Vegetarian Bitter Melon Soup: A Light and Cooling Dish for Family Meals

Vegetarian bitter melon soup (canh khổ qua chay) is not only a refreshing and easy-to-make dish but also carries deep cultural meaning in Vietnamese cuisine. With its signature gentle bitterness balanced by the natural sweetness of vegetables, this soup offers a simple yet refined flavor profile that suits any vegetarian family meal. In this article, Vô Úy Vegetarian Restaurant shares two popular recipes: vegetarian bitter melon soup stuffed with tofu and a light version cooked with straw mushrooms—both easy to prepare at home and perfect for everyday dining.

Vegetarian Bitter Melon Soup – A Traditional Vietnamese Dish for Lunar New Year

For generations, bitter melon soup has held a special place in Vietnamese culinary culture, especially during Lunar New Year (Tết). In traditional belief, “bitter melon” symbolizes hardships and challenges of the old year passing away, making room for peace and good fortune in the new year. A bowl of bitter melon soup on the New Year’s table is more than food—it is a heartfelt wish for health, calm, and a smoother journey ahead.

Alongside the traditional meat-based version, vegetarian bitter melon soup has become increasingly popular, particularly among older family members and those who follow a plant-based or mindful lifestyle. This vegetarian adaptation preserves the spirit of tradition while offering a lighter, easier-to-digest option that aligns well with a healthy vegetarian diet.

Typically, vegetarian bitter melon is stuffed with tofu, mushrooms, and carrots, or simply simmered with straw mushrooms in a vegetable broth. When cooked properly, the soup delivers a clean, naturally sweet taste, a mild bitterness, and a comforting aroma—creating a harmonious and elegant dish.

2 Popular Ways to Cook Vegetarian Bitter Melon Soup at Home

Depending on your preference and time, you can choose a more elaborate or a quick-and-simple method. Below are two of the most common and family-friendly ways to prepare vegetarian bitter melon soup.

How to Cook Vegetarian Bitter Melon Soup Stuffed with Tofu

This version of vegetarian bitter melon soup stuffed with tofu features a gentle bitterness, clear broth, and naturally sweet flavor. The filling made from tofu and mushrooms is soft and rich, making the soup easy to enjoy without feeling heavy. It is ideal for cooling the body, supporting digestion, and balancing the palate.

Ingredients

• Bitter melon: 500g

• Firm tofu: 200g

• Dried wood ear mushrooms: 20g

• Carrot: 50g

• Scallions: 10g

• Cilantro: 10g

• Seasonings: salt, sugar, vegetarian seasoning powder, pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the bitter melon
Slice the bitter melon lengthwise and remove the seeds and white pith to reduce bitterness. Soak in lightly salted water for about 5 minutes, rinse with clean water, and drain.

Step 2: Prepare other ingredients
Peel and wash the carrot, then shred and finely chop it. Wash scallions and cilantro; set aside the scallion whites for cooking, and finely chop the rest for the filling. Soak dried wood ear mushrooms in warm water until soft, trim the base, then finely chop.

Step 3: Make the filling
Mash the tofu in a bowl, then mix with carrot, wood ear mushrooms, chopped scallions, and cilantro. Season with vegetarian seasoning, salt, sugar, and pepper to taste. Mix well until the filling holds together.

Step 4: Stuff the bitter melon
Gently stuff the filling into each bitter melon piece, pressing lightly to secure without cracking the melon.

Step 5: Cook the soup
Bring about 1 liter of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, then add the stuffed bitter melon. Simmer for approximately 20 minutes. Adjust seasoning, add scallion whites and chopped herbs, stir gently, and turn off the heat.

Once finished, the soup has a pleasing color and a light aroma. When enjoyed hot with steamed rice, you’ll taste the mild bitterness of the melon, the creamy tofu filling, and the refreshing clarity of the broth.

Simple Vegetarian Bitter Melon Soup with Straw Mushrooms

If you’re short on time, vegetarian bitter melon soup with straw mushrooms is a quick and convenient option. It takes only 15–20 minutes to prepare while still delivering a clean, cooling taste.

Ingredients

• 2 bitter melons

• 100g straw mushrooms

• 1 piece firm or silken tofu

• Cilantro

• Salt, sugar, vegetarian seasoning

Instructions

Step 1: Clean the straw mushrooms and slice them in halves or quarters. Cut tofu into bite-sized cubes. Remove seeds from bitter melon and slice thinly. Finely chop cilantro.

Step 2: Bring an appropriate amount of water to a boil. Add straw mushrooms with a little salt and vegetarian seasoning. Add more water if you prefer a lighter soup.

Step 3: Once boiling again, add bitter melon and tofu. Season with salt, vegetarian seasoning, and sugar to taste.

Step 4: Turn off the heat as soon as the soup returns to a boil. Thinly sliced bitter melon cooks very quickly—overcooking can make it too bitter. Garnish with cilantro and pepper if desired.

Whether you choose the richer stuffed version or the quick straw mushroom soup, vegetarian bitter melon soup (canh khổ qua chay) always retains its essence of simplicity and balance. More than just a comforting dish, it carries a quiet message: bitterness will eventually pass, leaving behind calmness and peace for those who savor it.

How to Store Vegetarian Bitter Melon Soup Properly

Vegetarian bitter melon soup tastes best when enjoyed immediately after cooking. If storage is necessary, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It should be consumed within 24 hours for optimal flavor and food safety.

When reheating, gently bring the soup to a light boil only. Avoid prolonged heating, as this can cause the bitter melon to become overly soft and more bitter. Proper storage and reheating help preserve the soup’s delicate taste while ensuring food safety.

How to Choose Fresh Ingredients for Vegetarian Bitter Melon Soup

To prepare a truly delicious vegetarian bitter melon soup, selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients is essential. The freshness of the ingredients directly affects the soup’s flavor, clarity, and natural sweetness.

How to Choose Fresh Bitter Melon

Choose bitter melons that are medium-sized, slender, and elongated, with a surface covered in small, even ridges. Avoid bitter melons that are dark green, overly large, or have a smooth, glossy skin, as these may have been grown with excessive nitrogen fertilizer or growth stimulants, which can affect both taste and texture.

How to Choose Good-Quality Tofu

High-quality tofu should have a natural off-white color rather than yellowish tones. It should feel light when held, have a smooth surface, and emit a gentle soybean aroma. Tofu containing impurities or excessive calcium sulfate often has a faint lime-like smell, a slightly astringent taste, and lacks the creamy richness of good tofu.

Frequently Asked Questions When Cooking Vegetarian Bitter Melon Soup

Although vegetarian bitter melon soup is relatively simple to prepare, achieving a clean, mildly bitter flavor and an appealing presentation requires attention to small details. Below are common questions many people encounter, especially when cooking stuffed bitter melon soup.

1. Why does the vegetarian filling fall out during cooking?

The filling usually falls out because it lacks proper binding or because the bitter melon pieces are cut too short. When mixing the filling, gently press and compact the ingredients so they hold together well. During cooking, avoid boiling the soup too vigorously, as strong bubbling can cause the filling to separate and fall out, affecting the soup’s appearance.

2. What should vegetarian stuffed bitter melon soup be served with?

Vegetarian stuffed bitter melon soup is best enjoyed hot with steamed white rice. The mild bitterness of the bitter melon combined with the creamy vegetarian filling pairs perfectly with warm rice, creating a balanced and comforting meal. Many people also enjoy dipping the filling in vegetarian fish sauce with sliced chili for a light spicy kick that enhances overall flavor.

3. How can vegetarian bitter melon soup taste naturally sweet?

To achieve natural sweetness, rely on plant-based ingredients such as mushrooms, carrots, or daikon radish. Simmering the soup for just the right amount of time allows these ingredients to release their natural sweetness without the need for excessive seasoning. Light seasoning also helps preserve the soup’s clean and delicate flavor.

4. Can vegetarian bitter melon soup be cooked without stuffing?

Yes, vegetarian bitter melon soup can be made without stuffing. In this method, simply slice the bitter melon thinly so it cooks quickly and is easier to eat. The vegetarian filling can be rolled into small balls and added to the pot after the broth begins to boil. This approach saves time and is ideal for simple, light vegetarian meals.

Conclusion

Vegetarian bitter melon soup is a refreshing, easy-to-make dish that carries deep cultural meaning and aligns perfectly with a healthy lifestyle. With the recipes above, you can confidently prepare vegetarian stuffed bitter melon soup for everyday family meals. If you’re looking to enjoy thoughtfully prepared vegetarian dishes with balanced flavors and a sense of calm, visit Vô Úy Vegetarian Restaurant to experience vegetarian cuisine in its most gentle and refined form.