Goya Champuru (Okinawan Bitter Melon Stir-Fry)
If you want to enjoy bitter melon in a delicious way without its strong bitterness, try making Goya Champuru. In Japan, it is known as a popular dish that even children can enjoy, and it helps people get through the hot summer months.
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Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 1 bitter melon (about 9 oz/250 g)
- - ¼ tsp salt (for the bitter melon)
- - 1 tsp sugar (for the bitter melon)
- 5.3 oz momen tofu (firm tofu)
- 3.5 oz thinly sliced pork belly (or Spam)
- - pinch of salt (for the pork)
- - pinch of ground black pepper (for the pork)
- 1 large egg (about 2.1 oz/60 g, including shell)
- ½ Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
Instructions
- Trim both ends of bitter melon, cut it in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds and inner white pith using a spoon. Next, slice it into ⅕-inch (5mm) pieces. Then, sprinkle salt and sugar over the slices, massage them, and let them sit for about 5 minutes.
- Place a weight on tofu and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. After draining, tear it into about 1-inch (2.5cm) cubes by hand.
- Cut pork into 1.4-inch (3.5cm) pieces and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Crack egg into a small bowl and beat it.
- Heat oil in a pan. Once the pan is hot, add the tofu and cook over medium heat until lightly browned on both sides.
- Remove the tofu and set aside. Add the pork to the pan and sauté until it changes color. Next, add the bitter melon and continue cooking until slightly browned.
- Return the tofu to the pan and briefly stir-fry all the ingredients together. Pour in the beaten egg and wait for about 10 seconds until the egg mixture sets slightly, then stir-fry everything again. Finally, add soy sauce to blend the flavors.
- Serve on a plate and sprinkle with shaved bonito flakes.
Notes
- You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 308kcal
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