Name: Rellenong Ampalaya
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 150 grams ground pork; 2 medium ampalaya or bitter gourd (washed and sliced approx. 2 in then core removed); 4 cups water (for soaking ampalaya); 1 tbsp rock salt (for soaking ampalaya); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tbsp potato starch; 2 medium eggs (beat and place in a bowl for coating); 2 tbsp cooking oil; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 small onion (sliced); 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tbsp potato starch/corn starch diluted in 2 tbsp water (thickening agent/slurry); 1 cup chicken stock (or water)

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If you want a balanced and delicious dish, Rellenong Ampalaya is what you need. Healthy and flavorful ground pork stuffed ampalaya that is so easy to make!

This stuffed bitter gourd recipe made me salivate while cooking! Sometimes, simple ingredients can deliver incredible flavors just like ginisang ampalaya. I’ve been incorporating more vegetables in our menu and rellenong ampalaya is becoming a family favorite.

How to lessen bitter taste of ampalaya?

Rubbing bitter gourd with generous amount of salt and letting it sit for 20-30 minutes helps draw out some of the bitterness. This also takes away some of the nutrients so take note.

Reduce the bitterness by adding a very small amount of jaggery or sugar to the dish. Keep in mind though to balance it with salt and black pepper so it doesn’t turn out sweet.

Soaking ampalaya slices in a large bowl with water and rock salt for at least 5 minutes also takes away some of its bitterness.

stuffed vegetables with sauce in a plate on top of table

How to prepare bitter gourd or bitter melon?

Rinse ampalaya thoroughly and slice it in 2-inch sections or. Using a spoon, scrape core and seeds leaving you with an empty center to stuff pork mixture.

Why this recipe works!

This recipe includes a sauce unlike other recipes where it is baked and served dry.

Having ampalaya in your weekly menu rotation not only has health benefits but also economical. Many diabetics eat this vegetable because it lowers blood glucose levels.

Bitter melon or bitter gourd contains nutrients that can decrease cholesterol levels and lowering blood sugar. It’s also rich in vitamin C to strengthen the immune system.

Easy to make and won’t take much of your time. It’s great for weeknight dinners because it only takes a couple of minutes to make.

stuffed vegetables with sauce in a plate on top of table with rice on the side

Ways to cook

You can make it by baking in a pre heated oven. Arrange stuffed bitter melon in a greased baking pan and bake for 25 minutes or until the meat is cooked.

Fry the stuffed vegetable coated in egg wash until meat is cooked through and pork changes color.

But if you’re doing this recipe, just fry them for 3 – 5 mins. because the pork and vegetable will completely cook in the sauce.

stuffed vegetables with sauce on top of table with ladle on side

The secret ingredient is always LOVE