Super Comforting Stir Fried Basil Ginger Loofah Gourd

Today we’re making Stir Fried Basil Ginger Loofah Gourd 絲瓜. Loofah Gourd is one of my favorite vegetables to enjoy all year round in Taiwan, so try out this super simple recipe If you see this vegetable in your local Asian market! It’s low-fat, low-calorie, and fully-vegan!

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Cooking Loofah For Dinner While In Taiwan

My time in Taiwan so far has been, in a word, hectic. Still, here’s something relaxing about cooking something yummy and delicious at home in my PJs, even in a different country. For dinner today, we decide to stay in and make an easy, healthy home-cook meal.

Taiwan’s unique climate allows for a wide range of different produce that we don’t get to see often in Canada or the US. Loofah gourd, or luffa, or sponge gourd, is one of those vegetables. While often seen as a body scrubber in the west, you might be surprised to find that Asia’s got plenty of ways to enjoy these light, moisture packed squashes.

How Do You Cook and Eat Loofah Gourd?

Luffa grows natively in tropical Asian countries on a vine. 絲瓜 has a mild subtle sweet flavor with a refreshing and slightly crunchy texture, similar to cucumber and zucchini. It’s rich in vitamin B, A, and dietary fibers, and is great for your gut health.

When cooked, some may find it comparable between a cross between cucumber and watermelon rind. It retains a slight crunch making it perfect for stir fries. I like to enjoy mine with basil so it’s savory and refreshing. It’s also often seen in soups, steamed, or paired with pork or shrimp.

Garlic Basil Loofah Ingredients

• 1 loofah gourd, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 inch ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 small handful of fresh basil

1. Cut loofah gourd into chunks, and put them in a casserole dish.
2. Add sliced ginger, salt, and oil.
3. Mix well, put the lid on the casserole dish, and put it on the stove on medium high.
4. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until loofah gourd slices are translucent
5. Open the lid, and add fresh basil. Stir-Fry for about 1 minute.
6. Remove from heat and serve.

Is this Garlic Basil Loofah Gourd reminding you of Taiwan? Check out more Travel Inspired dishes: