Pan-Fried Okinawan Goya Stir Fry with Pork and Tofu

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Okinawan stir fry featuring bitter melon, tender pork, and tofu, stir-fried with aromatic garlic and soy sauce. This japanese-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs goya (bitter melon), pork loin, firm tofu for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Japanese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 200 g goya in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, then slice into 1/4-inch thin crescents. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt and let sit for 10 minutes to remove bitterness. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. Step 2: Slice 250 g pork loin into thin strips and cut 200 g firm tofu into 1-inch cubes.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add pork strips to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Add prepared goya and tofu cubes to the skillet. Stir fry for 5 minutes until goya is tender but still slightly crisp and tofu is heated through.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sake, and drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil. Stir to coat and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce lightly glazes the ingredients. Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Okinawan Goya Stir Fry with Pork and Tofu take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Okinawan Goya Stir Fry with Pork and Tofu?

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 Pan-Fried Okinawan Goya Stir Fry with Pork and Tofu?

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 Okinawan Goya Stir Fry with Pork and Tofu 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 Okinawan Goya Stir Fry with Pork and Tofu?

Japanese pork 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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