simmered in a slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours instead of stove top.

Serving Suggestions

Offer a dipping sauce like nuoc cham (fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chilies) and extra vegetables like bean sprouts on the side.

Preparation Time

Plan for 15 minutes prep time for the filling, 15 minutes for the bitter melon, and 25 minutes total cooking time. Factor in soaking times for the mushrooms and noodles as well.

Skill Level

This recipe involves some slicing and knife skills but is approachable even for beginner cooks. The complex flavors are worth the effort!

Nutritional Information

Bitter melon is low in calories but high in beneficial nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and soluble fiber. The vegetables, herbs, and protein make this a nutritious one-bowl meal.

Canh Khổ Qua is a tasty introduction to bitter melon that may make you a fan of its unique bitter edge. Follow these tips for choosing, preparing, and cooking bitter melon, and enjoy this Vietnamese soup specialty. The contrast of flavors and textures is complex and aromatic – a delicious way to incorporate bitter melon’s health benefits into your diet.

Conclusion

Canh Khổ Qua, or Vietnamese bitter melon soup, highlights the unique flavor of bitter melon while tempering its sharp edge. With its savory pork and shrimp filling, aromatic broth, and variety of textures, this soup makes bitter melon accessible and enjoyable. Seek out the bumpy green melons at an Asian market to make this dish at home. When prepared properly, the bitterness transforms into a complex and appetizing flavor profile. For an introduction to bitter melon that may leave you craving more, Canh Khổ Qua is a nutritious and tasty option worth trying. Follow the preparation tips outlined to balance the flavors perfectly. With its herbaceous bitterness rounded out by umami depth, Canh Khổ Qua exemplifies how Vietnamese cuisine can transform an intimidating ingredient into a satisfying dish.