Beef Ampalaya is a classic Filipino dish that perfectly balances savory beef with the unique bitterness of ampalaya (bitter melon). Marinated beef sirloin is seared to a perfect brown and combined with a flavorful sauce and tender ampalaya, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. The slight bitterness of the ampalaya is softened by the rich flavors of the sauce, making it a dish that’s loved by many.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Beef Ampalaya dish brings together the savory goodness of beef and the distinctive taste of ampalaya in a beautifully simple stir-fry. The marinated beef soaks up all the delicious sauce, and the ampalaya adds a satisfying crunch with its slightly bitter flavor, which balances well with the umami of the soy and oyster sauces. It’s a wonderful dish to enjoy with steamed rice and perfect for those who appreciate unique and bold flavors in their meals.
Ingredients
For Marinate:
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300 grams beef sirloin (or tenderloin)
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1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1/4 teaspoon pepper
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1 tablespoon cooking oil
For Sauce to Combine:
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1/4 teaspoon pepper
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1/2 cup water
For the Stir-Fry:
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1 large ampalaya (bitter melon)
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1 medium onion
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3 cloves garlic
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Oil for searing
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Slice the beef sirloin into thin pieces. Use a meat tenderizer to pound the beef slightly, making it more tender and quicker to cook. Marinate the beef with oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
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While the beef is marinating, prepare the ampalaya by slicing it in half and removing the white parts inside. Cut it into slices according to your preference. You may soak it in salted water for 10-15 minutes to reduce its bitterness, but this step is optional.
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In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, pepper, and water to make the sauce. Set aside.
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Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat for searing the beef. Sear the beef slices until they turn brown. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
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In the same pan, sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant. Then, add the prepared sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer.
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Once the sauce is simmering, return the browned beef to the pan. Stir gently, cover, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
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Finally, add the ampalaya to the pan, cover, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the ampalaya to soften but still maintain a slight crunch. Stir to coat the ampalaya with the sauce, and your Beef Ampalaya is ready to serve!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Add spices: If you like a bit of heat, you can add some chili flakes or sliced fresh chili to the dish for an extra kick.
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Use other vegetables: You can substitute ampalaya with other vegetables like string beans or bell peppers if you want a milder flavor or different texture.
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Substitute beef with other meats: This recipe works well with other proteins like pork or chicken, so feel free to swap them out based on your preference.
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Low-sodium options: Use low-sodium soy sauce and oyster sauce for a healthier version of this dish.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftover Beef Ampalaya in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat the dish on the stove over low heat. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from becoming too thick during reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh beef for optimal texture. However, if you’re using frozen beef, make sure it’s fully thawed before marinating.
2. What can I use instead of ampalaya?
If you can’t find ampalaya, you can try other vegetables such as zucchini or green beans, although the flavor and texture will differ.
3. How do I reduce the bitterness of the ampalaya?
Soaking the ampalaya in salted water for 10-15 minutes before cooking can help reduce its bitterness, although this step is optional.
4. Can I use beef stew meat instead of sirloin?
Yes, you can use beef stew meat, but you may need to cook it a little longer to ensure it becomes tender.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Beef Ampalaya ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. It holds up well for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
6. Can I add other seasonings to the sauce?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings like fish sauce or a little bit of vinegar to adjust the flavor to your liking.
7. Is Beef Ampalaya spicy?
No, this dish is not inherently spicy, but you can add chili peppers or hot sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
8. What’s the best type of beef to use for this recipe?
Beef sirloin or tenderloin is ideal because of its tenderness, but you can also use other cuts if you tenderize them properly.
9. Can I skip the sugar in the marinade?
The sugar helps balance the salty and umami flavors of the soy and oyster sauces, but you can omit it if you’re reducing sugar intake.
10. How can I make this dish more saucy?
If you prefer more sauce, you can increase the amount of water and sauce ingredients, adjusting the taste as needed to suit your preference.
Conclusion
Beef Ampalaya is a flavorful and satisfying dish that showcases the perfect balance between tender beef, savory sauce, and the distinctive bitterness of ampalaya. This recipe is quick to prepare and can easily be adapted to your tastes. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Filipino cuisine or trying this dish for the first time, Beef Ampalaya is sure to become a favorite on your dinner table.
