How to Make Non-Bitter, Simple, Crispy and Delicious Bitter Melon Jam for Tet

How to make Bitter Melon Jam

• 1

  Prepare the bitter melon

  When you buy the bitter melon, wash it thoroughly, cut it in half lengthwise, and scrape out the seeds. Then, slice the bitter melon into thin slices about 2 mm thick (like a coin).

  To reduce the bitterness, place the bitter melon in a bowl, add 2 tablespoons of salt, mix well and let it sit until the bitter melon releases some of its water. After that, rinse the bitter melon several times with water.

  To keep the bitter melon clear and crunchy, soak it in clean water for about 30 minutes, then remove it and let it drain.

  

  

  
• 2

  Drying bitter melon

  Spread the bitter melon evenly on a tray or basket, and dry the bitter melon under the sun for about 1 day until it is dry and shriveled.

  Tip: If the weather is not sunny enough to dry the bitter melon, you can dry it in a oven at 100 degrees Celsius for about 1 hour.

  

  
• 3

  Marinate with sugar

  Add the dried bitter melon to a bowl along with 100g of sugar, mix well and marinate the bitter melon for about 10 minutes to allow it to absorb the sugar evenly.

  Note:

  • To ensure the bitter melon is delicious and crispy when cooked, you should not marinate it for too long.
  • Depending on your taste, you can adjust the amount of sugar used.

  

  
• 4

  Cooking Bitter Melon Jam

  Put a pan on the stove, add the bitter melon and stir continuously. Cook the bitter melon over medium heat until the syrup reduces and the bitter melon pieces become dry and hard, turning a brownish-yellow color.

  

  
• 5

  Final Product

  The finished bitter melon jam will have an attractive color, a crispy and slightly chewy texture, with a harmonious sweet-bitter taste. During the New Year, if you make and enjoy bitter melon jam, it will surely help all your troubles of the year fade away!