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.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 312kcal
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:
- Preparing ampalaya, also known as bitter gourd, involves a straightforward technique to reduce its inherent bitterness. The process requires soaking sliced ampalaya in water mixed with a small amount of rock salt for several hours. This allows the bitter compounds to be drawn out, resulting in a milder, more palatable flavor. Avoid directly squeezing the ampalaya with salt, as it may not effectively reduce the bitterness. Alternatively, baking soda can be used in place of salt in the soaking water to achieve a similar effect. Once the soaking is complete, it is crucial to thoroughly rinse the ampalaya to remove any lingering traces of bitterness before proceeding with the cooking process.
- Enhancing Beef Flavors: A crucial step that significantly impacts taste and texture lies in marinating the beef strips. Prior to cooking, immerse the beef in a blend of soy sauce and pepper for a minimum of 15 minutes. This process allows the meat to absorb rich, savory flavors while simultaneously tenderizing its fibers. The result? A delightfully flavorful and tender beef experience within the final dish. For an even more pronounced effect, consider extending the marination period or refrigerating the beef overnight, fully infusing it with the marinade's essence.
- Preparing the stir-fried beef requires a few simple steps. First, heat oil in a wok or large skillet until it's hot. Arrange the marinated beef strips in a single layer, leaving space between them. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of searing. Cook the beef, stirring frequently, until it turns brown and sizzles. This seared texture contrasts nicely with the soft ampalaya. Once cooked through, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside. You'll add it back later, ensuring it stays tender and flavorful.