Pan-Seared Goya Champuru with Tofu and Spam

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-29 · Updated 2026-07-29

A classic Okinawan stir-fry featuring crisp bitter melon, soft tofu, and savory pan-fried Spam, delivering a satisfying balance of textures and umami flavors. This Japanese-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs bitter melon (goya), firm tofu, Spam for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Ingredients

• 1 medium (about 150 g) bitter melon (goya)
• 300 g firm tofu
• 150 g Spam
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 clove, minced garlic
• 2 stalks, chopped green onions
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut 1 medium bitter melon in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds with a spoon, then slice into thin 1/8-inch crescents. Place in a bowl with 1/2 tsp salt and toss, letting it sit for 10 minutes to soften bitterness, then rinse and drain well.
2. Step 2: Press 300 g firm tofu between paper towels to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
3. Step 3: Dice 150 g Spam into 1/2-inch cubes.
4. Step 4: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced Spam and cook for 3-4 minutes until edges are golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
5. Step 5: In the same skillet, add another 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 1 clove minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the bitter melon and stir-fry for 3 minutes until edges start to soften.
6. Step 6: Gently add the tofu cubes and cook for 4 minutes, turning carefully to avoid breaking, until tofu is lightly browned.
7. Step 7: Push the ingredients to one side of the skillet. Crack 2 large eggs into the empty side, scramble gently until partially cooked, then mix everything together.
8. Step 8: Return the cooked Spam to the skillet, add 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 2 chopped green onions. Stir-fry for another minute until everything is heated through and combined well.