AmpAlAyA cOn cArnE

Ingredients:

1/2 lb beef sirloin, sliced into thin strips
1 large bitter gourd (ampalaya); cleaned and sliced
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 medium-sized onion, thinly sliced lengthwise
1 small thumb ginger, julienned
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup water or more if necessary
5 tablespoons cooking oil
 
Procedure:
 
Combine beef, soy sauce, salt, ground black pepper, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Mix all the ingredients until evenly distributed and marinade for at least 1 hour.
 Heat a frying pan or wok and pour-in 3 tablespoons of cooking oil.
 When the oil is hot enough, pan fry the marinated beef in medium heat until the outer part turns medium to dark brown (about 3 to 5 minutes per side).
 Add water and simmer until the beef is tender.
Heat a separate pan or cooking pot then pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cooking oil.
When the oil is hot enough, sauté the garlic, onion, and ginger.
Add the sliced bitter gourd and stir fry for 5 minutes.
Turn off the heat and transfer to the pan with the tender beef. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more.
 Transfer to a serving plate then serve.