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Philippines · Food

Ginisang Ampalaya

55 min
340 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · August 4, 2026

Ginisang Ampalaya🇵🇭AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

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Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Ginisang Ampalaya. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Stir-fry94 recipes from 24 countriesSee all 20 matches

A popular Filipino stir-fry dish featuring bitter melon cooked with scrambled eggs, onions, and garlic. It is a nutritious meal loved for its unique bitter-savory balance.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Ginisang Ampalaya from another cuisine is Su Yuk (South Korea): the two share 67% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Slice 2 bitter melons in half, remove seeds, and slice thinly; soak in salt water for 20 minutes to reduce bitterness.

  • 2

    Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet and cook 150g of diced pork belly until crispy.

  • 3

    Add 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing until fragrant.

  • 4

    Drain the bitter melon and add it to the skillet, stir-frying for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.

  • 5

    Pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and toss everything together for even coating.

  • 6

    Whisk 3 eggs and pour them over the mixture in the pan.

  • 7

    Stir gently until the eggs are set and cooked through to your preferred texture.

  • 8

    Serve hot immediately, typically enjoyed with a side of freshly steamed white rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ginisang Ampalaya?

Ginisang Ampalaya is a Filipino stir-fry dish featuring bitter melon sautéed with pork belly, eggs, garlic, onions, and soy sauce. It is a common home-cooked meal typically served as a main course for lunch or dinner alongside steamed white rice.

How can I reduce the bitterness of the ampalaya?

Soaking the sliced bitter melon in salted water for 15-20 minutes and squeezing it gently helps draw out the bitterness.

Can I omit the pork?

Yes, you can substitute the pork with shrimp or tofu, or simply omit it for a lighter vegetarian stir-fry.

Should I wash the salt off the ampalaya?

Yes, rinse it under cold running water after the soaking period to ensure the dish doesn't become overly salty.

Is it okay if the eggs are runny?

It is a matter of preference; some prefer it slightly soft, while others like the egg fully scrambled and set.

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