Meet More Chances

Bitter melon or gōyā in the Okinawan language, nigauri or tsuru reishi
in Japanese. Bitter melon is grown primarily in the southern part of
Japan including Okinawa. And Okinawa is known for the unusual long
lifespan of its inhabitants, and since bitter melon has long been used
in their dishes, then it is closely associated.

Anyway, here are some of the favorite easy to prepare bitter melon
recipes in Japan.


Goya Chanpuru.

This is a stir fry dish that is most popular in Okinawa. It is
actually featured in TV shows and available in restaurants.

Ingredients:

1 large bitter melon, halved lengthwise, deseeded, sliced diagonally
about 1/8 inch

1 block firm tofu, drained, cubed

250g ground pork

2 eggs, beaten

2 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vegetable soup stock granules

salt and pepper

Directions:

Cook the sliced bitter melon in a salted water. Boil for about 3-5
minutes. Drain. (This is done to tame the bitterness).

Season the ground pork with salt and pepper.

In a non-stick pan, heat up the oil and add the ground pork. Stir fry
until it starts to turn brown. Add the tofu, stir over high heat to
evaporate excess water from it. As the tofu and pork turns brown, add
the bitter melon and sprinkle the soup granules. Cook for about 5
minutes. Add the beaten eggs and scramble it quickly. Stir until the
eggs are cooked. Add salt or pepper if needed.



Bitter Melon Salad

Ingredients:

1 large bitter melon, halved lengthwise, deseeded, sliced diagonally
about 1/8 inch

1 firm tofu, drained

For seasoning:

1 inch fresh ginger, crushed

4 Tbsp. roasted white sesame seeds, ground

2 Tbsp. sesame oil

1 tsp. soy sauce

1 1/2 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. salt


Directions:

Cook the sliced bitter melon in a salted water. Boil for about 3-5
minutes. Drain. (This is done to tame the bitterness).

Soak the bitter melon in cold water for about 5 minutes, then drain well.

Wrap the tofu with paper towel, microwave it for a minute to drain
excess water. Cool and slice in dice.

Mix all the seasoning ingredient in a bowl. Add the tofu and bitter
melon. Mix well.

Serve right away.