Okinawan Bitter Melon Stir-fry with Pork Belly, Tofu and Egg

Name: Okinawan Bitter Melon Stir-fry with Pork Belly, Tofu and Egg (Goya Champuru)
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 300 g (10½ oz) block firm tofu (or make your own); 300-400 g (10½–14 oz) bitter melon (known in Japanese as nigauri or goya), sliced in half lengthways, seeds and white pith scraped out and discarded; 300-400 g (10½–14 oz) bitter melon (known in Japanese as nigauri or goya), sliced in half lengthways, seeds and white pith scraped out and discarded; 300-400 g (10½–14 oz) bitter melon (known in Japanese as nigauri or goya), sliced in half lengthways, seeds and white pith scraped out and discarded; 1 tsp fine sea salt, plus more for seasoning; 200 g (7 oz) pork belly, thinly sliced then cut into 2cm (¾ inch) pieces; 2 tbsp sake; 2 large eggs; 2 tbsp sunflower oil; 1 tsp instant dashi powder; 2 tbsp soy sauce, plus 1 tbsp to finish off; ½ tbsp toasted sesame oil; toasted white sesame seeds; sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; generous drizzle of Japanese mayonnaise or homemade Japanese Kewpie-style Mayonnaise; generous drizzle of Japanese mayonnaise or homemade Japanese Kewpie-style Mayonnaise; La Yu chilli oil; handful of katsuoboshi flakes; sprinkle of aonori seaweed

Goya Champuru

Preparation info

Serves
4

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

The Japanese Larder

By Luiz Hara

Published 2018

About

Goya Champuru is a classic home-cooking dish from the sub-tropical island of Okinawa in Japan. There are many versions, but all will include bitter melon (known as goya in Okinawan dialect). The goya bitterness is surprisingly addictive.

Ingredients

300 g (10½ oz) block firm tofu (or make your own)
300-400 g (10½–14

Asia
Japan
Main course
Gluten-free

Method

Drain the tofu. Place it inside a colander or plastic sieve (strainer), put a plate over the tofu and top it with a heavy weight. This will help to draw out the water. Let it press for 15-20 minutes inside your sink or in a deep tray.
Meanwhile, slice the bitter melon into 1-cm (½-inch) thick diagonal slices. Place the slices in a colander, sprinkle with 1 teas