Filipino Sautéed Bitter Melon (Ginisang Ampalaya)
Simple, healthy, and budget-friendly, this sautéed bitter melon (Ginisang Ampalaya) with tender eggs and tomatoes is a Filipino classic. Serve this with rice or a main protein dish for a more complete and filling meal!
- Prep time
- 14 min
- Cook time
- 31 min
- Yield
- 3 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 bitter melon (also known as ampalaya or bitter gourd)1
- 1/2 tbsp kosher salt, for soaking the bitter melon
- Cold water, for soaking the bitter melon
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt, to taste
- 1/4 tsp fish sauce, to taste
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 1
Cut the bitter melon in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and scrape off the pith to discard. Cut the bitter melon crosswise into thin slices, about 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick.
- 2
Transfer the bitter melon into a large bowl. Sprinkle in the 1/2 tablespoon of kosher salt and mix well to evenly coat the melon slices. Pour in just enough cold water to cover, and let sit for at least 30 minutes (you may prepare the rest of your ingredients in the meantime).
- 3
After 30 minutes, drain the melon slices. Gently rinse the melon with cold water to remove any excess salt and drain well. Set aside for cooking.
- 4
Heat the oil in a pan or wok over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft, about 3-5 minutes. Add in the garlic, and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add in the tomatoes, and continue to cook until the tomatoes soften and its natural juices begin to release, about 2-3 minutes 2 .
- 5
Add in the bitter melon. Pour in the 1/3 cup of water and season with salt, pepper, and fish sauce. Let the melon slices simmer over medium heat until slightly soft and no longer extremely bitter, about 5-7 minutes.
- 6
Add in the beaten egg. Stir vigorously to combine until the egg scrambles and cooks.
- 7
Taste the dish. Season with more salt, pepper, and/or fish sauce to preference. You may also add more water at this point if you prefer the dish to be more soupy.
- 8
Serve warm with a side of rice or with additional proteins.