Grilled Goya Salad with Sesame Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fresh and slightly bitter Okinawan-inspired salad featuring charred goya (bitter melon) tossed with a nutty sesame dressing. This Japanese-inspired salad recipe, ready in about 16 minutes, pairs goya (bitter melon), sesame oil, soy sauce into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 6 min Serves 3 Japanese cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush 2 medium sliced goya rings with 1 tbsp sesame oil and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: Grill the goya slices for 3 minutes per side until slightly charred and softened, then transfer to a large bowl.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is smooth.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the grilled goya slices and toss gently to coat.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced scallions on top before serving chilled or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Goya Salad with Sesame Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 16 minutes (10 min prep + 6 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Goya Salad with Sesame Dressing?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep goya (bitter melon) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Goya Salad with Sesame Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Goya Salad with Sesame Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Goya Salad with Sesame Dressing?

Japanese salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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