Garlic Ginger Stir-fried Tindora
A vibrant, quick-cooking stir-fry featuring tender-crisp ivy gourd and bell peppers, infused with aromatic garlic and ginger, finished with a savory soy-sesame glaze. Perfect for a healthy weeknight side.
For 2 servings
Wash and trim the ends of the ivy gourd (tindora), then slice them into thin rounds (about 1/8 inch thick). Core and slice the bell pepper into thin strips. Mince garlic and grate ginger. Slice green chili if using.
Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat until shimmering and almost smoking.
Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced green chili (if using). Stir-fry for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the sliced ivy gourd to the wok. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, tossing frequently, until the tindora starts to soften slightly and develop a light char on the edges.
Add the sliced bell pepper to the wok. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper is tender-crisp.
Pour in the soy sauce and drizzle with 1 tbsp of toasted sesame oil. Toss everything together quickly for about 30 seconds to coat the vegetables evenly.
Remove from heat immediately. Garnish with chopped spring onion and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot as a side dish with rice or noodles.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1High Heat is Key: Always use high heat for stir-frying to ensure vegetables cook quickly and retain their crisp texture, preventing them from becoming soggy.
- 2Don't Overcrowd: Cook in batches if your pan isn't large enough, as overcrowding lowers the temperature and steams the vegetables instead of stir-frying them.
- 3Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready (mise en place) before you start cooking, as stir-frying is a very fast process.
- 4Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust soy sauce or add a pinch of sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter note, or a dash of black pepper for extra zing.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add 100g of sliced chicken breast, shrimp, or firm tofu (pressed and cubed) after the aromatics and before the tindora for a more substantial meal.
Spice It UpSpice It Up
Incorporate a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha along with the soy sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Other VegetablesOther Vegetables
Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like snow peas, green beans, or thinly sliced carrots alongside the bell peppers.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins
Ivy gourd (tindora) and bell peppers are excellent sources of Vitamin C, which supports immune function and acts as an antioxidant.
Digestive Health
Tindora is high in dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health, contributing to a healthy digestive system.
Antioxidant Power
Garlic, ginger, and bell peppers are packed with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
While fresh is preferred for texture, frozen tindora can be used. Thaw it completely and pat dry before stir-frying to prevent excess water from making the dish soggy.
