Ginisang Ampalaya at Hipon is a delicious vegetable stir-fry made of bittermelon, shrimp, tomatoes, and eggs. It’s nutritious, delicious, and budget-friendly, too!
If you’re looking for a simple vegetable dish, this ampalaya stir-fry with shrimp must be on your regular meal rotation. You’ll love it as much as I do for many reasons.
- Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes. Plus, there are no complicated ingredients to run around town for!
- Budget-friendly and adaptable. Don’t like shrimp? Easily switch up flavors by swapping the shrimp with minced or diced pork!
- Nutritious as it is delicious. It makes a tasty meal with steamed rice, and it’s packed with protein and good-for-you nutrients you’ll feel good serving the whole family.
Old wives’ tales
It’s funny how many wives’ tales out there on how to rid ampalaya of its natural bitterness. A popular one is “the cook should be smiling and singing while cooking the ampalaya,” and another is “the cook has to be a virgin.”
Well, since I am not of a bubbly disposition and have not been pure in thoughts or actions for at least two decades, am I doomed for acrid ampalaya? No, ma’am, because luckily, I have a few tricks on how to conquer bittermelon!
To salt or not to salt
One traditional method of preparing ampalaya is to let the slices sit in salt until they begin to weep and then squeeze to eliminate the bitterness. I often skip this method because a) I’m lazy and don’t like extra work, and b) bittermelon is a nutritional powerhouse. Why deplete the vegetable of its beneficial juices?
By following these simple tips below, your next ginisang ampalaya at hipon will be more palatable without the customary salting. Give them a try, and let me know what you think in the comments.
How to serve and store
- Ginisang ampalaya at hipon is a vegetable dish you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Serve with steamed rice and your choice of grilled meat or fried fish for a tasty and healthy meal.
- Store leftovers in a container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave at 2 to 3-minute intervals to 165 F.
Want more ways to enjoy bittermelon? Make it con carne or with sardines!
