Recipe: Beef with Bittermelon

A usual staple in Filipino-Chinese homes is Beef with Bitter Melon (Beef with Ampalaya).  A few weeks ago, I tried this out.

One lesson that I learned is to buy meat at a reputable meat shop.  Never ever settle for low quality meat.  I learned this the hard way.  Out of my eagerness to cook this dish quickly on the day itself, I got the last piece of flank steak at the supermarket.  While the flavours of the finished Beef with Ampalaya dish was spot on, the beef was just not up to par.  I’m still sharing this recipe because it worked!  The only watch out is to always get high quality ingredients, no matter if it’s vegetables, meat or seasonings.  

Beef with Ampalaya

2015-11-18 20:21:53

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For the Marinade

1. 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
2. 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3. 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
4. 1 teaspoon shaoxing wine
5. 2 teaspoons soy sauce

For the Dish

1. 1/2 kilo flank steak
2. 2 medium bittermelons (ampalaya)
3. salt to taste
4. 1 tablespoon baking soda
5. 2 tablespoons oil
6. 6 cloves garlic, minced
7. 2 tablespoons black beans, rinsed & drained
8. 1 1/2 tablespoons shaoxing wine
9. 1/2 teaspoon sugar
10. 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon soy sauce
11. 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
12. 1/8 teaspoon white pepper

Instructions

1. Mix all the ingredients for the marinade.
2. Put the sliced flank steak and combine well with the marinade for 20 minutes (I used a 9-minute marinator gadget so it only took me 9 minutes).
3. While the beef is marinating, prepare the ampalaya/bittermelon.
4. Cut each ampalaya/bittermelon in half lengthwise.
5. Scrape the seeds and white parts using a spoon from the ampalaya/bittermelon.
6. Slice the ampalaya/bittermelon in thin moon-shaped slices (see photo).
7. Boil a pot of water and add salt & baking soda.
8. Blanch the ampalaya/bittermelon into the water mixture for 1 minute.
9. Transfer the blanched ampalaya/bittermelon to an ice bath. Drain and set aside.
10. Heat a wok over high heat.
11. Add 1 tablespoon oil and sear the beef for 1 minute.
12. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
13. Add another tablespoon of oil into the same wok over medium heat.
14. Add garlic and black beans and cook for 1 minute.
15. Increase heat and add the ampalaya/bittermelon.
16. Add shaoxing wine, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil and white pepper.
17. Mix all ingredients well.
18. Add beef and salt to taste.
19. Cook for another minute.
20. Serve and enjoy!

By Rochelle Sy Chua

Adapted from The Woks of Life

Adapted from The Woks of Life

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