ALIMENTOS SALUDABLES A BASE DE HIERBAS ORIENTALES

DIETA HIERBAS VERANO

 

 

 

 

Bitter Melon and Tofu Nourishing Soup

(苦瓜豆腐汤)

 

Bitter Melon and Tofu Soup is a medicinal-style dish primarily made from bitter melon (苦瓜) and tofu (豆腐).
This soup is widely known for its ability to clear internal heat and detoxify the body.
Bitter melon and tofu are simmered together with seasonings such as salad oil, cooking wine (料酒), soy sauce (酱油), and others to create a refreshing and health-boosting soup.

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Benefits

This nourishing soup provides several health-supporting functions:

 

• Clears heat and detoxifies the body
• Helpful for diabetes (糖尿病)
• Helpful for hypertension (高血压)
• Helps soothe conjunctivitis (结膜炎)
• Helps relieve oral ulcers (口腔溃疡)

 

Cooking Method 1

Ingredients

Main ingredients:

• Bitter melon (苦瓜) – 150 g
• Tofu (豆腐) – 400 g

 

Seasonings:

• Salad oil (色拉油) – 30 g
• Cooking wine (料酒) – 5 g
• Soy sauce (酱油) – 10 g
• Sesame oil (香油) – 5 g
• Salt (盐) – 3 g
• MSG (味精) – 2 g
• Pea starch / cornstarch (淀粉) – 5 g

 

Instructions

1. Wash the bitter melon and slice it. Wash the tofu and cut it into cubes. Mix starch with water to prepare the slurry.
2. Heat salad oil in a pan, let it cool slightly, then add the bitter melon slices and stir-fry briefly.
3. Add boiling water, then add tofu cubes. Gently break the tofu into smaller pieces with a spoon.
4. When it comes to a boil, add soy sauce and the other seasonings.
5. Add the starch slurry to thicken the soup.
6. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and serve.

 

Cooking Method 2

Ingredients

Main ingredients:

• Bitter melon (苦瓜) – 150 g
• Ground lean pork (瘦猪肉) – 100 g
• Tofu (豆腐) – 400 g

Seasonings:

• Yellow cooking wine (黄酒) – 8 g
• Salt (盐) – 4 g
• Sesame oil (香油) – 5 g
• MSG (味精) – 2 g
• Soy sauce (酱油) – 3 g

Instructions

1. Marinate the ground pork with yellow wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, and starch slurry for 10 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pan, let it cool slightly, then stir-fry the marinated pork. Add bitter melon slices and fry briefly.
3. Add boiling water and tofu cubes, break the tofu into pieces, and cook until boiling.
4. Add seasonings, thicken with starch slurry, drizzle sesame oil, and serve.

 

Health Tips

Bitter Melon (苦瓜)

Bitter melon is well known for its detoxifying effects and its ability to clear internal heat.
It is also beneficial for blood sugar management and can help regulate glucose levels.

Bitter Melon & Tofu Soup is not only delicious but also cooling and highly nutritious—especially suitable for hot summer days.
Feel free to ask if you need more recipes or additional variations!

 

Benefits of Bitter Melon (苦瓜)

• Antioxidant effects: Contains antioxidant compounds that help prevent cellular damage.
• Boosts metabolism: Enhances metabolic activity and improves blood circulation.
• Aids digestion: Promotes digestion and stimulates bowel movement.
• Weight loss support: Low in calories, high in fiber; increases satiety and promotes fat breakdown.
• Anti-cancer potential: Some studies show inhibitory effects on cancer cell growth.

 

Precautions When Consuming Bitter Melon

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Should avoid consumption.
• Hypoglycemia patients: May lower blood sugar further; caution required.
• Individuals with weak digestion: Should avoid if experiencing gastrointestinal weakness.
• People taking medication: Those on blood-sugar-controlling drugs should consult a physician.