Pan-Fried Goya and Egg Tofu Stir-Fry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick Okinawan-inspired stir-fry featuring bitter melon (goya) and silky egg tofu, accented with garlic and a light soy glaze. This japanese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes egg tofu, minced garlic cloves, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Japanese cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 150 g thinly sliced bitter melon and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the edges start to soften and turn translucent.
  3. Step 3: Gently add 250 g egg tofu cubes to the pan and carefully toss to combine, cooking for 3 minutes until tofu is warmed through and slightly golden on some edges.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp mirin, and 1 tbsp sesame oil over the stir-fry. Toss gently and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce lightly coats the ingredients.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced scallions before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Goya and Egg Tofu Stir-Fry take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Fried Goya and Egg Tofu Stir-Fry?

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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Goya and Egg Tofu Stir-Fry?

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 Pan-Fried Goya and Egg Tofu Stir-Fry 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 Pan-Fried Goya and Egg Tofu Stir-Fry?

Japanese vegetarian 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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