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Beef Ampalaya
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5 from 3 votes

How to Cook Beef Ampalaya (Beef with Bitter Gourd)

Beef ampalaya is not a traditional Filipino recipe but it was well accepted as one of the favorite Filipino dishes.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Beef Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: beef ampalaya, bitter gourd with beef
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 312kcal
Author: Manny

Ingredients

  • 1/2 kilo beef tenderloin slice into strips
  • 1 pc large bitter gourd or ampalaya
  • 1 small size onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup oyster sauce
  • 1/8 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp. sugar
  • 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp salted black beans optional
  • cooking oil for sauteing

Instructions

How to cook beef ampalaya:

  • Marinade the beef strips with soy sauce and pepper at least 15 minutes.
  • In a small wok or large skillet heat oil and stir fry the beef strips until it turns brown and sizzles. Set aside.
  • Heat oil again and saute garlic, onion and ampalaya.
  • Then add the oyster sauce, black beans and 1/4 cup water and simmer for at least 3 minutes.
  • Add the cooked beef and put a little magic sarap, about 1/2 tsp. then add the sugar.
  • Season with salt and mix then simmer again for a few seconds.
  • Turn off heat and serve hot.

Video

Watch the Video on How to Cook Beef Ampalaya:

Notes

Cooking Tips for Beef Ampalaya Recipe

  1. Soaking Ampalaya: Ampalaya, also known as bitter gourd, can be quite bitter in its raw form. To tame its bitterness and make it more palatable, it's essential to soak the sliced ampalaya in water with a few teaspoons of rock salt for a few hours. This process helps draw out the bitterness, leaving you with a milder and more enjoyable flavor. Avoid squeezing the ampalaya with salt, as it may not be as effective. Alternatively, you can use baking soda instead of salt in the soaking water for a similar effect. Rinse the ampalaya thoroughly before cooking to remove any residual bitterness.
  2. Marinating the Beef: Marinating the beef strips is a crucial step in elevating the taste and texture of your dish. Before cooking, marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce and pepper for at least 15 minutes. This allows the beef to absorb the savory flavors and tenderize, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent meat in the final dish. For even better results, you can marinate the beef for a longer period or overnight in the refrigerator.
  3. Stir-Frying Beef: When stir-frying the marinated beef, use a small wok or a large skillet and heat oil until it's hot. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lead to steaming the meat instead of achieving a desirable seared texture. Allow enough space between the beef strips for them to cook evenly. Stir-fry the beef until it turns brown and sizzles, giving it a delicious seared texture that complements the softness of the ampalaya. Once cooked, set the beef aside and add it back to the dish later, ensuring it retains its tenderness and flavor.