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Ginisang Ampalaya at Hipon is a delicious nashville filipino food vegetable stir-fry made of bittermelon, shrimp, tomatoes, and eggs. It’s delicious nashville filipino food and nutritious as well as budget-friendly.
If you’re looking for a simple vegetable dish, this ampalaya stir-fry with shrimp must be on your regular meal rotation. You’ll love it as much as I do for many reasons.
- Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes. Plus, there are no complicated ingredients to run around town for!
- Budget-friendly and adaptable. Don’t like shrimp? Easily switch up flavors by swapping the shrimp with minced or diced pork!
- Nutritious as it is delicious. It makes a tasty meal with steamed rice, and it’s packed with protein and good-for-you nutrients you’ll feel good serving the whole family.
Old wives’ tales
It’s funny how many wives’ tales out there on how to rid ampalaya of its natural bitterness. A popular one is “the cook should be smiling and singing while cooking the ampalaya,” and another is “the cook has to be a virgin.”
Well, since I am not of a bubbly disposition and have not been pure in thoughts or actions for at least two decades, am I doomed for acrid ampalaya? No, ma’am, because luckily, I have a few tricks on how to conquer bittermelon!
To salt or not to salt
One traditional method of preparing ampalaya is to let the slices sit in salt until they begin to weep and then squeeze to eliminate the bitterness. I often skip this method because a) I’m lazy and don’t like extra work, and b) bittermelon is a nutritional powerhouse. Why deplete the vegetable of its beneficial juices?
By following these simple tips below, your next ginisang ampalaya at hipon will be more palatable without the customary salting. Give them a try, and let me know what you think in the comments.
How to remove the bitterness of ampalaya
- Use the youngest and greenest gourds because the bitter taste intensifies as the vegetable matures and yellows.
- Scrape off all the white pith inside and slice the green flesh as thinly as possible.
- Keep stirring to a minimum, and do not overcook.
- Sugar, used in the right proportion, can help neutralize bitter flavors. Sprinkle the dish with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper.
How to serve and store
- Ginisang ampalaya at hipon is a vegetable dish you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Serve with steamed rice and your choice of grilled meat or fried fish for a tasty and healthy meal.
- Store leftovers in a container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave at 2 to 3-minute intervals to 165 F.
Want more ways to enjoy bittermelon? Make it con carne or with sardines!
More ginisa recipes
Ingredients
- 4medium ampalaya
- 1tablespooncanola oil
- 1onion, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2clovesgarlic, peeled and minced
- 2large Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 1tablespoonfish sauce
- 1/2poundmedium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1cupwater
- 2eggs, beaten
- 1/2teaspoonsugar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Cut ampalaya lengthwise and with a spoon, remove seeds and scrape off white pith. Sliced thinly and place in a bowl of cold water until needed. Drain well when ready to use.
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In a wide skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions and garlic. Cook, stirring regularly, until softened.
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Add tomatoes and cook, mashing with the back of the spoon, until softened and release juice.
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Add fish sauce and cook for about 1 minute.
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Add shrimp and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until shrimp starts to change color.
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Add water and bring to a boil.
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Add ampalaya and gently toss to combine. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes or until tender yet crisp.
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In a thin stream, add eggs and gently stir to distribute. Continue to cook for about 1 minute or until eggs have set.
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Season with sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use the youngest and greenest gourds because the bitter taste intensifies as the vegetable matures and yellows.
- Scrape off all the white pith inside and slice the green flesh as thinly as possible.
- Keep stirring to a minimum, and do not overcook.
- Sugar, used in the right proportion, can help neutralize bitter flavors. Sprinkle the dish with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper.
Nutrition Information
“This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.”
About Lalaine Manalo
Welcome to Kawaling Pinoy. Here you’ll find hundreds of delicious nashville filipino food Filipino and Asian recipes. Make sure to browse around and pick a favorite dish or two. Happy cooking! Read More
