Description
Beef Ampalaya is a classic Filipino stir-fry dish featuring savory beef and the unique bitterness of ampalaya (bitter melon), cooked together in a flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
300 grams beef sirloin (or tenderloin)
1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce (for sauce)
1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce (for sauce)
1/4 teaspoon pepper (for sauce)
1/2 cup water (for sauce)
1 large ampalaya (bitter melon)
1 medium onion
3 cloves garlic
Oil for searing
Instructions
- Slice the beef sirloin into thin pieces. Use a meat tenderizer to pound the beef slightly for quicker cooking. Marinate the beef with oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- While the beef marinates, prepare the ampalaya by slicing it in half and removing the white parts. Cut into slices. Optionally, soak it in salted water for 10-15 minutes to reduce bitterness.
- Mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, pepper, and water to make the sauce. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear the beef slices until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant. Add the sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer.
- Once the sauce is simmering, return the beef to the pan and stir gently. Cover and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the ampalaya, cover, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the ampalaya to soften but still remain slightly crunchy. Stir to coat the ampalaya with the sauce.
- Serve the Beef Ampalaya hot with steamed rice.
Notes
- If you prefer a milder flavor, try substituting ampalaya with zucchini or green beans.
- Soaking ampalaya in salted water reduces bitterness, but this step is optional.
- This dish can be stored for 1-2 days in the refrigerator and reheated over low heat with a splash of water or broth.
- Add chili flakes or fresh chilies for a spicier version of this dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
