Ampalaya con Tausi

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Ampalaya con Tausi is a savory bittermelon dish with tender pork belly, umami-rich fermented black beans, and sweet and savory Maggi oyster sauce. It's nutritious, delicious, and perfect with steamed rice for a hearty and healthy meal!

Prep Time10

Cook Time40

Total Time50

Course: Main Entree

Cuisine: Filipino

Servings: servings

Calories: 416kcal

Author: Lalaine Manalo

Ingredients

3 medium ampalaya
1 pound pork belly, cut into thin strips
1 onion, peeled and chopped
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 large Roma tomatoes, chopped
½ cup water
1 can tausi (fermented black beans), rinsed and drained well
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
2 tablespoons Maggi oyster sauce
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
salt and pepper to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Cut ampalaya lengthwise into halves. With a spoon, remove the seeds and scrape off the inner pith. Slice into ¼-inch thickness and place in a bowl of cold water until needed. Drain well when ready to use.
In a wide pan/wok, add pork belly and cook until lightly browned and begins to render fat.
Add onions and garlic and cook until softened.
Add tomatoes and cook, mashing with the back of the spoon, until softened and release juices.
Add water and bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer until pork is tender.
In a bowl, combine light soy sauce, Maggi oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth. Add to pan and stir to distribute. Simmer until the sauce is slightly thickened.
Add ampalaya and tausi. Stir to distribute. Cover and cook until ampalaya is tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Video

Notes

Cut the ampalaya and pork belly into uniform, even slices to ensure they cook evenly.
Keep stirring to a minimum and avoid overcooking the ampalaya to preserve its bright color and slight crunch; this also helps reduce the bitter taste.

Nutrition