Savory Stir-Fried Ampalaya (Bitter Melon)
We Filipinos love bitter melon (ampalaya) despite its bitterness and I have another savory ampalaya that I stir-fried for a change. But did you know that we’re not the only ones who enjoy this vegetable? The Chinese and Indians also love it and they have their own delicious ways of cooking it.
Where Can We Buy Bitter Melon?
You can find bitter melon in oriental stores and some major grocery stores. If you enjoy gardening, you can plant it in the spring and harvest from summer through early fall. Based on my experience, it’s easy to grow and doesn’t require much maintenance.
Nutritional Benefits and Health Caution
Even though bitter melon is very nutritious and packed with vitamins and minerals, I only make one piece at a time. After all, I’m the only one that eats it. If it is your first time trying this vegetable, I suggest you take it easy because it might be hard on your digestive system. Also, if you have kidney or liver conditions, it’s best to consult your doctor before eating it. Better safe than sorry.
Ingredients
Main:
- 1 large bitter melon (pith and seeds removed, sliced)
- Sprinkle of salt
- Olive oil (for frying)
Seasoning Mix:
- 1 large onion, chopped or diced
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp ginger powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bitter Melon:
Rinse the bitter melon under cold running water, then pat dry with a paper towel. Slice it in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds and inner pulp with a spoon. Slice the melon into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
2. Reduce Bitterness:
Sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for 10–20 minutes. This helps draw out excess bitterness. After resting, pat the slices dry with a paper towel to remove the released moisture.
3. Make the Seasoning Mix:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, coriander, ginger, turmeric, chili powder, and soy sauce. Mix well and set aside.
4. Fry the Bitter Melon:
Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, pan-fry the bitter melon slices for 8–10 minutes, or until slightly shriveled and tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.
5. Cook the Seasoning Base:
Using the same pan with the remaining oil, add the seasoning mix. Stir well and cook covered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the tomatoes break down.
6. Combine and Finish:
Return the fried bitter melon to the pan. Toss well to evenly coat the slices with the sauce and allow the flavors to blend.
7. Serve:
Serve warm over steamed white rice, or enjoy on its own as a flavorful, healthy side dish. Enjoy!
Tips to Reduce the Bitterness of Bitter Melon
- Soak the sliced bitter melon in salt for 10 to 20 minutes.
- After soaking, squeeze out the excess liquid.
- For best results, wrap it in a cheesecloth and squeeze again to remove all the moisture from the salt soak.
Substitutes for Seasonings
Honestly, I don’t recommend substituting the original seasonings because they’re what makes this dish so flavorful. You’re welcome to add more if you want it richer, but if you really want to swap ingredients, go ahead! That’s part of the joy of cooking—experimenting with flavors.
This savory stir-fried ampalaya dish is perfect with rice, but you can also enjoy it on its own. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Savory Stir-Fried Ampalaya (Stir Fry Bitter Melon)
Ingredients
Main:
- 1 large bitter melon (pith and seeds removed, sliced)
- sprinkle of salt
- olive oil (for frying)
Seasoning Mix:
- 1 large onion, chopped or diced
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- ground black pepper, to taste
- salt, to taste
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp ginger powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Bitter Melon: Rinse the bitter melon under cold running water, then pat dry with a paper towel. Slice it in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds and inner pulp with a spoon. Slice the melon into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
- Reduce Bitterness: Sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for 10–20 minutes. This helps draw out excess bitterness. After resting, pat the slices dry with a paper towel to remove the released moisture.
- Make the Seasoning Mix: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, coriander, ginger, turmeric, chili powder, and soy sauce. Mix well and set aside.
- Fry the Bitter Melon: Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, pan-fry the bitter melon slices for 8–10 minutes, or until slightly shriveled and tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Seasoning Base: Using the same pan with the remaining oil, add the seasoning mix. Stir well and cook covered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the tomatoes break down.
- Combine and Finish: Return the fried bitter melon to the pan. Toss well to evenly coat the slices with the sauce and allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve: Serve warm over steamed white rice, or enjoy on its own as a flavorful, healthy side dish. Enjoy!
Watch the easy-to-follow savory stir-fried ampalaya video recipe:
Other Ampalaya or Bitter Melon Recipes You Might Like:
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