Delicious Ampalaya with Ground Beef Recipes
Are you looking for a hearty, nutritious dish that’s bursting with flavor? This Ampalaya with Ground Beef Recipe is a perfect blend of health and comfort.
Known for its distinctive bitterness, ampalaya (bitter melon) is a staple in many Asian kitchens due to its impressive health benefits.
Pairing it with tender ground beef and a medley of aromatic spices creates a dish that’s as satisfying as it is wholesome.
Whether you’re new to cooking ampalaya or a seasoned fan of this superfood, this recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy its unique taste. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
Serve it over steamed rice for a comforting meal or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option. Ready to explore a recipe that’s delicious, nutritious, and surprisingly simple? Let’s get cooking!
Delicious Ampalaya with Ground Beef Recipes
Ampalaya with ground beef is a delicious and nutritious Filipino dish. It combines the slightly bitter taste of ampalaya (bitter melon) with the savory flavor of ground beef.
This dish is perfect for a healthy meal and is easy to prepare. Despite its bitterness, ampalaya is popular for its health benefits.
It is a great choice for people looking to eat healthy without spending too much time in the kitchen.
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Serving: 4
- Calorie: 250 kcal
- Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients
- 2 medium ampalaya (bitter melon), sliced thinly
- 250 grams ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ampalaya
- Cut the bitter melon lengthwise and remove the seeds. Slice it thinly into half circles.
- Soak the slices in a bowl of water with 1 tablespoon of salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes. This helps reduce the bitterness.
- Rinse the ampalaya with cold water and squeeze gently to remove excess liquid. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes or until the beef turns brown.
- Add the chopped tomatoes. Stir and cook for another 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
- Pour the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) into the pan. Mix well.
- Add the sliced ampalaya and stir everything together.
- Pour in the water and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the ampalaya is tender but still slightly crisp.
Step 4: Add the Egg
- Slowly pour the beaten egg into the pan while stirring gently.
- Allow the egg to cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice.
Top Tips
Reduce Bitterness
Soaking the ampalaya slices in salted water removes most of the bitterness. For best results, rinse thoroughly and squeeze gently.
Don’t Overcook
Ampalaya tastes better when slightly crunchy. Overcooking can make it too soft and more bitter.
Balance the Flavors
Add a bit of oyster sauce or sugar if you prefer a sweeter touch. This balances the bitter taste of the ampalaya.
Variations
Add More Vegetables
You can add bell peppers, carrots, or even potatoes for extra texture and flavor.
Use Pork or Chicken
Replace the ground beef with ground pork or chicken. These options also work well with ampalaya.
Add Tofu
For a healthier, meatless option, use tofu instead of ground beef. Fry the tofu until golden before adding it to the dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
Ampalaya with ground beef is a tasty and simple dish to prepare.
It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy meal while making the most of affordable ingredients. Serve it with rice for a complete and filling lunch or dinner.