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Ginisang Ampalaya at Hipon

by Lalaine Manalo last updated August 9, 2019 posted July 13, 2019 16 Comments

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Ginisang Ampalaya at Hipon is a delicious vegetable stir-fry made of bittermelon, shrimp, tomatoes, and eggs. It’s delicious and nutritious as well as budget-friendly.

Ginisang Ampalaya at Hipon on a black serving plate

It’s funny how many wives’ tales there are on how to rid ampalaya of its natural acridness. One friend told me, β€œthe cook should be smiling and singing while cooking the ampalaya” and another friend said, β€œthe 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 bitter ampalaya?Β  No, ma’am, because luckily, I have a few tricks in my bag on how to conquer bittermelon!

ampalaya cut in halves, onions, garlic, and tomato on a wooden cutting board

One traditional method of preparing ampalaya is to let the slices sit in salt until they begin to weep and then squeeze to rid of the bitterness. I am not a big proponent of this technique because bitter gourd is a powerhouse of nutrients. 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.

sliced ampalaya, chopped garlic, and tomato on a wooden cutting board

How to Decrease the Bitterness in Ginisang Ampalaya

  • Use the youngest and greenest gourds you can find because as the vegetable matures and yellows, the bitter taste intensifies.
  • Make sure to 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 along with the salt and pepper.

ampalaya stir-fry on a black serving plate

If you’re looking for simple vegetable dishes, this ampalaya stir-fry with shrimp needs to be on your regular meal rotation!

Not only is it quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes, but it’s also budget-friendly and adaptable.Β You can omit the shrimp for a vegetarian version or replace with ground or diced pork for an easy switch of flavors.

It makes a great meal on its own with steamed rice or as a side dish for grilled meat or fried fish. With tender-crisp ampalaya, plump shrimp, juicy tomatoes, and fluffy eggs, it’s delicious as it is nutritious!

Want more ways to enjoy bittermelon? Make it con carne or with sardines!

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4.25 from 4 votes

Ginisang Ampalaya at Hipon

Ginisang Ampalaya at Hipon is a delicious vegetable stir-fry made of bittermelon, shrimp, tomatoes, and eggs. It's delicious and nutritious as well as budget-friendly.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time30 mins
Course: Main Entree, Side Dish
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: ampalaya stir-fry, ginisang ampalaya
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 157kcal
Author: Lalaine Manalo

Ingredients

  • 4 medium ampalaya
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 onion, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 2 large Roma tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • salt and pepper to taste
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • 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.
  • In a wide skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Cook, stirring regularly, until softened.
  • Add fish sauce and cook for about 1 minute.
  • Add shrimp and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until shrimp starts to change color.
  • Add water and bring to a boil.
  • Add ampalaya and gently toss to combine. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes or until tender yet crisp.
  • In a thin stream, add eggs and gently stir to distribute. Continue to cook for about 1 minute or until eggs have set.
  • Season with sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 157kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 225mg | Sodium: 836mg | Potassium: 478mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 815IU | Vitamin C: 87.2mg | Calcium: 124mg | Iron: 2.1mg
Tried this recipe? I'd love to see what you made!mention @Kawalingpinoy and hashtag your photo with #kawalingpinoy

 

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Filed Under: Fish and Seafood, Fruits and Vegetables Tagged With: ampalaya, shrimp

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Lalaine from Kawaling Pinoy

Hello! My name is Lalaine and welcome to Kawaling Pinoy where you’ll find Filipino and Asian-inspired recipes, cooking tips, and how-to videos. Read more...

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Comments

  1. Lallmahomed Salimah says

    September 1, 2019 at 8:49 pm

    Hello just want to say thank you for all the good recipes you are sharing i feel so lucky to be among your followers. You wont’ believe i am from Mauritius an island jn the Indian Ocean..wish u good luck and all the best in your wonderful world of cooking…..

    Reply
    • Lalaine Manalo says

      September 4, 2019 at 8:18 pm

      Thank you so much! I am honored πŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. Mei says

    August 22, 2019 at 8:09 pm

    4 stars
    This is my first time making a Filipino dish. I love bitter melon and I love fish sauce. What a great combo! Very tasty! Thanks so much for this recipe.

    Reply
    • Lalaine Manalo says

      September 4, 2019 at 8:18 pm

      Thanks for the 5-stars! I am glad you enjoyed the recipe πŸ™‚

      Reply
  3. Ramon says

    July 31, 2019 at 2:46 am

    5 stars
    Now I have a recipe for the 2 pcs. amapalaya I bought yesterday! Yes of course I have the shrimps too! Sana sing sarap ang luto ko. πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Lalaine Manalo says

      August 9, 2019 at 12:03 am

      Happy cooking πŸ™‚

      Reply
  4. Veronica Meneses says

    July 13, 2019 at 11:47 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you for taking the time to clear the confusion and your kind response, Lalaine. I love your posts! 😍

    Reply
    • Lalaine Manalo says

      July 20, 2019 at 2:43 am

      It’s my pleasure, Veronica!

      Reply
  5. Veronica Meneses says

    May 7, 2018 at 2:35 pm

    Hello! You mentioned shrimp peeled and minced? Is mincing shrim an error? The photo shows whole shrimp. Thank you in anticipation of your kind response.

    Reply
    • Lalaine Manalo says

      July 13, 2019 at 10:21 pm

      Hello, Veronica,

      I am so sorry for the confusion. It was a typo error. NO need to mince the shrimp, just peel and devein πŸ™‚

      Reply
  6. Kenoizt says

    November 3, 2017 at 4:19 pm

    I think you need to add salt when soak in the water to reduce bitterness of the ampalaya

    Reply
    • Lalaine Manalo says

      July 13, 2019 at 10:23 pm

      I don’t salt the ampalaya it’s very nutritious and I don’t want to dispel the juices during salting. I find the tips I included in the post helps reduce the bitterness without salting.

      Reply
  7. Christian Nel Prudencio says

    June 4, 2014 at 1:04 am

    Hello, I like this Ginisang Ampalaya recipe but I think you forgot to mention how many eggs in the ingredients. I will definitely try this. Thanks

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      June 5, 2014 at 11:19 pm

      Hi Christian

      Thanks, I forgot to add them on the recipe card. You’ll need two eggs. πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • Christian Nel Prudencio says

        June 6, 2014 at 10:09 pm

        Hello, That’s exactly what I did! Great site! More power and happy cooking. Next, Kilawing puso ng saging … : )

        Reply
        • Lalaine says

          June 7, 2014 at 12:45 pm

          Thanks, Christian. πŸ™‚

          Reply

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