Exploring the Bitter Melon Recipe Filipino Style: An Introduction
Are you up for a culinary adventure? Then it’s time to dive into the exotic and intriguing world of Filipino cuisine with our bitter melon recipe Filipino style. Also known as ampalaya in the Philippines, bitter melon, or bitter gourd, is a popular vegetable that’s used in a variety of Filipino dishes. Despite its bitter taste, it has won the hearts of many with its unique flavor and impressive health benefits.
The Star Ingredient: Momordica Charantia
The bitter melon, or Momordica Charantia, is a tropical vine that bears a unique fruit. It’s dark green, with a rough surface, and is one of the favorite vegetables in the Philippines. This vegetable is an acquired taste, but once you learn to appreciate it, you’ll find it adds a bold flavor to many dishes.
Preparing the Ampalaya for Your Bitter Melon Recipe Filipino Style
Preparation is key when cooking bitter melon. The first thing you need to do is slice the ampalaya into thin slices or half moons. Then, you soak these slices in salted water. This isn’t just any salt water, though. You’ll need to use a generous amount of salt. The salt water helps to reduce the bitterness of the ampalaya, making it more palatable. This might seem like extra work, but it’s the best way to enjoy this vegetable.
Sauteing the Ampalaya: A Simple Recipe
When it comes to cooking the bitter melon, you can’t go wrong with a simple recipe like sauteed ampalaya with egg or ‘ginisang ampalaya. This dish involves stir-frying the bitter melon in a large skillet, usually with ingredients like ground pork, garlic cloves, and sliced ampalaya. All these are cooked on medium heat, resulting in a delicious vegetable stir-fry.
Spicing Things Up: Ampalaya Con Carne and Ampalaya Guisado
If you’re looking for a meatier take on the bitter melon recipe Filipino style, try ampalaya con carne. This is a variation of the ginisang ampalaya recipe, where ground pork or beef is added for an extra kick. On the other hand, ampalaya guisado involves sauteeing the bitter melon with shrimp paste or ‘bagoong alamang’ and tomatoes, giving it a bold and savory flavor.
The Health Benefits of Bitter Melon
Aside from its unique taste, bitter melon is also known for its potential health benefits. It’s packed with essential nutrients and lots of vitamin C, making it a healthy meal option. It’s also believed to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a favorite among those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
Where to Find Bitter Melon
While bitter melon is a common ingredient in Asian supermarkets, it might be a little harder to find in the United States. But don’t worry, it’s becoming increasingly available in various markets due to its growing popularity. So, the next time you see a bitter melon, why not give our bitter melon recipe Filipino style a try?
Pairing Your Bitter Melon Dish
No Filipino meal is complete without a bowl of warm rice. Whether it’s a sauteed bitter melon dish or ampalaya salad, it always pairs well with white rice. But if you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can also try pairing it with warm tortillas for a change.
Sharing the Bitter Melon Love
Discovering the bitter melon recipe Filipino style can be an exciting culinary journey. Once you’ve mastered the art of cooking bitter melon, don’t forget to share your delicious creations on social media. After all, the best thing about food is enjoying it with others. Whether it’s your first time cooking bitter melon or you’re a seasoned pro, we’d love to see your take on this unique vegetable.
Filipino Style Bitter Melon Stir Fry Recipe
This Filipino Style Bitter Melon Stir Fry recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors that are sure to tickle your taste buds. With its slightly bitter taste balanced by the savory pork and fragrant spices, it's a great way to introduce bitter melon into your diet.
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized Bitter Melons (Ampalaya)
- 200g Pork Belly, sliced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 large Onion, sliced
- 2 medium-sized Tomatoes, sliced
- 2 Eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
Instructions
- Start by preparing the bitter melon. Slice the bitter melon in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and white pith. Slice them into thin half-moons and place in a bowl.
- Sprinkle the bitter melon slices with a teaspoon of salt, mix well and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This will help to reduce the bitterness of the melon. After 10 minutes, rinse the slices under cold running water and drain.
- Heat a large pan or wok over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced pork belly. Cook until it becomes slightly brown and crispy.
- Add the garlic, onions, and tomatoes to the pan and sauté until they become soft and fragrant.
- Add the prepared bitter melon slices to the pan. Stir fry for a couple of minutes until the slices start to soften.
- Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are coated and let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Make a well in the center of the pan and pour in the beaten eggs. Let it cook undisturbed for a minute before stirring to scramble the eggs.
- Mix the scrambled eggs with the rest of the ingredients in the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir fry for another minute or two, making sure all the ingredients are well combined.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Notes
Enjoy your Filipino Style Bitter Melon Stir Fry!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 355Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 700mgCarbohydrates: 16gNet Carbohydrates: 12gFiber: 4gSugar: 5gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 20g