Ampalaya con Carne (Beef with Bitter Melon)

Savory beef sirloin dances with the unique bitterness of ampalaya, all brought together by a rich oyster sauce blend. It's quick, flavorful, and totally satisfying.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Filipino

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 290kcal

Author Liza Agbanlog

Ingredients

½ lb beef sirloin tip steak
2 medium pieces (about 1 lb) ampalaya (Chinese Bitter Melon)
2 tbsp avocado or olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3 tbsp oyster sauce
¼ cup water

Marinade:

1 tsp soy sauce
2 tsp rice wine or sherry
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

Slice the sirloin steak into thin, narrow strips.
In a medium bowl, combine the ingredients for the marinade. Add the sliced beef and stir to combine. Set aside.
Meanwhile, prepare the bitter melon by slicing in half, lengthwise. Remove the seeds with a spoon and then slice each half crosswise as thinly as possible.
Using a non-stick skillet, heat the oil over medium high heat. Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until the beef is no longer pink, around 3 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon oyster sauce and stir to coat.
Stir in the bitter melon. Add the water and the remaining 2 tablespoons oyster sauce. Stir and then cook, covered until the bitter melon is crisp tender, around 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the skillet sit, covered for 5 minutes.
Transfer to a serving plate and serve with steamed rice.

Nutrition