Ginisang Ampalaya (Sautéed Bitter Melon)

Ginisang Ampalaya is a traditional Filipino dish made by sautéing bitter melon (ampalaya) with garlic, onions, and tomatoes. Often, it includes beaten eggs, shrimp, or pork to enhance its flavor. Despite its bitterness, it is a popular and nutritious meal, known for its health benefits, particularly in managing blood sugar levels. The dish is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and sometimes soy sauce or fish sauce, balancing the bitterness of the ampalaya with savory and umami notes.

Ingredients:

• 1 pc large ampalaya (bitter melon), washed, seeds removed and cut into thin slices then soaked for at least 30 minutes in a bowl of water and salt solution
• cooking oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 3 tomatoes, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• salt to taste
• 1 tsp magic sarap
• 1 pinch of ajinamoto seasoning (MSG)
• 2 – 3 tsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp patis (fish sauce)
• 2 beaten eggs, optional – with a pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Drain salty water and squeeze soaked ampalaya then set aside in a bowl or plate
2. Heat the pan and place the cooking oil
3. Saute the garlic, onion, and tomato
4. Put-in salt and magic sarap to taste
5. Add the ampalaya mix well with the other ingredients
6. Add pepper, Ajinamoto, oyster sauce, and patis then mix all the ingredients
7. Pour the beaten eggs over the ampalaya then let the eggs cook partially
8. Mix the egg with the other ingredients. Serve and enjoy!

Serving Size:

• Good for 3-4 people.