Stir-Fried Chinese Pumpkin (Kabocha) Recipe - Easy & Delicious

Stir-fried kabocha squash offers a surprisingly delightful twist on this versatile winter squash. Forget the usual roasted or pureed versions; this recipe showcases kabocha's naturally sweet and subtly nutty flavor in a quick and easy stir-fry. The vibrant orange flesh, when expertly stir-fried, develops a delightful tenderness while retaining a satisfying bite. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal, offering a healthy and flavorful side dish or even a vegetarian main course, easily adaptable to your spice preferences. It's a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste.

The simple yet elegant preparation allows the kabocha's natural sweetness to shine, complemented by a savory sauce that's easily customizable to your liking. Whether you prefer a gentle garlic and ginger flavor or a spicier kick with chili flakes, this recipe provides a delicious base for your culinary creativity. Ready to transform this humble squash into a culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this delicious stir-fried kabocha squash.

Tools Needed

  • Knife
  • Spoon
  • Chopping board
  • Wok or large pan
  • Chopsticks

Ingredients

  • Kabocha squash (Japanese pumpkin)
  • Ginger: 1 tablespoon
  • Onion: 1/2
  • Garlic: 1 tablespoon
  • Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
  • Soy sauce: 1 teaspoon
  • Water: 1/2 cup
  • Cornstarch
  • Sugar: a little bit
  • Green chives
  • Oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Kabocha Squash

  • Remove the stem by twisting it off. Cut the kabocha squash in half.
  • Scoop out the seeds and membrane from the inside of the squash.
  • Peel off the green skin from the outside of the squash.
  • Slice the kabocha squash into 1/4 inch thick pieces, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Remove the stem by twisting it off. Cut the kabocha squash in half.Scoop out the seeds and membrane from the inside of the squash.Peel off the green skin from the outside of the squash.Slice the kabocha squash into 1/4 inch thick pieces, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Kabocha Squash

Step 2. Stir-fry Aromatics and Squash

  • Heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add ginger, then minced onion and stir-fry until softened.
  • Add minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
  • Add the kabocha squash pieces to the pan and stir-fry until slightly browned.
Heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add ginger, then minced onion and stir-fry until softened.Add minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.Add the kabocha squash pieces to the pan and stir-fry until slightly browned.
Stir-fry Aromatics and Squash

Step 3. Steam and Season

  • Add 1/2 cup of water, cover, and steam for 10 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
  • Stir in oyster sauce and soy sauce.
Add 1/2 cup of water, cover, and steam for 10 minutes, or until the squash is tender.Stir in oyster sauce and soy sauce.
Steam and Season

Step 4. Thicken and Garnish

  • Add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
  • Add a little sugar and chopped green chives for garnish.
Add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Add a little sugar and chopped green chives for garnish.
Thicken and Garnish

Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • If you have time, you can eat the skin, but it needs to be cooked longer.
  • Removing the skin makes the stir-fry faster and easier.
  • Cut the pumpkin into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  • Use heat-resistant gloves for handling hot pans.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 200-250
  • Fat: 5-8gg
  • Carbs: 40-45gg
  • Protein: 2-3gg

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of squash instead of kabocha?

While kabocha is ideal for its sweetness and texture, you can experiment with other firm squashes like butternut or acorn squash. Adjust cooking time as needed, as they may cook slightly faster or slower.

2. What if I don't have all the ingredients listed in the recipe?

Feel free to adapt! Omit ingredients you don't have, or substitute with similar ones. For example, soy sauce can be replaced with tamari or coconut aminos.


This stir-fried kabocha squash recipe is a testament to the simplicity and deliciousness of fresh ingredients. Enjoy this vibrant and healthy dish as a side or a light meal, and don't hesitate to experiment with different spices and sauces to create your perfect version. Happy cooking!