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Goya Champuru

This is a traditional stir fried dish from Okinawa. It is usually made with bitter melon (goya), eggs, tofu, and pork. Luncheon meat or spam can be substituted for pork. 
Servings 2
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

For preparing the bitter melon (goya):

  • 150 grams bitter melon goya
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar

Others:

  • 200 grams firm tofu drained
  • 150 grams pork belly
  • 2 tsps salt
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • salt and pepper to season
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil

Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp bonito flakes
  • 1 tbsp water hot
  • 3 tsps soy sauce
  • 1 tsp mirin

Instructions

For preparing the bitter melon (goya):

  • Cut the bitter melon (goya) lengthwise, and using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and scrape off the inner white pith.
  • Slice into ⅛ inch (3–4 mm) thickness. Sprinkle the salt and sugar and rub all over the bitter melon (goya) slices. Let it stand for at least 15 minutes.
  • Once done, rinse with water and drain thoroughly.

For the others:

  • Place the tofu over a paper towel and cover with another paper towel.
  • Press down on the tofu to squeeze out as much water as possible. Cut the tofu into big pieces. Set aside.
  • For the pork belly, slice into 2 inch pieces. Sprinkle salt over the pork and set aside.

For the sauce:

  • Combine the hot water and bonito flakes in a small bowl. Remove the bonito flakes just before cooking.
  • Mix the other sauce ingredients except for the salt and pepper.

To cook:

  • In a frying pan, heat the oil over medium high heat.
  • Add the tofu and fry until each side is brown. Don't turn the tofu frequently to avoid breaking up the tofu. Once done, set aside.
  • In the same pan, add the pork slices and fry until brown. Add a pinch of pepper and stir well.
  • Add the bitter melon (goya) slices and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bitter melon (goya) slices are a bit translucent.
  • Add back the tofu and stir well.
  • Add the sauce and the bonito flakes mixture. Cook for a minute, stirring frequently to coat the ingredients with the sauce.
  • Once the sauce has evaporated a bit, season with salt and pepper if required.
  • Pour the beaten eggs on to the pan and cook until the egg is less runny. Mix the egg and the other ingredients briefly.
  • Turn off the heat and transfer to a plate.

Notes

  • If you don’t have bonito flakes, it’s fine. You may need to adjust the salt during seasoning.
  • You may use brown sugar in place of mirin
  • Substitute other meats if you don’t like pork. Okinawans use luncheon meat or spam in their dish. 
Author: A Bee In My Bonnet
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Japanese