Stir-Fried Goya and Pork with Okinawan Miso Glaze
A savory stir-fry combining the distinct bitterness of Okinawan goya (bitter melon) with tender pork, finished with a sweet and salty miso glaze. This japanese-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs thinly sliced pork loin, red miso paste, mirin 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.
Ingredients
- 200 g, halved lengthwise, seeded, and sliced into thin half-moons goya (bitter melon)
- 250 g, thinly sliced pork loin
- 2 tbsp red miso paste
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sake
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp, minced ginger
- 2, sliced for garnish scallions
- 1 tsp, toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp minced ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 250 g thinly sliced pork loin and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: Add 200 g sliced goya (bitter melon) and continue stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until the goya softens but retains some crunch.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp red miso paste, 1 tbsp mirin, and 1 tbsp sake until smooth, then pour into the skillet.
- Step 5: Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes until the miso glaze thickens slightly and coats the pork and goya.
- Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 2 sliced scallions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds, then serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Goya and Pork with Okinawan Miso Glaze 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 Stir-Fried Goya and Pork with Okinawan Miso Glaze?
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 thinly sliced pork loin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Goya and Pork with Okinawan Miso Glaze?
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 Stir-Fried Goya and Pork with Okinawan Miso Glaze 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 Stir-Fried Goya and Pork with Okinawan Miso Glaze?
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.
