What is Ampalaya Con Carne?

It's a Filipino dish that combines the unique bitter taste of bitter gourd (also known as bitter melon or ampalaya) with the savory flavor of beef slices, typically beef sirloin or flank steak.

How is the bitter flavor of the ampalaya managed?

While the bitter flavor is a characteristic of the dish, it can be softened by soaking the sliced ampalaya in water or by blanching it before cooking.

What kind of beef cuts should I use?

Beef sirloin, beef strips, or ground beef work great. Make sure to slice the beef against the grain for tender stir-fried beef bites.

What are the key seasonings in Ampalaya Con Carne?

The dish is typically seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and a hint of sesame oil.

Can Ampalaya Con Carne be served with anything?

Absolutely! It is commonly served with steamed rice for a complete meal.

Is Ampalaya Con Carne hard to cook?

Not at all! Just cook the onion in oil, stir in the beef, add the bitter gourd and seasonings like soy sauce and, oyster sauce, and voilà.

Any tips for cooking Ampalaya Con Carne?

Cook over medium heat, season with salt wisely as soy and oyster sauce are already salty, and don't overcook the beef to keep it tender.

Ampalaya Con Carne: A Stimulating Filipino Delight

Name: Ampalaya Con Carne Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 500g bitter gourd, sliced; 250g flank steak, sliced into strips; 2 tbsp cooking oil; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium size onion, sliced; 4 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tsp salt for prepping the beef slices and additional salt to taste; ground black pepper to taste; 4 tablespoons water; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1/4 cup oyster sauce

Description

Ampalaya Con Carne is a flavorful Filipino dish featuring stir-fried beef and bitter gourd, balanced with soy and oyster sauce for a savory, slightly bitter taste. Perfect with steamed rice!

Ingredients

Scale

500g bitter gourd, sliced
250g flank steak, sliced into strips
2 tbsp cooking oil
1 tbsp sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium size onion, sliced
4 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tsp salt for prepping the beef slices and additional salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
4 tablespoons water
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/4 cup oyster sauce

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Instructions

Prep bitter gourd by soaking it in water or salty water, rinse, and drain. (I skip this process by washing the bitter gourd before slicing it as I love its bitter taste).
Roll beef strips in 1 teaspoon salt and 4 tablespoons of cornstarch.
In a pan over medium heat, sautee garlic and onions and stir for 1-2 minutes.
Add beef slices and cook while stirring until tender.
Add ampalaya and continue to cook while stirring for about 5 minutes.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Add water, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and continue to cook for another minute.
Sprinkle with one tablespoon sesame oil and turn once.