Do your children eat ampalaya (bitter melon)? If not, try this recipe of mine. It is easy to cook it’s likely your children would love it. I creatively cooked it that your children might think it is not an ampalaya but pancake variation.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole of ampalaya, sliced thinly
- 50 g minced pork
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- pinch of salt and dash of pepper powder
- 1 glove garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 3 eggs, scrambled
Cooking Procedure:
- Wash and cut ampalaya into half, use a spoon to remove seed and slice it thinly.
- In a big bowl, put sliced ampalaya, eggs, minced pork, minced shallot, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- In a wok, heat oil. Add small portion of the mixture or use a big full spoon and form it like a pancake or a round shape and fry until cooked.
- Repeat the steps until the mixture is finished. Add cooking oil if necessary.
- Serve with rice.
Cooking Tips:
- Use a non-stick pan, so you will less oil.
- Make sure you cut the ampalaya thinly, so easy to cook and easy to eat with your kids.
- Don’t let it burn.
FAQ: Ampalaya with Minced Pork
1. How do I reduce the bitterness of ampalaya?
Slice the ampalaya, remove the seeds, rub with salt, and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Rinse well before cooking. You can also blanch it briefly to lessen bitterness.
2. Should I peel the ampalaya?
No. The skin contains nutrients and helps the vegetable keep its shape during cooking.
3. Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of pork?
Yes. Ground chicken, turkey, or beef can be used as substitutes. Pork gives the richest flavor, but any protein works well.
4. How do I prevent the dish from becoming watery?
Cook the minced pork on high heat to evaporate moisture. Avoid covering the pan for too long, as steam can make the dish watery.
5. What seasonings work best for ampalaya?
Soy sauce, garlic, onion, pepper, and a bit of sugar help balance the bitterness. Some add egg for extra richness.
6. Can I add egg to this dish?
Yes. Adding beaten egg at the end creates a softer, richer version similar to ginisang ampalaya with egg.
7. How do I keep the ampalaya crisp?
Cook it quickly over medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. Add it last to maintain texture.
8. What dishes pair well with ampalaya with minced pork?
It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, fried fish, grilled meats, or as a side dish to any Filipino meal.