Name: Crispy Fried Bitter Melon (Karela): A Deliciously Easy Indian Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 Bitter Melons (karela, large sized); 1.5 tsp Salt (or to taste); 1 tsp Turmeric Powder (haldi); 1 tbsp Chili Powder (red); 1/2 tsp Garam Masala; 1/4 tsp Cumin Seed (jeera); 1/4 tsp Coriander Powder (dhania); 2 cup Vegetable Oil (or enough for frying)

Crispy Fried Bitter Melon (Karela): A Deliciously Easy Indian Recipe

20 minutes

757 reads

4.75 from 4 votes

Indian Soul Food

About Crispy Fried Bitter Melon (Karela): A Deliciously Easy Indian Recipe

Transform even the most bitter of bitter melons into a surprisingly addictive side dish with this incredibly easy recipe! Thinly sliced bitter melon is coated in a vibrant blend of warm Indian spices – turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and cumin – then fried to crispy, golden perfection. The result? A delightful contrast of textures and bold flavors that will leave you wanting more.

This recipe is a fantastic addition to any Indian meal, offering a textural and flavorful counterpoint to richer dishes. I personally love serving it alongside dal and rice; the contrasting tastes truly complement each other.

Ready to conquer your bitter melon aversion? Let's get cooking!

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Recipe Time & More

Prep5

Cook15

Total20

Calories152 kcal

Serves

Served AsDinner Lunch

Recipe TasteBitter Salty Spicy

Ingredients

Bitter Melon Preparation

▢ 2 Bitter Melons karela, large sized
▢ 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste

Spice Blend

Frying

▢ 2 cup Vegetable Oil or enough for frying

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Instructions

Prepare the Bitter Melon

Wash the bitter melon thoroughly and thinly slice into rounds. Add 1.5 teaspoons of salt, mix well, and massage the slices gently for a few minutes. This helps draw out some of the bitterness. Rinse the melon under cold water and drain well.

Make the Spice Blend

In a mixing bowl, combine the turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, cumin seed, and coriander powder. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices.

Coat and Fry

Add the thinly sliced bitter melon to the spice mixture and gently toss until all slices are evenly coated with the spice blend.
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated bitter melon slices. Fry, stirring occasionally, until the slices are golden brown and crispy. Reduce heat as needed to prevent burning.

Serve

Remove the crispy bitter melon from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot as a delicious side dish.

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips for the Crispiest Bitter Melon

For extra crispy bitter melon, pat the slices dry with a paper towel after rinsing to remove excess moisture before coating with spices.
Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. Work in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.
Adjust the amount of red chili powder to control the spice level according to your preference.
Experiment with other spices! Adding a pinch of asafoetida (hing) can enhance the flavor profile.