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Goya Champuru (Okinawan Bitter Melon Stir Fry) on a grey plate top down view

Goya Champuru (Okinawan Bitter Melon Stir Fry)

5 from 3 votes
https://sudachirecipes.com

Goya Champuru is a famous stir-fry dish made with Okinawan bitter melon. It's a popular home-cooked dish all across Japan due to its unusual bitter yet refreshing taste. It's also quick and easy to make!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes

Course Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Japanese, Okinawan
Servings 2 portions
Calories 463
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Course: Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Japanese, Okinawan
Servings: 2 portions
Calories: 463

Ingredients 
 

  • 150 g Okinawan bitter melon (goya)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp sugar
  • 150 g thin sliced pork belly
  • 1 pinch salt and pepper
  • 200 g firm tofu
  • 1 medium egg(s) whisked
  • 2 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil

Instructions 

  • First, cut 150 g Okinawan bitter melon in half lengthways and scoop out the seeds.
    Goya (Okinawan bitter melon) cut lengthways with seeds removed
  • Cut it into 5mm slices and place in a bowl.
    Goya (Okinawan bitter melon) cut into 5mm slices
  • Add ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp sugar to the bowl and massage into the surface of the bitter melon. Set aside for 10 minutes.
    Goya (Okinawan bitter melon) in a bowl rubbed with salt and sugar
  • Next, take 200 g firm tofu and wrap it with kitchen paper. Place it on a microwavable plate and microwave for 1 1/2 minutes at 600W to remove excess liquid. (No need for plastic wrap.) Leave to cool for a few minutes.
    Firm tofu wrapped in kitchen paper
  • In the meantime, fill the bowl of goya with fresh water and drain to wash.
    Goya (Okinawan bitter melon) washed in a bowl of cold water
  • Once the tofu is cool enough to touch, cut it into bitesize cubes and heat a frying pan on medium.
    Firm tofu cut into rectangles
  • Once the pan is hot, add 1 tbsp cooking oil. Add the tofu and brown on each side. Once it's brown and slightly crispy on the outside, remove it from the pan and set aside for later.
    Browned firm tofu in a frying pan
  • Using the same pan, add 150 g thin sliced pork belly and fry until the surface is sealed on both sides. 
    Thinly sliced pork belly cooking in a frying pan
  • Add the goya to the pan and stir fry with the pork for 2-3 minutes.
    Thinly sliced pork belly and goya (Okinawan bitter melon) cooking in a frying pan
  • Add the tofu back into the pan and sprinkle with 1 pinch salt and pepper. Mix together and add half of the 2 tsp soy sauce.
    Thinly sliced pork belly, goya (Okinawan bitter melon) and firm tofu cooking in a frying pan
  • In a small bowl, whisk 1 medium egg(s). Pour it into the pan and allow it to cook until half done (do not mix at this point).
  • Once it's half cooked, add the other half of the soy sauce and mix thoroughly. Remove from the heat.
    goya champuru stir fried in frying pan
  • Plate up and sprinkle 1 tbsp bonito flakes over the top.
    Goya Champuru (Okinawan Bitter Melon Stir Fry) on a grey plate
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 463kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.6g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 40.2g | Saturated Fat: 13.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.1g | Cholesterol: 151.5mg | Sodium: 1080.5mg | Fiber: 3.1g