Saba Goya
Saba Goya is a hearty and nutritious Paleo Japanese dish featuring grilled mackerel, served over a bed of sautéed goya (bitter melon) and seasoned with a tangy citrus dressing. This dish offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, making it a delightful option for a healthy supper.

30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Japanese
370 kcal
Ingredients
- Mackerel fillets - 2 pieces (150g each)
- Bitter melon (goya) - 1 medium (about 200g)
- Olive oil - 1 tablespoon (15ml)
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh ginger - 1 teaspoon, grated
- Coconut aminos - 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon (15ml)
- Sesame oil - 1 teaspoon (5ml)
- Salt - to taste
- Black pepper - to taste
- Green onions - 2, chopped (for garnish)
Steps
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Season the mackerel fillets with salt, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil on both sides.
- Grill the mackerel for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and the skin is crispy.
- While the fish is grilling, slice the bitter melon in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
- Thinly slice the bitter melon into half-moon shapes and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat and add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced bitter melon to the skillet and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until tender. Season with coconut aminos, lemon juice, and sesame oil, and mix well.
- Remove the skillet from heat and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Serve the grilled mackerel over a bed of sautéed bitter melon, garnished with chopped green onions.
Nutrition
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Total Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Water: 0.4 L
Health Benefits
- High in omega-3 fatty acids from mackerel, promoting heart health.
- Rich in antioxidants and vitamins from bitter melon, supporting overall wellness.
Tags
JapanesePaleoSupper