One of the popular Japanese summer veggies is Goya (Bitter melon).
Even here in Hokkaido, you can find them at local farmers' markets these days.

So today, I’d love to share a simple Japanese-style salad recipe using bitter goya and bonito flakes.

Goya is a vegetable that nourishes the “Heart”, the organ that works very hard in summer, and it’s perfect for relieving excess internal heat, making it ideal for preventing summer fatigue. It’s also known for its detoxifying effects, which is a nice bonus!

Bonito flakes help replenish kidney energy (Jing) and blood, while also supporting healthy digestion. This makes it a great choice for those who feel easily tired or experience lightheadedness.

Together, they make a refreshing and supportive dish — perfect for hot summer days.

Ingredients (2 Servings)

1 large Bitter melon
A handful of Bonito flakes
1 tbs Soy sauce
1/2 tbs Sesame seed oil
1 tbs Sugar (cane sugar recommended)
A pinch of salt

Method

Step 1 - Cut the bitter melon in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds, then slice into 2-3mm width.
Step 2 - Place the bitter melon in a bowl and add salt. Mix well and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then gently squeeze out the water.
Step 3 - Make the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce and sugar, and mix until the sugar dissolves. Then add the sesame oil.
Step 4 - Combine the sauce and bitter melon, and gently mix.
Step 5 - Add the bonito flakes and mix gently with chopsticks. Meshiagare.