Craving a quick, nutritious, and incredibly tasty Filipino dish that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Philippines? Look no further than Ginisang Upo with Ground Beef! This mouthwatering recipe transforms the humble bottle gourd into a star ingredient that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. In just 20 minutes, you'll create a hearty, flavorful meal that perfectly balances tender beef, aromatic garlic, and the subtle sweetness of upo, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that's both satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Filipino
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium upo (bottle gourd), sliced
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing the upo (bottle gourd) and peeling its skin. Slice the upo into thin, diagonal pieces about 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of cooking oil and let it warm up for about 30 seconds.
- Add minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, which should take approximately 30-45 seconds.
- Add chopped onions and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent and slightly softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook the beef until it's fully browned and no pink remains, which typically takes 5-6 minutes.
- Pour in soy sauce and stir to combine, allowing the beef to absorb the seasoning for about 1 minute.
- Add the sliced upo to the skillet and gently mix with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the upo becomes tender but still retains a slight crispness.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Upo: Select a bottle gourd that is firm, smooth, and free of blemishes. Younger, smaller upo tends to be more tender and flavorful.
- Slice Consistently: Cut the upo into uniform, thin diagonal slices to ensure even cooking and a pleasant texture.
- High Heat is Key: Use medium-high heat to achieve a nice sear on the ground beef and to prevent the upo from becoming mushy.
- Don't Overcook the Upo: Cook the vegetable just until tender to maintain its slight crispness and prevent it from turning soggy.
- Enhance Flavor: For extra depth, consider adding a splash of oyster sauce or a pinch of ground black pepper.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair this dish with steamed jasmine rice for an authentic Filipino dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg
