Grilled Goya with Garlic and Sesame Dressing
Bitter melon (goya) slices grilled to smoky tenderness and dressed with a savory sesame garlic sauce, inspired by Okinawan flavors. This japanese-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 18 minutes blends sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds bitter melon (goya)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush 2 medium bitter melon slices (cut into 1/4-inch thick rounds) with 1 tbsp sesame oil and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt.
- Step 2: Grill bitter melon slices for 3 minutes per side until tender and grill marks appear, then transfer to a serving plate.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp rice vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds until combined.
- Step 4: Drizzle the sesame garlic dressing evenly over the grilled bitter melon and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Goya with Garlic and Sesame Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Goya with Garlic and Sesame Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Goya with Garlic and 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 with Garlic and Sesame Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.
Is Grilled Goya with Garlic and Sesame Dressing vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
