Ginisang Ampalaya with Ground Pork
Ginisang Ampalaya with ground pork is a filipino dish made with bitter melon (ampalaya), ground pork and simple aromatics. It's known for its simplicity making it suitable for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Looking for more filipino recipes? Try this ginisang chayote with pork, ginisang green beans and tokwa, and pancit bihon recipe.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Easy to prepare with few simples steps.
- Minimal and simple ingredients only need less than 5 ingredients.
- It's budget friendly made with simple and affordable ingredients, making it accessible to many people.
- Easy to customized by adding different vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers and by replacing pork with chicken or beef.
What is Ampalaya?
Ampalaya refers to a vegetable known as bitter melon or bitter gourd in English. The term ampalaya is commonly used in the Philippines to describe this vegetable, which is characterized by its bitter taste and oblong shape.
It is widely used in Filipino cuisine and is known for its various health benefits. It is often cooked in dishes such as Ginisang Ampalaya (sautéed bitter melon), and pinakbet (mixed vegetable stew).
Health Benefits of Ampalaya(Bitter Melon)
- Its potential to help regulate blood sugar levels
- With its low calorie and high fiber content, it can be a valuable addition to a weight loss or weight management diet.
What does Ginisang Ampalaya mean?
The term "ginisang" translates to "sautéed" which indicates the cooking method used for this dish. The method involves sautéing bitter melon. aromatics, pork and some seasonings. Perfect over steamed rice for a complete meal.
However, you can also cook ampalaya with different type of meat. Like chicken, beef, tofu and egg. I remember, when i was a kid my mom would always cook ginisang ampalaya with egg. I would say it is my favourite meal.
Ingredients Needed
- Bitter Melon (Ampalaya): You will find them in any asian store or grocery store. Make sure to pick the firm one.
- Ground Pork: Opt for lean ground pork for a healthier option. You can also use ground chicken or ground beef.
- Onion: You can also use red onions, white or yellow onion.
- Garlic: We need about 3 cloves, minced garlic.
- Eggs: I added 1 egg for richness and texture.
- Oyster sauce: For umami flavor, can be substituted with soy sauce.
- Salt and pepper for seasonings.
Please see the recipe card at the end of the post for the complete ingredient list exact measurements and instructions.
How to make it
Step 1. Prepare bitter melon. Cut the bitter melon in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and white pith using a spoon, and slice the bitter melon into thin half-moons.
Top Tip: Soak the sliced bitter melon in a large bowl of salted water to reduce its bitterness. Drain, rinse and set aside.
Step 2. Sautè Aromatics. In a wok saute garlic and onion until fragrance.
Step 3. Add ground pork. Add the ground pork to the pan. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it's no longer pink.
Step 4. Incorporate Bitter Melon: Stir in the sliced bitter melon and mix well with the pork and aromatics.
Step 5. Add seasonings. Stir in oyster sauce and salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6. Add Egg. Stir in egg until well combined. Remove from the heat and serve with rice.
Serving & Storing
Serve Ginisang Ampalaya with ground pork over steamed rice.
To store, transfer the cooled ginisang ampalaya to an airtight container with a lid. It is best consumed within 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator.
Recipe FAQs
To reduce the bitterness of ampalaya, you can soak the sliced bitter melon in salted water for about 15-20 minutes before cooking.
Unfortunately, i don't recommend freezing them as it will change the texture.
More Pork Recipe
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Recipe
Ginisang Ampalaya with Ground Pork and Egg
Ingredients
- 2 large ampalaya (bitter melon) seeded and sliced
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ½ lb. ground pork
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1½ tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 large egg
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by slicing the bitter melon lengthwise and removing the seeds and pith using a spoon. Soak the sliced bitter melon in salted water for a while to reduce its bitterness. Then, drain and rinse the bitter melon before cooking.
- Heat cooking oil in a pan or wok over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and finely chopped onions until they are fragrant and translucent.
- Add ground pork to the pan. Break apart with a spoon and cook until it's no longer pink.
- Add the sliced bitter melon to the pan and mix until well combined.
- Add oyster sauce and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 5 minutes until ampalaya is tender.
- Stir in egg and mix until evenly distributed. Once cooked, removed from the heat and serve over rice.
