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Goya Champuru (Okinawan bitter melon stir-fry)

Goya Champuru (Okinawan Bitter Melon Stir-Fry)

If you want to enjoy bitter melon in a delicious way with less bitterness, try making Goya Champuru. It is a popular Japanese dish that even children can enjoy, and it helps people get through the hot summer months.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Drain Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
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 firm tofu (momen 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 off the bitter melon, cut it in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds and white pith with a spoon. Next, slice it into thin pieces, about ¼ inch (5 mm) thick. Then, sprinkle salt and sugar over the slices, gently rub them, and let them sit for about 5 minutes.
    goya chanpuru_instruction-1
  • Wrap the tofu in paper towels, place it on a microwave-safe plate, and microwave it on medium power (500W) for 2 minutes, uncovered. Remove the tofu, discard the towels, and let it cool enough to handle, then tear it into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes with your hands.
    goya chanpuru_instruction-2
  • Cut the pork into 1.4-inch (3.5 cm) pieces and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
    goya chanpuru_instruction-3
  • Crack the egg into a small bowl and beat it.
    goya chanpuru_instruction-4
  • Heat oil in a pan and cook the tofu over medium heat until lightly browned on both sides.
    goya chanpuru_instruction-5
  • Remove the tofu and set it aside. Add the pork to the pan and sauté until lightly browned. Add the bitter melon and continue cooking until everything is lightly browned.
    goya chanpuru_instruction-6
  • Return the tofu to the pan and stir-fry everything together briefly. Pour in the beaten egg and wait about 10 seconds until the egg begins to set slightly, then stir-fry everything again. Finally, add soy sauce to bring the flavors together.
    goya chanpuru_instruction-7
  • Serve on a plate and sprinkle with shaved bonito flakes.
    goya chanpuru_instruction-8

Notes

  • You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 371.44kcal Carbohydrates: 5.93g Protein: 15.3g Fat: 31.79g Saturated Fat: 10.65g Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.25g Monounsaturated Fat: 13.96g Trans Fat: 0.01g Cholesterol: 117.81mg Sodium: 615.48mg Potassium: 273.7mg Fiber: 1.95g Sugar: 2.41g Vitamin A: 343.12IU Vitamin C: 39.21mg Calcium: 118.95mg Iron: 1.86mg
Author: Ryo Hikita (Umami Pot)
Cuisine: Japanese
Category: Egg, Main Dishes, Pork, Tofu, Vegetable
Keyword: bitter melon, egg, pork belly, shaved bonito flakes, tofu
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