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Home » Recipes » Japanese Vegetable Recipes

13 Easy Japanese Kabocha Squash Recipes To Try

Published: Sep 30, 2022 · Modified: Oct 3, 2023 · Auther: Juri Austin

5 from 3 votes
JUMP TO RECIPE

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 kabocha squash recipes

Kabocha squash is a delicious Japanese pumpkin and 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 recipe 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
  • How to Cook Kabocha Squash
  • 13 Best Japanese Kabocha Squash Recipes
  • What is Kabocha Squash?
  • What does it taste like?
  • Where to Buy
  • How to Pick A Delicious Kabocha
  • How to Cut a Kabocha Squash
  • Watch How to Cut Kabocha In 5 Ways!
  • How to Store
  • Health Benefits
  • Kabocha Squash FAQ
  • Thanks For Stopping By!
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 13 Easy Japanese Kabocha Squash Recipes To Try
  • 💬 Comments

About This Recipe

  • How to cook Kabocha squash
  • Easy recipes with simple ingredients
  • Mostly vegan recipes
  • Kabocha squash FAQ

How to Cook Kabocha Squash

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.

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 side 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 snack)
Kabocha Dango (Japanese Pumpkin Dessert)
5 from 11 votes
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!
Make This Recipe
Kabocha dango(Japanese pumpkin snack)

2. Kabocha Squash Muffins (Vegan)

Vegan Kabocha Squash(pumpkin) Muffins
Vegan Kabocha Squash Muffins
5 from 4 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)
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

kabocha miso soup in a bowl
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)

kabocha soup in a staub pot
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)

A colorful salad with lotus root, pumpkin and hijiki(Japanese seaweed)
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 boiled egg in a food container
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
Veggie Quinoa Salad
5 from 2 votes
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 squash in a blue bowl
Simmered Kabocha (Kabocha Nimono)
5 from 2 votes
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 served on a plate
Easy Kabocha Squash Fries
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)

roasted vegetables
Leftover Roasted Vegetables
5 from 2 votes
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
Crispy & Light Kabocha Tempura Recipe
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 summer vegetable curry
Japanese Vegetable Curry (Vegan)
5 from 4 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?

Japanese kabocha squash recipes.

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.

Where to Buy

You can find Kabocha squash at Japanese grocery stores, Asian grocery stores, and local farmer's markets during the season. You can find it at online stores as well.

Where to buy kabocha squash

  • Japanese grocery stores: Mitsuwa marketplace, Marukai
  • Asian grocery stores
  • Local farmer's markets
  • Online stores: Instacart, Walmart

How to Pick A Delicious Kabocha

kabocha squash

They're such great ingredients for creamy soup and roasting, but how do you pick one at a store that is ready to eat? It can be hard deciding which ones are ripe enough since they all look the same.

I had a lot of experience - not being ripe, having no sweetness, and having a bland taste.

But since I learned to pick it with these checkpoints, you know what? It always gets me some good ripe Kabocha squash. Let's take a look at them!

Four checkpoints

  1. Pick the one that is dark green, hard, glossy on the skin, and heavy.
  2. If you find a Kabocha squash with a dry, cork-like stem, they're ripe ideally and taste good.
  3. The orange mark on the skin is called the "ground mark," which is the part that contacts the ground and does not turn green. If they are bright orange, it's a sign of mature Kabocha squash.
  4. If it's already cut, pick the one with bright orange filled with pulp and pumpkin seeds.

Follow these tips and pick the best starchy and sweet Japanese pumpkin! I hope it helps!

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 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; 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
Cutting kabocha squash.

Watch How to Cut Kabocha In 5 Ways!

how to cut kabocha illustration.

How to Store

Room temperature

kabocha squash

You can store a whole kabocha squash at room temperature for 2 to 3 months in a cool and dry place.

Refrigerator

kabocha squash wrapped in plastic.

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.

Freezer

Large pieces of kabocha squash in a freezer bag.

You can also freeze kabocha squash. Cut it into large chunks or cubes and put them in a freezer bag. It will last for 2 to 3 weeks in the freezer.

Cook straight from frozen for soup and simmered dishes.

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.

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 4 kabocha squash recipes

13 Easy Japanese Kabocha Squash Recipes To Try

5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Save Saved!
Prep: 5 minutes minutes
Cook: 5 minutes minutes
Total: 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: JURI
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!
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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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