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Ginisang Ampalaya

A delicious Filipino stir-fried dish featuring bitter melon and eggs, packed with flavor and nutrition.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course, Vegetarian
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: Bitter Melon, Filipino Cuisine, Ginisang Ampalaya, Healthy Recipe, Stir-fried Vegetables
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 150kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 medium bitter melon (ampalaya) Sliced thin and prepped to reduce bitterness with salt.
  • 2-3 pieces eggs Cracked directly into the pan.
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced.
  • 1 medium onion Sliced.
  • 2 tablespoons oil For sautéing.

Seasoning

  • to taste salt For seasoning and pre-salting the ampalaya.
  • to taste black pepper Freshly ground.
  • optional fish sauce (patis) For added umami flavor.
  • optional soy sauce As an alternative to fish sauce.
  • optional red chili flakes For added spice.
  • optional sugar A pinch to balance bitterness if needed.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Slice the bitter melon thinly, scoop out the seeds, and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to reduce bitterness.
  • Rinse the bitter melon and squeeze to remove excess water.

Cooking

  • In a nonstick pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onions, sauté until fragrant and lightly golden.
  • Add the prepped bitter melon and cook for a few minutes until slightly softened but still crunchy.
  • Crack eggs directly over the mixture and gently swirl to combine without fully mixing.
  • Once the eggs are cooked through but still soft, season with salt, black pepper, and other optional seasonings to taste.

Serving

  • Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy. Optionally, pair with meat dishes or add some chili flakes for extra kick.

Notes

This dish is known for its health benefits, particularly in managing blood sugar levels. Excellent as a side or main dish, and can also be made vegetarian by omitting the eggs.