Bitter Melon Chicken With Oyster Sauce

Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless chicken thigh that is cut into thin strips. I prefer thigh because it has a fat content and stays moist and juicy after cooking.
• Bitter Melon: Also called bitter gourd or ampalaya. You can usually find this in Asian Supermarket if you live abroad.
• Oyster Sauce: It contains salt, which contributes to its savory and salty flavor profile. It is used as a salty seasoning in many Asian dishes. Oyster sauce typically contains a small amount of sugar or a sweetener, which gives it a mild sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: It adds a savory and salty element to dishes and is often used as a primary source of salt in recipes.
• Baking soda: Serves as a tenderizer.
• Chinese cooking wine: It enhances the flavor without overpowering the dish. It helps balance the flavors in the dish. Its mild sweetness and acidity can offset the bitterness of ingredients like bitter melon.
• Onion and garlic: Onions and garlic are aromatic ingredients that add depth, complexity, and a savory umami flavor to dishes. Onions and garlic release a delightful aroma when sautéed or cooked.

Instructions

1. Marinade

1. Slice the chicken into strips. In a mixing bowl, combine the marinade: ¼ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon cooking wine, 1½ tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Add the chicken strips to the marinade. Coat it well and marinate for at least 15 minutes.

2. Prepare the Bitter Melon

Slice the bitter melon into half and remove the seeds. Slice in moon shape and transfer into a bowl with water and sprinkle a half teaspoon of salt to reduce some bitterness. Soak for 10-15 minutes. Drain the water.

3. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and ½ cup of water. Stir to dissolve the cornstarch. You may need to adjust the water later if it is too thick.

4. Start Cooking

Heat a skillet and pour 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken until it is seared. Take it out and put it on a plate.

In the same pan, saute the onion and the garlic until translucent. Stir occasionally.

Add and cook the bitter melon undisturbed for 3-5 minutes or until it turns tender-crisp. Be sure to spread the bitter melon but do not stir it yet.

Add the sauce mixture and cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything to combine. Cook until the sauce has thickened and everything is cooked thoroughly.

If the sauce is too thick, add some water and adjust the consistency. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Ready to serve with rice and your favorite side dish.

Storage Tips

Storage: Cool the chicken ampalaya dish, transfer it into a glass container, and cover it with a lid. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezer: Allow it to cool and transfer the dish to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or for a few hours at room temperature.

Reheating: Place the dish in a small skillet and reheat over medium heat, stirring often. It is ready to eat when it is heated thoroughly. Serve and enjoy!

Helpful Tips

• Pick a fresh bitter melon with bright green and not too mature for the best result. It should be free from bruises and firm in texture.
• Try to keep all your pieces of chicken about the same size so that they cook evenly. I like to use clean kitchen shears to easily cut my chicken into uniform strips or chunks.
• Be sure to heat your skillet or wok before adding the oil to cook your meat. This will help your chicken to be seared and browned without overcooking them.
• After adding the ampalaya, avoid stirring too much. Cover the pan and allow the ampalaya to cook for a few minutes or until crisp-tender. This helps maintain its texture and prevents it from becoming too mushy and soft.
• Serve this Stir-fried Bitter Melon Chicken With Oyster Sauce with steamed rice, garlic fried rice, or as part of a balanced meal. It pairs well with other dishes like chicken wings adobo, chicken adobo with pineapple, fried daing na bangus, or any of your favorite Filipino Recipes.

Why You Will Love This

• The combination of the bitterness from the bitter gourd or bitter melon, the savory umami from oyster sauce, and the tender chicken creates a delightful balance of flavors that many people find enjoyable.
• If you enjoy cooking, this dish presents a slight challenge because of the unique preparation required for bitter melon. It's an opportunity to develop your culinary skills and try something new in your kitchen.
• You can customize this dish to suit your dietary preferences. You can cook it with or without meat, adjust the saltiness level, and add other vegetables or herbs and spices.
• Bitter melon is known for its potential health benefits. It's low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and it's often used in traditional medicine for its potential to help regulate blood sugar levels and promote overall health. If you love more bitter melon recipes, check out my ampalaya con carne, ginisang munggo with ampalaya, and bitter melon with eggs stir-fry.