This super healthy Ginisang Ampalaya (Sautéed Bitter Gourd) recipe is made flavorful by adding tomatoes, hibe (dried shrimps), and eggs!
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Most of us went through a childhood stage where veggies are not on the list of our favorite food. Ampalaya (bitter gourd) being the number one enemy! I remember our parents serving this to my siblings and I. We would all collectively groan once we see it at the dinner table. But, alas, we had to eat our portions or face my mama's wrath. All this changed when mama took pity on us and started cooking Ginisang Ampalaya instead! It made a world of difference to us and up until now, we all love it! And I'm sure you will too!
Why make it?
Here are the reasons why Ginisang Ampalaya should be part of your regular menu at home:
- Top on the list would be the nutritional benefits of this dish. Bitter gourd or bitter melon is known to be a nutrient-packed superfood that helps control our blood sugar and cholesterol levels. This dish is also rich in protein and vitamins because of the eggs, shrimps, and tomatoes added.
- It is also a budget-friendly dish. You only need 7 simple ingredients, most of which are kitchen staples.
- It is so quick and easy to make using only one pan! It's a straightforward recipe that doesn't require much effort to make. You will be done cooking in less than 20 minutes.
Tips when making Ginisang Ampalaya
- Soaking the ampalaya cuts in salted water reduces the level of bitterness. This is a great trick to make your dish more kid-friendly. You can also rub the salt instead.
- If you are breaking your kid's tastebuds in, scraping or peeling the ampalaya's rough skin significantly reduces the bitter taste too.
- Aside from dried shrimps, you can also cook it with some pork, chicken, or beef. Others also add canned sardines, fresh shrimp, squid rings, and fish meat.
- This tip is from my mama. Do not stir the ampalaya too much once it's added to the pan. Moving it too much will make it bitter too.
What to serve with it
We grew up having it served normally with fried fish, like tilapia or bangus (milk fish). But it would also be great with other dry dish like fried chicken, breaded porkchops, lechon kawali, and camaron rebosado.
Printable Recipe
Ginisang Ampalaya (Sautéed Bitter Gourd)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes sliced
- ¾ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- salt to soak and taste
- 2 medium bitter gourd (ampalaya)
- 2 pieces eggs beaten
Instructions
- Cut the bitter gourd into half lengthwise. Scrape the seeds and white pith with a spoon. Cut into thin diagonal slices.
- Place ampalaya slices on a collander over a large bowl. Sprinkle with 2-3 tablespoon of salt then fill with water and let them soak for 20 minutes. Drain and rinse.
- In a pan over medium heat, saute the garlic and onion until limp and aromatic. Add the tomatoes and cook until they are tender and can be easily mashed.
- Add the dried shrimp (hibe) and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in water and esason salt. Bring to a simmer.
- Make a cornstarch slurry by dissolving cornstarch in water. Pour it slowly into the pan while stirring continuously.
- Add the bitter gourd slices. Cook until tender, but do not stir too much or the dish will become very bitter.
- Gradually pour the beaten eggs over the bitter melon slices and continue cooking for a minute or two. Remove from heat and serve.
Joy says
This is the best ampalaya recipe I’ve made. Thank you for sharing!!
Bebs says
I am glad that you like it, Joy. Thanks for the 5 stars.
Krischelle says
I tried this recipe and it was delicious with dried shrimp. I didn’t put that much water because I don’t like it to be soupy but it was yummy and will make it again! Thanks for sharing 👍🏻
Bebs says
So great to know you enjoyed it, Krischelle.
delio balagapo says
Thank you! now i know how to cook it right -- minus the bitter taste.. hehe
grace bantigue says
i love this new twist of ginisang ampalaya thank you for your recipe
Bebs says
You are welcome, Grace!
grace bantigue says
i love your video in youtube thank for your recipes its easy to follow