Ginisang Ampalaya Leaves with Tinapa recipe is quick, easy to cook, and economical. It's loaded with nutrients and makes a delicious vegetable dish with steamed rice and grilled meat or fish.
Although indigenous ingredients from the Philippines have become more accessible for Filipino-American consumers in recent years, certain items are still hard to come by. While okra, eggplant, long beans, and kalabasa are readily available year-round, some produce, such as ampalaya leaves, saluyot, or kalabasa flowers, are not as easy to find.
So, when I saw fresh ampalaya tendrils at Seafood City a couple of weekends ago, I was beside myself with glee. I haven't had these bittermelon leaves for ages and was seriously craving a taste!
I didn't have a specific recipe when I bought and took home my precious loot. I thought of quickly blanching the tendrils and tossing them with salted eggs and chopped tomatoes for a refreshing salad or enjoying a la tinola soup with papaya chunks and ginger.
Ultimately, I decided to make this ginisang ampalaya leaves with tinapa. I sauteed onions, garlic, and tomatoes, poured in about a cup of water, added the flaked smoked fish, and then the leaves until just wilted.
And how delicious the dish turned out! I served it with steamed rice and grilled pork, and the combination hit the spot!
If you're looking for more ways to enjoy healthy side dishes, this ginisang talbos ng ampalaya with smoked fish is a must-try. It's quick and easy to cook, packed with flavor and good-for-you nutrients, and economical.
Cook's tip
To minimize the bitter taste, do not stir once the ampalaya leaves are added.
How to store
Transfer leftovers to a container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepot over medium heat or microwave until thoroughly warmed.
Ingredients
- ยฝ small bunch ampalaya leaves
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 large Roma tomato, chopped
- 1 cup water
- 4 pieces smoked round scad, tinapang galunggong, flaked and bones discarded (about 1 cup of flaked meat)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove leaves from stalks, leaving soft stems intact. Discard stalks. Wash leaves under cold running water to rid of dirt. Drain well and set aside.
- In a pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions and garlic and cook until limp.
- Add tomatoes and cook, mashing with the back of sa poon, until softened and release juice.
- Add water and bring to a boil.
- Add flaked tinapa and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add ampalaya leaves and gently push down into the liquid. DO NOT STIR.
- Continue to cook for about 1 to 2 minutes or until leaves are just wilted. Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition Information
โThis website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.โ
Redgbee says
Easy and comforting. Grew up having this at home when my aunt mom don't know what to cook anymore!
Ani V says
I just recently bought young ampalaya leaves (talbos ng ampalaya) from the farmers market. You can always find them (the fruits too) in farmers market when ampalaya (bitter melon) are in season. I grow them, too, in my garden from late spring to early fall or until when the weather permits.
So I cooked yesterday a similar recipe I learned from my Mom. In fact, your recipe is the same as what my mother cooked back in the Philippines. I tweaked my Momโs recipe by using smoked whitefish I buy from Costco instead of tinapa, and using chicken or vegetable broth rather than water.
Rose Cabusao says
Thank you, Lalaine!!! This was my father's favorite and since he passed in 1998, I haveny had this dish, easily, some 22-23 years. Someone sent a kilo of salinas tinapa for a 3-pax Kapampangan household, so I thought I'd look up the recipe. Many, many thanks!!!
Raymund says
These are one of those dishes that makes me wanna go back to the Philippines as I cant find these kinds of ingredients in here. Lucky you its easily available from where you are.
Maricel Santos says
This is so perfect for a rainy season here in the Philippines. I also love how easy and light this recipe is. I can imagine its soothing flavor. Will try for dinner soon, thanks and God bless!
Lalaine says
Yes, this is perfect for rainy season. I love to spoon it over rice and pair with fried pork chops on the side. Sarap!