Stir-Fried Okinawan Pork with Bitter Melon and Tofu

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-19 · Updated 2026-06-19

A vibrant stir-fry combining Okinawan pork, slightly bitter melon, and soft tofu in a savory soy-ginger sauce. This Japanese-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, bitter melon, 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.

Ingredients

• 300 g, thinly sliced pork shoulder
• 1 medium (about 150 g), seeded and thinly sliced bitter melon
• 150 g, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes firm tofu
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 tbsp, minced ginger
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 stalks, sliced diagonally green onions

Woks that get real sear at home → Best Woks for 2026: Carbon Steel, Nonstick & Flat-Bottom Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp minced ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add 300 g thinly sliced pork shoulder and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
3. Step 3: Add 150 g firm tofu cubes and 1 medium thinly sliced bitter melon, stir-fry gently for 3-4 minutes until bitter melon softens but remains slightly crisp.
4. Step 4: Pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp mirin, and 2 tsp sesame oil. Toss all ingredients to coat evenly and cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.