Ginisang Ampalaya (Sauteed Bitter Melon)
The thought we often associate with โampalayaโ is bitterness and a generally unpleasant taste. And while it is true that this vegetable holds this flavorโ after all, it is called a bitter melonโ it doesnโt always have to taste unfavorable. Some ampalaya can initially have that overpowering bitterness, but with the right preparations, it can…
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
The thought we often associate with โampalayaโ is bitterness and a generally unpleasant taste. And while it is true that this vegetable holds this flavorโ after all, it is called a bitter melonโ it doesnโt always have to taste unfavorable. Some ampalaya can initially have that overpowering bitterness, but with the right preparations, it can actually taste satisfyingly flavorful and delicious. A classic dish that utilizes this unique flavor is Ginisang Ampalaya.
We make it with a couple of kitchen basics. This includes garlic, black pepper, eggs and tomatoes. Youโd be surprised what youโll end up with using such simple ingredients. Ginisang Ampalaya holds a well-balanced group of flavorsโ from savor to a pleasantly subtle bitterness. And of course, you canโt forget about the fact that it is a massively healthy and nutritious dish.
Not only is it more than filling enough for a good meal, but it also has a variety of vitamins and minerals. From ampalaya alone, you are able to get lots of vitamin C. This is essential in forming the bones, as well as keeping away from diseases. The ingredient is also popular for its anti-diabetes functions, as it contains an insulin-like peptide.
But I can understand if youโre in doubt because of the bitter taste of this healthy ingredient. Let me introduce you to some ways you could get rid of this a bit.
Decreasing the bitter flavor of ampalaya:
A well-known method is by soaking the bitter melon in water with some salt. You can start out by pouring water into a bowl, and placing a large pinch of salt inside. After that, you can put your sliced ampalaya inside. You can keep it in the bowl for just a few minutes, or for better results, overnight. Then once youโre done, just drain the mix of water, rinse the slices, and then dry them.
You could also try the simple way of rubbing the vegetable with salt. Take your ampalaya slices with the seeds taken out, and distribute a teaspoon of salt on the inside of the ingredient. Rub the salt onto the vegetable, and then let this sit for about 5 minutes. After that, your ampalaya should be a lot less bitter.
Now that weโve successfully explored the ways to lighten the bitter melonโs overpowering flavor, how about making some Ginisang Ampalaya?
How to cook Ginisang Ampalaya:
We will start by preparing our ampalaya, but you can also skip this if you have already done preparations for lessening the bitterness beforehand. Otherwise, you can utilize this easy method. Begin by taking your 2 pieces of ampalaya, and make sure you have cleaned and cut them up into thin slices. Put these inside a large bowl, and add some salt, as well as lukewarm water. Leave this inside for 5 minutes.
Then you can put the ampalaya on a cheesecloth, and start squeezing the slices tightly until all the liquid drips out. Now we will prepare for the cooking of these bitter melon slices! Go ahead and heat up your pan, then pour 3 tablespoons of cooking oil inside. After that, we will add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 large onion weโve sliced, and 1 large tomato weโve also sliced. Sautรฉ these together.
Now get the ampalaya we prepared earlier, and place this in the pan as well. Mix it up nicely along with your other ingredients to blend the flavors together. And then just sprinkle in ยฝ teaspoon of ground black pepper and some salt to your taste. Now beat 2 raw eggs, and pour them over your ampalaya. Let the eggs cook partially, and then mix them up with your other ingredients. Then youโre all good to go!
Make sure to have it while itโs hot. Just transfer it to your serving plate of choice, and this would also work with some warm rice. Enjoyed this Ginisang Ampalaya recipe? Luckily, weโve got a great selection of delightful bitter melon recipes for you.
More ampalaya recipes to try out:
Chicken with Ampalaya in Oyster Sauce
If youโre looking for a fun and distinct way to have your chicken, hereโs a deliciously nutritious option for you! Chicken with Ampalaya in Oyster Sauce gives you a juicy mix of white meat and tasty bitter gourd mixed in with the finest set of flavors. With chicken broth and yellow onions added into the mix, weโve got a most flavorful recipe in our hands.
Ampalaya Salad
Now when youโre craving something a bit simpler, and perhaps healthier too, Ampalaya Salad is your go-to. This uses some moist Roma tomatoes, vinegar and red onions to make up a rich, tasty dish. And the preparation is also very easy because weโll mainly just be putting all of our ingredients together. Ensaladang Ampalaya also works well with a variety of meals as a side dish. Come and make your own plate of this yummy dish!
For any questions or suggestions, the comments section is always open for them! Let us know what you thought of this Ginisang Ampalaya recipe.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag us on Instagram at @panlasangpinoy or hashtag #panlasangpinoy so we can see your creations!
Ginisang Ampalaya
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the ampalaya in a large bowl
- Add salt and lukewarm water then leave for 5 minutes
- Place the ampalaya in a cheesecloth then squeeze tightly until all liquid drips
- Heat the pan and place the cooking oil
- Saute the garlic, onion, and tomato
- Add the ampalaya mix well with the other ingredients
- Put-in salt and pepper to taste
- Beat the eggs and pour over the ampalaya then let the eggs cook partially
- Mix the egg with the other ingredients
- Serve hot. Share and Enjoy!
Tubaplayer1 says
Love this recipe. Simple to follow, and delicious.
I will make it again, next time without the eggs.
sharmaine says
I tried this recipe and it was the best ampalaya I’ve ever cooked, thank you po Chef Vanjo!
Kim says
First time to try.. It was delicious. Thank you
angelina singson boucher says
Hi Vans,
Thanks for the recipe, i am re-posting this on my blog, with reference as this site. I am a local gardener in Ottawa, ON, Canada (ZOne 5B) and I am planting bitter melons. Just a habit since I was born in Cebu. My friends are enthusiastic about growing ampalaya, but have no clue how to cook it.
I like your video, and also your simple recipe, so thanks again.
Angelina -- The gardener
Hartmie says
More ampalaya recipes kuya pls… favorite kasi namin ang ampalaya
thank you very much for sharing your talent… malaking tulong. ingat ka lagi and God bless always ๐
Mike Hunt says
There should be an explanation for some of the steps.
Rachel says
I have an ampalaya plant in my garden (new this year), I never tasted it before, and I haven’t eaten Philippine cooking. I made the ginisang from your recipe and video, with a little less ampalaya because I was afraid of the bitterness. It was very good, I’ll make more tomorrow.
I liked the ampalaya crisp, my husband prefered it cooked longer.
In Israel we like bitter olives, and not those that taste like nothing. So this taste is fine for us.
Panlasang Pinoy says
You are welcome, Pauline. Kain ka ng mabuti para sa baby mo ๐
regina says
Thanks for this video, will cook that for diner. Please share some more vegetarian dishes. More blessings!
Panlasang Pinoy says
Will do that soon regina
ALINE says
ginisang ampalaya is my very favourite filipino food!
thank you.
malou says
My fiance ask me to make a LECHE PLAN for our dessert,im in trouble that time coz i really dnt how to do it,so then i do google search which Panlasang Pinoy is the best…fast and easy procedure…Thanks to Panlasang Pinoy and more power!
Panlasang Pinoy says
Welcome Lerma ๐
mary anne bernad says
I love your page…. Am going to try to cook all the recipe you posted sa mnga gulay.
Cecilia MQ says
I love the background music…so Pinoy
Panlasang Pinoy says
Welcome ๐