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    Home » Recipes » Vegetable Dishes

    13 Best Kabocha Squash Recipes

    Jan 22, 2023 by JURI · This post may contain affiliate links

    5 from 2 votes
    JUMP TO RECIPE JUMP TO VIDEO

    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!

    a collage of 8 kabocha squash recipes

    Kabocha squash is a delicious Japanese pumpkin, a versatile vegetable that you can enjoy in various ways, from roasting to deep frying.

    If you are new to this sweet squash or looking for a new recipe to spice up your menu, you are at the right place!

    This post will show you how to cook kabocha squash in 13 different ways.

      This recipe is for you if:
    • You love kabocha squash.
    • You want to know how to cook kabocha squash.
    • You are looking for 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!

    Jump to:
    • About this recipe
    • 13 Best Japanese Kabocha squash recipes
    • What is Kabocha Squash?
    • How to Cut a Kabocha Squash
    • Storage
    • Kabocha Squash FAQ
    • Thanks For Stopping By
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Japanese Kabocha Squash Recipes

    About this recipe

    • How to cook Kabocha squash
    • 13 delicious and best recipes
    • Mostly vegan recipes
    • Kabocha squash FAQ

    13 Best Japanese Kabocha squash recipes

    6 kabocha squash recipes

    Let's dive into the delicious kabocha squash recipes. They are simple and easy to make from desserts, salads, soups, and savory dishes!

    I hope you will find your favorite one!

    Desserts

    1. Kabocha Dango (Vegan)
    2. Kabocha Squash Muffins (Vegan)
    3. Kabocha Squash Cookies (Vegan)

    Soup & Salad

    1. Kabocha Squash Miso Soup
    2. Veggie-Loaded Kabocha Squash Soup (Vegan)
    3. Lotus Root & Kabocha Squash Salad (Vegan)
    4. Kabocha Squash Salad with Egg (Vegetarian)
    5. Veggie Quinoa Salad (Vegan)

    Simmering and others

    1. Simmered Kabocha (Kabocha Nimono)
    2. Fried Kabocha Squash (Vegan)
    3. Leftover Roasted Vegetables (Vegan)
    4. Kabocha Tempura
    5. Japanese Vegetable Curry (Vegan)

    1. Kabocha Dango (Vegan)

    Kabocha Dango (Japanese Pumpkin Dessert)
    5 from 10 votes
    This Kabocha Dango is an easy Japanese pumpkin dessert with only 2 ingredients. Mix mashed kabocha, add potato starch and pan-fry. That's it! This is the best way to enjoy starchy and sweet squash.
    Make This Recipe
    Kabocha dango(Japanese pumpkin snack)

    2. Kabocha Squash Muffins (Vegan)

    Vegan Kabocha Squash Muffins
    5 from 3 votes
    This Vegan Kabocha squash Muffins is 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.
    Make This Recipe
    Vegan Kabocha Squash(pumpkin) Muffins

    3. Kabocha Squash Cookies (Vegan)

    Japanese Kabocha Squash Cookies (Vegan)
    4.75 from 4 votes
    If you are looking for Japanese kabocha recipe, try this easy kabocha squash cookies. It's so crunchy and tasty, you can't stop eating it!
    Make This Recipe
    Japanese Kabocha Squash Cookies(Vegan)

    4. Kabocha Squash Miso Soup

    Easy Kabocha Miso Soup
    5 from 2 votes
    This kabocha miso soup is authentic Japanese soup packed with umami of niboshi dashi. It's hearty, easy and so delicious.
    Make This Recipe
    kabocha miso soup in a bowl

    5. Veggie-Loaded Kabocha Squash Soup (Vegan)

    Veggie-Loaded Kabocha Soup (Vegan)
    5 from 4 votes
    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!
    Make This Recipe
    kabocha soup in a staub pot

    6. Lotus Root & Kabocha Squash Salad (Vegan)

    Japanese Lotus Root Salad
    5 from 3 votes
    You're going to love this healthy and easy Japanese lotus root salad for fall! This delicious salad is made with roasted lotus root, and kabocha squash tossed in seasoned hijiki seaweed.
    Make This Recipe
    Lotus root and Kabocha salad with seasoned Hijiki

    7. Kabocha Squash Salad with Egg (Vegetarian)

    Kabocha Squash Salad With Egg
    5 from 4 votes
    This easy-to-make kabocha squash salad will be ready in 15 minutes! This salad is perfect if you're looking for a simple kabocha dish on your menu.
    Make This Recipe
    kabocha squash salad with boiled egg in a food container

    8. Veggie Quinoa Salad (Vegan)

    Veggie Quinoa Salad
    5 from 1 vote
    Here is a recipe for Veggie Quinoa Salad with pumpkin and carrots. It is easy to make, colorful, and perfect for everyday use or house party.
    Make This Recipe
    veggie quinoa salad

    9. Simmered Kabocha (Kabocha Nimono)

    Simmered Kabocha (Kabocha Nimono)
    5 from 1 vote
    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.
    Make This Recipe
    simmered kabocha squash in a blue bowl

    10. Fried Kabocha Squash (Vegan)

    Fried Kabocha Squash
    5 from 5 votes
    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!
    Make This Recipe
    fried kabocha squash served on a plate

    11. Leftover Roasted Vegetables (Vegan)

    Leftover Roasted Vegetables
    5 from 1 vote
    My favorite way is roasting it. 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 natural sweetness of the squash.
    Make This Recipe
    roasted vegetables

    12. Kabocha Tempura

    Kabocha Tempura
    5 from 2 votes
    Here's a great way to enjoy the taste of Japan at home. Learn how you can easily cook delicious, light Japanese kabocha tempura with this easy recipe!
    Make This Recipe
    kabocha tempura

    13. Japanese Vegetable Curry (Vegan)

    Japanese Vegetable Curry (Vegan)
    5 from 2 votes
    The Japanese curry rice is creamy, starchy, and easy for a family dinner. The dish usually contains meat, but this vegetable curry has plenty of vegetables to make it vegan or vegetarian. Let's learn how!
    Make This Recipe
    Japanese summer vegetable curry

    What is Kabocha Squash?

    kabocha squash

    In this section, I'll talk more about Kabocha squash. If you want to know what it is, the health benefits, and how to pick it, then keep reading!

    Kabocha squash, or Japanese pumpkin, is a type of winter squash and is a staple in Japanese cooking. It stands out for its tasty sweet flavor - much sweeter than butternut squash and other squash varieties.

    The outer skin is dark green, and the inside is bright orange flesh. It's heavy, and the dark green kabocha skin is so hard.

    The season

    We can find Kabocha squash all year long, but their harvest time is in summer, and they're at their best in the fall (and towards the winter) after being perfectly mature.

    What does it taste like?

    bite shot of kabocha squash dano on a plate

    Japanese pumpkin is a delicious alternative to sweet potatoes or chestnuts. It's sweet, starchy, and fluffy with tender skin.

    Also, like other winter squashes, they can be eaten skin-on or off, depending on your preference.

    Versatile Vegetable

    You can cook kabocha squash in many different ways. We often deep-fry it for tempura, but you could also simmer it or put it into a salad. It's also great for making desserts. You can make anything from savory side dishes to sweets with it.

    What are the health benefits?

    bite shot of kabocha squash muffins

    The Kabocha squash is a nutritious vegetable that offers many health benefits. It contains beta carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C, and dietary fiber.

    In Japan, we have a custom of eating kabocha squash on the winter solstice in December. This tradition is our way of preparing for the cold weather.

    Because it benefits in 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.

    How to Cut a Kabocha Squash

    how to cut kabocha illustration.

    The dark green skin of Kabocha squash is a challenge to cut through. If you are a first time to try, maybe you're not quite sure where you should be cutting from.

    The easiest way is to take the stem first. Once you've removed the stem, start cutting where it was, and cutting the rest is much easier.

    You will need a sharp knife and a good cutting board. Please place a wet cloth underneath if your cutting board is slippery like mine.

    5 ways to cut kabocha squash.

    The following recipe will show you how to cut a whole kabocha squash into quarters, plus five different sizes (large chunks, thin and thick slices, and more) depending on the dish you make. I put in a lot of information, so I hope it helps!

    How to Cut a Kabocha Squash (Japanese Pumpkin)
    5 from 4 votes
    Learn how to cut Kabocha squash and enjoy the delicious Japanese pumpkin dishes in the season!
    Make This Recipe
    kabocha squash on a cutting board wih a knife.

    Storage

    kabocha squash wrapped in plastic.
    • Whole kabocha squash: You can store it at room temperature for 2 to 3 months in a cool and dry place.
    • Large pieces: If you buy a quarter kabocha at a grocery store, remove pulp and pumpkin seeds, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. It will last for 4 to 5 days.
    • Small pieces: If you cut kabocha into small pieces, put them into an airtight container and store them in the fridge. It will last for 4 to 5 days.

    Kabocha Squash FAQ

    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.

    Thanks For Stopping By

    Kabocha creamy miso soup in a pot.

    Thank you for taking the time to read my blog♡

    Do you have any questions or like the recipe? Please leave a comment below! Also, if you made the recipe, please leave a star rating below!

    Your feedback is valuable for me to create better recipes- thank you!

    Also, feel free to leave comments if you have any questions. I love hearing from you!

    Chef JA Cooks is a Japanese food blog that shares simple and healthy Japanese home cooking recipes, including vegan and vegetarian. From traditional Japanese recipes to modern recipes with step-by-step instructions.

    📖 Recipe

    collage of 8 kabocha squash recipes

    Japanese Kabocha Squash Recipes

    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Servings: 4 servings
    Author: JURI
    Learn how to cook Kabocha squash with my easy and simple recipes! Whether you enjoy it sweet or savory, there are tons of ways to prepare it.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 Kabocha squash

    Instructions

    • Pick a recipe from these Japanese kabocha squash recipes.
      Kabocha Dango (Vegan), Kabocha Squash Muffins (Vegan), Kabocha Squash Cookies (Vegan), Kabocha Squash Miso Soup, Veggie-Loaded Kabocha Squash Soup (Vegan), Lotus Root & Kabocha Squash Salad (Vegan), Kabocha Squash Salad with Egg (Vegetarian), Veggie Quinoa Salad (Vegan), Simmered Kabocha (Kabocha Nimono), Fried Kabocha Squash (Vegan), Leftover Roasted Vegetables (Vegan), Kabocha Tempura, Japanese Vegetable Curry (Vegan)
    • Follow the recipe instructions and enjoy the delicious dish!

    Video

    Notes

    • Watch How To Cut Kabocha Squash
     
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Japanese
    Keyword: kabocha squash recipes
    Did You Make this recipe?Please Leave a star rating!

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