Easiest Ginisang Ampalaya with Egg (Sauteed Bitter Melon) recipe. When we hear the word ampalaya, the first thing that usually comes to mind is bitterness. True enough, this vegetable, also called bitter melon has a naturally strong, sharp taste. But here’s the secret: when prepared the right way, ampalaya becomes not just tolerable, but actually flavorful, nutritious, and delicious.
One of the most popular Filipino dishes that uses this humble vegetable is Ginisang Ampalaya with Egg. With just a few pantry staples like garlic, onion, tomato, and egg, you can transform bitter melon into a healthy and satisfying ulam that pairs perfectly with rice.
Why Try Ginisang Ampalaya?
- Nutritious – Ampalaya is rich in vitamin C, iron, and fiber. It’s also known for its natural compounds that help regulate blood sugar.
- Simple & Affordable – Requires only basic ingredients and less than 30 minutes to cook.
- Balanced Flavor – The slight bitterness blends beautifully with savory eggs, sautéed tomatoes, and onions.
- Comfort Food – A classic home-style dish loved by many Filipino households.
How to Reduce the Bitterness of Ampalaya
If you’re worried about the strong flavor, try these tips before cooking:
- Soak in salt water. Slice the ampalaya, place it in a bowl of water with salt, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. Drain, rinse, and pat dry.
- Rub with salt. Rub salt directly on the sliced ampalaya, leave it for a few minutes, then rinse.
- Squeeze out excess liquid. After soaking, place the slices in a clean cloth or cheesecloth and squeeze gently to remove excess moisture.
These simple tricks help mellow out the bitterness, making the dish more palatable.
Ginisang Ampalaya Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients
- 2 pieces ampalaya, cleaned and thinly sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 2 raw eggs, beaten
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 18 oz lukewarm water (for soaking)
- 3 tbsp cooking oil
Instructions
- Prepare the ampalaya. Place the sliced ampalaya in a bowl with salt and lukewarm water. Leave for 5 minutes, then drain. Squeeze out excess liquid using a cloth.
- Sauté the aromatics. Heat oil in a pan. Sauté garlic, onion, and tomato until fragrant and softened.
- Cook the ampalaya. Add the prepared bitter melon and stir well with the aromatics. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Add the eggs. Pour in the beaten eggs and let them set partially before mixing. This creates fluffy egg strands that coat the ampalaya.
- Serve hot. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy with steamed rice.
Nutrition Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 152
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fat: 13g
- Vitamin C: 46mg (56% DV)
- Iron: 1mg (6% DV)
Ginisang Ampalaya with Egg (Sauteed Bitter Melon)
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the ampalaya. Place the sliced ampalaya in a bowl with salt and lukewarm water. Leave for 5 minutes, then drain. Squeeze out excess liquid using a cloth.
- Sauté the aromatics. Heat oil in a pan. Sauté garlic, onion, and tomato until fragrant and softened.
- Cook the ampalaya. Add the prepared bitter melon and stir well with the aromatics. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Add the eggs. Pour in the beaten eggs and let them set partially before mixing. This creates fluffy egg strands that coat the ampalaya.
- Serve hot. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy with steamed rice.
Final Thoughts
Ginisang Ampalaya with Egg is proof that even the most bitter vegetable can shine when prepared with care. It’s healthy, budget-friendly, and a staple in many Filipino homes. Serve it hot with rice, and you’ll have a wholesome meal that’s both comforting and nourishing.
