Savory Okinawan Goya Chanpuru with Pork
Savor the rich and unique flavors of Okinawa with this delightful Goya Chanpuru! This classic stir-fry dish features fresh bitter melon, known as goya, which is abundant in the Okinawa region's warm climate. Goya is hailed for its numerous health benefits, including aiding digestion and boosting immunity, making this dish a wholesome addition to your meals. While the initial bitterness may not appeal to everyone, the soaking process helps to soften the taste, making it more palatable. Combined with tender slices of pork, crunchy bean sprouts, and savory eggs, this dish is a perfect representation of Okinawan culinary tradition, bringing the essence of this tropical paradise straight to your kitchen. Whether enjoyed as a main course or side dish, Goya Chanpuru is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and comforting flavors.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
bitter melon
1 large piece (Cut in half, seeds and pith removed, sliced thinly)
salt
2 teaspoons (For soaking the bitter melon)
thinly sliced pork
150 g (Cut into thin slices, left at room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking)
bean sprouts
100 g (Washed and drained)
onion
1/2 (Thinly sliced)
eggs
2 (Whisked until combined)
sesame oil
1 tablespoon (For stir-frying)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
dried bonito flakes (katsuoboshi)
5 g (For garnishing)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the bitter melon. Cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and white pith from the center using a spoon. Slice the flesh into thin, half-moon shapes.
2
In a bowl, soak the sliced bitter melon in just enough water to cover it, adding 2 teaspoons of salt. Let it soak for about 30 minutes to reduce its bitterness. Afterward, drain well and set aside.
3
Next, thinly slice the onion and wash the bean sprouts with cold water before draining. In a separate bowl, whisk the two eggs until well combined.
4
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the tablespoon of sesame oil. Once hot, add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
5
Add the thinly sliced pork to the pan, allowing it to cook and brown evenly. It’s essential to leave the pork at room temperature for about 20 minutes prior to cooking for even cooking.
6
Once the pork is thoroughly cooked, add the drained bitter melon to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until the bitterness decreases and the melon softens.
7
Introduce the bean sprouts to the pan and season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir-fry for an additional minute so the bean sprouts are just tender yet still crisp.
8
Finally, pour the whisked eggs over the stir-fried ingredients. Gently stir the mixture occasionally until the eggs are just set but still slightly soft, approximately 2-3 minutes.
9
Remove the skillet from heat and serve the Goya Chanpuru hot, garnished with a sprinkle of dried bonito flakes (katsuoboshi) on top for an added umami flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Goya Chanpuru?
Goya Chanpuru is a classic Okinawan stir-fry dish featuring fresh bitter melon, pork, bean sprouts, and eggs.
What are the health benefits of goya?
Goya, or bitter melon, is known for aiding digestion and boosting immunity.
How can I reduce the bitterness of the bitter melon?
Soak the sliced bitter melon in salt water for about 30 minutes to help soften and reduce its bitter taste.
What meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 150 grams of thinly sliced pork.
How do I prepare the bitter melon?
Cut it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and white pith with a spoon, and slice into thin half-moon shapes.
Why should the pork be at room temperature before cooking?
Leaving the pork at room temperature for about 20 minutes ensures that it cooks evenly in the skillet.
What are dried bonito flakes?
Also known as katsuoboshi, they are used as a garnish to add a savory umami flavor to the dish.
How long do I stir-fry the bitter melon?
Stir-fry the melon for about 4 to 5 minutes until it softens and the bitterness decreases.
When should I add the bean sprouts?
Add the bean sprouts after the pork and bitter melon are cooked, and stir-fry for an additional minute.
How should the eggs be cooked in this dish?
Pour the whisked eggs over the ingredients and stir occasionally until they are just set but still slightly soft.
What kind of oil is best for Goya Chanpuru?
This recipe recommends using one tablespoon of sesame oil for stir-frying.
Is Goya Chanpuru served as a main or side dish?
It is versatile and can be enjoyed as either a main course or a side dish.
How much salt is needed for the soaking process?
You should use 2 teaspoons of salt in the soaking water for the bitter melon.
Do I need to peel the bitter melon?
No, you do not need to peel it, but you must remove the internal seeds and white pith.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe details include 1 large bitter melon and 150g of pork, typically serving 2 to 3 people.
How do I prepare the bean sprouts?
Wash them with cold water and ensure they are well-drained before adding them to the pan.
Should the onions be crunchy?
The onions should be sautéed until they are translucent and fragrant before adding the pork.
What seasonings are used for the final stir-fry?
The dish is seasoned with a 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, adjusted to taste.
Can I use whole eggs?
The eggs should be whisked together in a bowl until well combined before being added to the stir-fry.
What should the texture of the bean sprouts be?
The bean sprouts should be tender yet still crisp when the dish is finished.
What is the typical climate for growing goya?
Goya is abundant in warm, tropical climates like that of the Okinawa region.
How long does the egg take to set?
The eggs take approximately 2 to 3 minutes to reach a soft-set consistency.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is considered a wholesome and healthy dish due to the nutritional benefits of bitter melon and fresh vegetables.
What type of pan should I use?
A large skillet or a wok is ideal for stir-frying this dish over medium-high heat.
How much onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of an onion, thinly sliced.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients, including the seasonings and garnish.
Is goya naturally bitter?
Yes, goya is naturally bitter, which is why the soaking and stir-frying processes are used to mellow the flavor.
What is 'chanpuru'?
Chanpuru is an Okinawan word for 'something mixed,' referring to the style of stir-fry.
Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?
Yes, you can slice the vegetables and soak the melon ahead of time for a faster cooking process.
Should Goya Chanpuru be served hot?
Yes, the skillet should be removed from heat and the dish served hot immediately for the best flavor.