Okinawan Tofu Champuru
This authentic Okinawan Tofu Champuru is a vibrant, savory stir-fry featuring firm tofu, bitter melon, shiitake mushrooms, and crisp bean sprouts, all brought together with an umami-rich, dashi-infused sauce. It's a quick and healthy dish that embodies the simple yet profound flavors of Okinawan cuisine.
For 4 servings
**Prepare Tofu**: Wrap the block of extra-firm tofu in several layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Place a heavy object (like a cast-iron pan or a few cans) on top and press for at least 15-20 minutes to remove excess water. Once pressed, crumble the tofu into bite-sized pieces or cut into 1-inch cubes.
**Prepare Vegetables**: Halve the bitter melon lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and pith with a spoon, then slice thinly (about 1/8 inch thick). Slice the shiitake mushrooms. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Wash and drain the bean sprouts. Slice green onions for garnish.
**Make Sauce**: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, dashi powder, and water until the dashi powder is dissolved. Set aside.
**Stir-fry Aromatics & Mushrooms**: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or a deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sliced shiitake mushrooms and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until softened.
**Add Tofu & Bitter Melon**: Add the pressed tofu and sliced bitter melon to the wok. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, gently tossing, allowing the tofu to brown slightly and the bitter melon to soften. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
**Incorporate Bean Sprouts & Sauce**: Add the bean sprouts and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Toss quickly for 1-2 minutes until the bean sprouts are just tender-crisp and the sauce has coated the ingredients. Be careful not to overcook the sprouts.
**Finish & Serve**: Remove from heat. Drizzle with toasted sesame oil. Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately, traditionally over steamed rice for a complete meal.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Tofu Pressing is Key**: Don't skip pressing the tofu! It removes excess water, allowing the tofu to absorb flavors better and achieve a firmer texture that won't crumble excessively during stir-frying.
- 2**Manage Bitter Melon Bitterness**: For those sensitive to bitter flavors, you can lightly salt the sliced bitter melon and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before cooking. This helps draw out some of the bitterness.
- 3**High Heat, Quick Stir-fry**: Ensure your wok or pan is very hot before adding ingredients. Stir-frying at high heat for short periods helps vegetables retain their crispness and vibrant color, preventing them from becoming soggy.
- 4**Customize Your Crunch**: Add bean sprouts last and cook them briefly to maintain their crisp texture. If you prefer them softer, add them a minute or two earlier.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Addition
For a traditional Okinawan touch, stir-fry thinly sliced pork belly or Spam cubes until crispy before adding the garlic and ginger. The rendered fat adds incredible flavor and richness.
Vegetable SwapVegetable Swap
Replace or augment bitter melon with other quick-cooking vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for different textures and flavors, if bitter melon is not available or preferred.
Egg ChampuruEgg Champuru
After stir-frying the vegetables and tofu, push them to one side of the wok, add a lightly beaten egg to the empty side, scramble it, then mix it into the champuru before serving for an extra protein boost.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Tofu is an excellent source of complete plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, making this a satisfying and nutritious meal that keeps you full.
Nutrient-Dense Vegetables
Bitter melon, shiitake mushrooms, and bean sprouts provide a wealth of vitamins (like Vitamin C, A, K), minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall health and boosting immunity.
Supports Digestion
The high fiber content from the vegetables and tofu aids in healthy digestion, promotes gut health, and contributes to a feeling of fullness, which can help with weight management.
Frequently asked questions
No, silken tofu is too delicate and will fall apart during stir-frying. Extra-firm or firm tofu is essential for holding its shape and texture in champuru, ensuring a satisfying bite.
