16 Simple Kabocha Squash Recipes For Vegans and Vegetarians

5 from 4 votes
JUMP TO RECIPE & VIDEO

Let’s dive into these delicious Japanese Kabocha Squash Recipes. They are simple and easy to make from desserts, salads, soups, and savory side dishes! These recipes are vegan and vegetarian, using minimal ingredient lists.

a collage of kabocha squash recipes

I hope you find your favorite recipe and enjoy this tasty and versatile winter squash to the fullest! Let’s get started!

Kabocha

Kabocha, also known as Japanese pumpkin, is a winter squash commonly used in Japanese cooking. It has a dark green outer skin and bright orange flesh that’s sweet and starchy. It’s a delicious vegetable for making creamy soups, roasting, and frying.

1. Kabocha Dango (Vegan)

Kabocha dango ser ed on a plate with glaze sauce.

This Kabocha Dango is an easy Japanese pumpkin dessert with only 2 ingredients. Mix mashed kabocha and starch and pan-fry. That’s it! It’s chewy, starchy, and so tasty!

2. Kabocha Squash Muffins (Vegan)

vegan kabocha muffins.

These Kabocha Squash Muffins are made from Japanese pumpkin, which is starchy and sweet. No butter or eggs are used, but it’s fluffy, moist, and super easy to make.

3. Kabocha Squash Cookies (Vegan)

Kabocha cookies.

If you are looking for a Japanese pumpkin recipe, try these easy Kabocha Squash Cookies. They are so crunchy and tasty that you can’t stop eating them!

4. Kabocha Squash Miso Soup (Vegan)

Kabocha Miso Soup

This Kabocha Miso Soup is an authentic Japanese soup packed with umami of niboshi dashi. It’s hearty, easy, and so delicious.

5. Kabocha Squash Soup (Vegetarian)

Kabocha squash soup served in a bowl.

If you are looking for an early fall soup recipe, try this easy Kabocha Squash SoupIts rich flavors and silky texture make it a perfect comforting soup on chilly days!

6. Veggie-Loaded Kabocha Squash Soup (Vegan)

veggie loaded kabocha soup in a pot.

On a cold day, nothing beats the rich and creamy flavor of Veggie-Loaded Kabocha Soup. This Japanese-style soup will warm you up all over!

7. Lotus Root & Kabocha Squash Salad (Vegan)

A colorful salad with lotus root, pumpkin and hijiki(Japanese seaweed)

You’re going to love this healthy and easy Japanese Kabocha and Lotus Root Salad for fall! This delicious salad is made with roasted lotus root and kabocha squash tossed in seasoned hijiki seaweed.

8. Kabocha Squash Salad with Egg (Vegetarian)

kabocha salad with boiled egg.

This easy-to-make Kabocha Salad With Egg will be ready in 15 minutes! This salad is perfect if you’re looking for a simple kabocha dish on your menu.

9. Kabocha Tempura (Vegetarian)

Kabocha tempura on a tray.

Here’s a great way to enjoy the taste of Japan at home. Learn how to cook delicious, light Japanese Kabocha Tempura with this easy recipe!

10. Simmered Kabocha (Vegan)

Kabocha nimono served on a bowl.

This Simmered Kabocha is an easy and delicious side dish made by simmering kabocha with sugar, mirin, and soy sauce. It’s perfect if you are looking for a simple kabocha recipe.

11. Fried Kabocha Squash (Vegan)

Fried kabocha served on a bowl.

If you’re looking for a super easy kabocha squash recipe, why not try these Japanese-style Fried Kabocha Squash? It’s ready in 10 minutes and tastes so good!

12. Leftover Roasted Vegetables (Vegan)

Roasted vegetable.

Leftover Roasted Vegetables are my favorite way to enjoy kabocha! Place large chunks of kabocha on a sheet pan, combine with sea salt and olive oil, and roast for 20 minutes at preheated 200C/392F. It’s simple, but you can enjoy the squash’s natural sweetness.

13. Japanese Vegetable Curry (Vegan)

Japanese vegetable curry in a pot.

The Japanese curry rice is creamy, starchy, and easy for a family dinner. The dish usually contains meat, but this Japanese Vegetable Curry has plenty of vegetables to make it vegan or vegetarian. Let’s learn how!

14. Steamed Kabocha Squash (Vegan)

Steamed kabocha squash.

Kickstart your fall preparations with Steamed Kabocha Squash—the best way to savor its delightful goodness! Learn how to steam and enjoy its deliciousness!

15. Easy Nimono Recipe with Japanese Vegetables (Vegan)

Vegetable nimono in a pot.

This Nimono Recipe is a must-try if you love winter vegetables and enjoy Japanese cooking! It’s a traditional simmered dish bursting with full, flavorful richness!

16. Mini Kabocha Pie (Vegetarian)

Holding a kabocha pie.

Enjoy this delicious Mini Kabocha Pie made with sweet, creamy Japanese pumpkin. These flaky, perfectly portable pies are ideal for fall snacking or a cozy dessert!

How to Cut a Kabocha Squash

Instructions of how to cut kabocha squash.

The dark green skin of Kabocha squash is a challenge to cut through. If you are a first time, maybe you’re not quite sure where you should be cutting from. Learn how to cut kabocha squash in 5 ways and savor these delicious recipes!

Your Questions Answered

Do you need to peel kabocha squash?

The skin is edible, and no need to peel it. But if you want that beautiful orange color for your muffins or other desserts – take off the skin!

Can you eat Kabocha squash skin?

Yes, you can. The skin is edible and rich in nutrients.

What does kabocha squash taste like?

It has a rich, sweet flavor with a soft and fluffy texture. It tastes like a delicious combination of potatoes and chestnuts.

What are the benefits of kabocha squash?

Kabocha squash contains beta-carotene, vitamin E, and dietary fiber.
It has the benefit of fighting off bacteria and viruses that cause colds. The dry air in winter makes us more susceptible to catching infections, so eating it can help keep your immune system healthy during the cold season.

Is kabocha squash a carb?

Yes, it is a carbohydrate. It contains 20 g of carbs per 100 grams, which makes it similar to sweet potatoes but less than rice at 37g.

How do you know if a kabocha squash is good?

Pick the one that is dark green, hard, glossy on the skin, and heavy.

How do you know if a kabocha squash is ripe?

Check the stem first. If you find a Kabocha squash with a dry, cork-like stem, they’re ideally ripe and taste good. Another point is an orange mark on the skin, which contacted the ground and did not turn green. If they are bright orange, it’s a sign of mature Kabocha squash.

Grab Your Kabocha eBook!

Kabocha ebook cover image.

Easy and Tasty Kabocha Recipes

Kabocha dango serve on a plate.

Leave a Rating!

I hope you enjoy these Kabocha Recipes! If you try it, don’t forget to leave a rating to share your thoughts—I love hearing from you!

collage of 4 kabocha squash recipes

16 Easy Japanese Kabocha Squash Recipes To Try

5 from 4 votes
Print Pin Save
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Juri Austin
Learn how to cook a Japanese pumpkin with my delicious Kabocha Squash Recipes. Try it sweet or savory – there are many ways to bring out its unique flavors!

Ingredients

  • 1 Kabocha Squash

Video

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: kabocha squash recipes
Did You Make this recipe?Please Leave a star rating!

Similar Posts

5 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating