Beef with Ampalaya

• 1/2 lb beef sirloin, sliced into thin strips
• 1 large bitter gourd (ampalaya); cleaned and sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 medium-sized onion, thinly sliced lengthwise
• 1 small thumb ginger, julienned
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 5 tbsp cooking oil

1. 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.
2. Heat a frying pan or wok and pour-in 3 tablespoons of cooking oil.
3. 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).
4. Add water and simmer until the beef is tender.
5. Heat a separate pan or cooking pot then pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cooking oil.
6. When the oil is hot enough, sauté the garlic, onion, and ginger.
7. Add the sliced bitter gourd and stir fry for 5 minutes.
8. Turn off the heat and transfer to the pan with the tender beef. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more.
9. Transfer to a serving plate then serve.
10. Share and enjoy!