Ginisang Ampalaya (Sautéed Bitter Gourd)

User Reviews

5

14 reviews
Excellent

Ginisang Ampalaya (Sautéed Bitter Gourd)

Ginisang Ampalaya is a Filipino sautéed bitter gourd dish featuring thinly sliced ampalaya soaked in salt water to reduce bitterness, then cooked with garlic, onion, ripe tomatoes, and dried shrimp. The addition of beaten eggs stirred in near the end softens the texture and rounds out the flavor. This dish blends mild bitterness with savory and tangy notes.

Description

This recipe begins by preparing ampalaya (bitter gourd) slices, removing seeds and pith, then soaking them in salted water to mellow their natural bitterness. The garlic and onions are sautéed first until aromatic, followed by ripe tomatoes which break down into a soft base. Dried shrimp adds a savory depth before adding water and seasoning.

A cornstarch slurry thickens the mixture slightly. Then the bitter gourd slices are added and cooked until tender but not overly stirred to avoid intensifying bitterness. Finally, beaten eggs are gently poured over the dish and cooked briefly, creating soft curds that complement the vegetable’s texture and flavors.

Ginisang Ampalaya is a traditional side dish that works well alongside rice and other Filipino main courses. The preparation reduces harsh bitterness while preserving the distinct character of bitter gourd.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 tablespoon neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 4 medium tomatoes sliced, ripe
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • salt to soak and taste
  • 2 medium bitter gourd aka ampalaya
  • 2 pieces egg beaten

Instructions

  1. Cut the bitter gourd into half lengthwise. Scrape the seeds and white pith with a spoon. Cut into thin diagonal slices.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Add the dried shrimp (hibe) and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in water and esason salt. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Make a cornstarch slurry by dissolving cornstarch in water. Pour it slowly into the pan while stirring continuously.
  6. Add the bitter gourd slices. Cook until tender, but do not stir too much or the dish will become very bitter.
  7. Gradually pour the beaten eggs over the bitter melon slices and continue cooking for a minute or two. Remove from heat and serve.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 108kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 10g (3%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 2mg (1%) Sodium 11mg (0%) Potassium 341mg (7%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 1028IU (21%) Vitamin C 20mg (22%) Calcium 24mg (2%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 108 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 108kcal 5%
Carbohydrates 10g 3%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 2mg 1%
Sodium 11mg 0%
Potassium 341mg 7%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 1028IU 21%
Vitamin C 20mg 22%
Calcium 24mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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