Goya Champuru (Bitter Melon and Island Tofu Stir-Fry)

Goya Champuru (Bitter Melon and Island Tofu Stir-Fry)

Quick answer

Total time
60 min
Level
Medium
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
6

About this dish

No champuru goes without firm Okinawan island tofu.

Read more

Here it is torn into large pieces and browned first; thin slices of goya get a short stir-fry and a coating of egg, and then boiled pork belly and the tofu go back in. It started as summer home cooking and is now on Okinawan tables all year.

Ingredients

servings

Instructions

6 steps
  1. 1

    Split the goya lengthwise and scrape out the seeds and white pith thoroughly with a spoon.

    Place the cut sides down and slice into thin half-moons.

  2. 2

    Wipe the surface moisture from the island tofu with clean paper.

    If using a wetter block, wrap it in paper, place a weight on top, and drain for about 10 minutes before cooking.

  3. 3

    Briefly blanch the pork belly in boiling water.

    Bring fresh water to a boil, add the pork, skim the foam, and simmer over medium heat for 20 to 30 minutes. When a chopstick enters easily and the center is at least 75°C, remove and cut into short strips.

  4. 4

    Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat.

    Tear the tofu into large pieces and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, turning until evenly browned outside, then remove to a plate.

  5. 5

    Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in the same skillet and add the goya.

    Stir-fry for about 1 minute over low to medium heat without scorching; when the outside softens slightly, season with the salt.

  6. 6

    Beat the eggs, pour them evenly over the goya, and stir broadly so they coat the slices.

    When nearly set, add the pork and browned tofu and fold gently. Turn off the heat when no liquid egg remains.

References checked

These references were consulted when this page was prepared or corrected. A source check does not mean the recipe was independently kitchen-tested.

Use-up ingredient planner

Turn these ingredients into two more meals

The overlap excludes basic seasonings. Open the next recipe and your selected dishes will stay with you.

Tips

Drain the tofu thoroughly and brown it first so its large pieces remain intact when folded with the pork and egg at the end.
Stir-fry the goya briefly over low to medium heat. Long cooking dulls its color and texture, while high heat can scorch the thin edges first.
Edited by Charim Team