23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (2024)

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by Marcie //January 24, 2022 (updated 2/23/23)

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes includes curry, soup, hummus, cake and so many other delicious ways to use this amazing winter squash. You’ll also learn nutrition information, how to cut kabocha squash and so much more!

23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (1)

This time of year is my absolute favorite, and winter squash is one of the reasons why. Each variety is special in its own right, and while it’s hard to choose a favorite, kabocha squash is at the top of my list.

Before I went to cooking school, I had no idea what it was. My instructor did an amazing job of exposing my class to a wide variety of produce, and I’ll never forget the first time I tasted this wonderful squash.

It instantly became a favorite of mine for its special flavor, texture, and versatility, and I love finding new ways to incorporate it into my recipes.

Although kabocha is fairly common now, I come across people all the time that have never tried it. I hope this collection of recipes inspires you to try it for the first time, or in some different ways!

If you love produce, be sure to check out the recipe collections below!

  • Butternut squash recipes
  • Cabbage recipes
  • Carrot recipes
  • Chicory recipes
  • Corn recipes
  • Cranberry recipes
  • Delicata squash recipes
  • Fava bean recipes
  • Fennel recipes
  • Fig recipes
  • Leek recipes
  • Rhubarb recipes
  • Persimmon recipes
  • Poblano pepper recipes
  • Pomegranate recipes
  • Shish*to pepper recipes
  • Swiss chard recipes
  • Tomatillo recipes
23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (2)

What is kabocha squash?

Kabocha squash, also known as Japanese pumpkin, is a type of winter squash. It’s dark green and bumpy with flecks of gold on the outside, and the inside is bright orange with velvety sweet flesh.

What does kabocha squash taste like?

Unlike most pumpkins, kabocha is slightly sweet and starchy with a nutty flavor.

Can you eat the skin of a kabocha squash?

Yes! Kabocha skin is totally edible, and adds a nice chewy contrast to the velvety sweet flesh. I love that I don’t have to peel the squash, which makes prepping it so much easier.
23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (3)

What is a good kabocha squash substitute?

If kabocha is not readily available to you or you simply prefer other varieties, you can substitute it with almost any variety of winter squash, including the following:

Acorn
Butternut
Delicata squash
Heirloom pumpkins — ask the farmer or market for the best edible types!
Red kuri
Sugar Pumpkin
Sweet Potato

Nutrition benefits of kabocha squash

Kabocha squash includes many health benefits. It’s low in calories and fat, and is a good source of fiber, antioxidants, iron, copper, magnesium, beta-carotene, and Vitamins A, B and C.

Nutrition information for one cup of squash is as follows:

Calories: 49
Fat: .2
Carbs: 12
Fiber: 2.7
Sugars: 5.1
Protein: 1.8

How to cut kabocha squash

Cutting kabocha can seem daunting, but it’s very easy to do following my handy tips below!

1. Stand the squash upright on a cutting board. Insert a paring knife into the top of the squash and cut downward until you reach the bottom, and repeat on the other side. Turn the squash over and either crack it open the rest of the way, or use your paring knife carefully to cut through the bottom of the squash.
2. Use the tip of a large spoon to scrape the seeds and stringy insides out of the squash.
3. Reserve the seeds for roasted pumpkin seeds!
3. Slice the squash into wedges or cubes.
23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (4)

Choosing and storing

Choose squash that’s firm and heavy, with no bruising or discoloration.

The squash will keep at room temperature in a cool, dark place for up to one month. Once you slice the squash, it will keep wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for 3-5 days.

Can you freeze kabocha squash?

Yes! Freeze cut squash for up to 3 months.

How to cookkabocha squash

You can cook your squash in the Instant Pot, oven or even your slow cooker! Check out details by clicking the links below!

1. Cook your kabocha squash whole in the Instant pot or oven and puree it for soup, risotto or for baking.
2. Grate it and use in baking just as you would carrot.
3. Roast it in wedges or chunks with your favorite seasoning and add to salads or serve as a side dish.
4. Simmer it in chili, curry or soup.

23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (5)

23 delicious Kabocha Squash Recipes

Thanks to its edible skin, preparing and cooking kabocha squash is a breeze! You can use it like you would any other winter squash — in soups, stews, pasta dishes, and more.

The following recipes show how truly unique and versatile kabocha is.

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Roasted Kabocha Squash with Tahini Dressing

Roasted Kabocha Squash with Tahini Dressing is an easy roasted kabocha squash recipe with garam masala spice and maple orange tahini dressing!

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (7)

Kabocha Squash Soup

This creamy cinnamon ginger kabocha squash soup is topped with a tart cherry drizzle and pecan cherry crumble. Grab and bowl and get cozy!

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (8)

Wild Rice Salad with Kabocha Squash and Brown Butter Vinaigrette

This hearty salad is packed with fresh produce and is perfect for holiday get togethers.

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (9)

3 Ways to Cook Kabocha Squash

Learning how to cook Kabocha squash doesn’t have to be difficult! With these 3 easy methods, you’ll find one that works for you!

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (10)

Dark Chocolate Kabocha Muffins

These chocolate muffins are incredibly moist thanks to the kabocha squash puree in the batter. Perfect for quick grab-and-go breakfasts.

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (11)

Kabocha Chili

A cozy Kabocha Two Bean Chili simmered in a chipotle and poblano base with fire roasted tomatoes and warming spices.

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (12)

Oven Baked Chicken and Wild Rice Skillet with Kabocha Ribbons

Such a simple, comforting dish that tastes like fall!

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (13)

Hearty Kale Salad with Kabocha Squash, Pomegranate Seeds, and Toasted Hazelnuts

The perfect winter salad! Creamy kabocha squash, pomegranate seeds, and a tangy vinaigrette make for a filling salad.

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (14)

Kabocha Squash Hummus

This creamy hummus is great as a dip for cracker and veggies, or as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (15)

Thai Pumpkin Curry with Chicken

Thai Pumpkin Curry is packed with tender chunks of chicken, pumpkin and veggies in a creamy flavorful coconut red curry sauce! It's an easy weeknight dinner that's great for meal prep and it's freezer friendly!

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (16)

Kabocha Squash Casserole

Creamy, naturally sweet kabocha squash casserole with gluten-free walnut topping – a marvelous dish to share with friends and family during the holidays.

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (17)

Whole Roasted Kabocha Squash with Chipotle Butter

Whole Roasted Kabocha Squash with Chipotle Butter is a healthy fall side dish ~ and my whole roasting method is the best way to cook winter squash.

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (18)

Kabocha Squash Cake with Chai Caramel

Made gluten-free and refined sugar-free, this cake is mostly naturally sweetened using kabocha squash!

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (19)

Creamy Kabocha Squash Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Kabocha Squash Mashed Potatoes are kabocha squash and yukon gold potatoes mashed to creamy perfection. They’re creamy, festive and so flavorful!

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (20)

Vegetarian Stuffed Kabocha Squash

If you love winter squash, you are going to love this easy stuffed kabocha squash recipe! This recipe is vegetarian, but there is a simple way to make this stuffed squash vegan as well!

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (21)

How to Make Pumpkin Puree

Learn How to Make Pumpkin Purée with my easy tips! It's velvety smooth with a delicious fresh flavor, and it is freezer-friendly!

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (22)

Maple Roasted Kabocha Squash & Quinoa Salad

Light, fluffy quinoa is combined with roasted kabocha squash, pomegranate seeds, fresh herbs, crunchy pistachio seeds and a sweet maple dressing.

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (23)

Roasted Kabocha Squash Dip

Roasted Kabocha Squash Dip is a healthy and delicious dip, perfect for a snack or for a party.

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (24)

Roasted Kabocha Squash Salad with Creamy Garlic Dressing

This is a simple clear-out-the-fridge salad. Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit what you have on hand!

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (25)

Chili Maple Roasted Winter Squash

Chili Maple Roasted Winter Squash is winter squash roasted to perfection with chili powder and maple syrup, and tossed in an maple orange vinaigrette.

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (26)

Lamb Stuffed Kabocha Squash

Lamb stuffed kabocha squash is filled wild mushrooms and couscous, fresh cranberries, blue cheese and aromatic rosemary.

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (27)

Spicy Kabocha Pumpkin Soup

It’s hard to believe this thick, creamy, velvety soup is dairy-free and vegan-friendly… but it is!

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23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (28)

Chocolate Chip Kabocha Bars

These cinnamon-spiked, gluten free, Chocolate Chip Kabocha Bars make for a decadent tasting dessert or breakfast!

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posted in: Fall, Produce Guides, Recipe Roundup, Recipes, Winter // 6 comments

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    6 Comments on “23 Kabocha Squash Recipes (+ Produce Guide)”

  1. Leanne Reply

    Until I started food blogging, I had no idea what a kabocha squash was. I haven’t been able to find any around here, but I’m on the look out! In the meantime, love the information you’ve provided and the roundup of recipes!

  2. Katherine | Love In My Oven Reply

    As always, such a good produce guide, Marcie! I had no idea it was called the Japanese pumpkin. I have seen these at the grocery store but I’ve only bought them once! Now I’ve definitely got to give it a try!

  3. Katerina Reply

    I have never made anything with kabocha but my excuse is that we simply don’t seem to have it here in Australia! How interesting that you can eat the peel – I’d never think of that! Love the awesome recipe round up too, thanks Marcie.

    • flavorthemoments Reply

      Thank you Katerina, and I hope you’re able to find this amazing squash one day!

  4. Kelly | Foodtasia Reply

    Great and very informative guide, Marcie! So drooling over all of your wonderful squash dishes!

    • flavorthemoments Reply

      Thank so much Kelly, and I can’t wait to try these recipes too!

23 Kabocha Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take for kabocha to fruit? ›

HARVEST: Fruits are typically ready about 50-55 days after fruit set, and should be harvested before any hard frosts. Cut fruits from vines and handle carefully.

How many kabocha per plant? ›

Johnny's Seeds says 3-5 fruits per plant but I get around 20 by giving them plenty of space between them.

Can diabetics eat kabocha squash? ›

Kabocha squash is a low glycemic food.

Eating low glycemic foods can be very beneficial to your health. “A low-glycemic diet can help you control your weight by minimizing spikes in your blood sugar and insulin levels. This is particularly important if you have type 2 diabetes or at risk of developing it.

How to know when to harvest kabocha squash? ›

Acorn (Figure 2) and kabocha (Figure 3) squash can be harvested when their ground spot (the part of the fruit laying on the ground) turns a dark-orange color, although some research indicates they can be harvested even sooner without loss of quality and may be more resistant to storage diseases.

How long does it take for squash to fruit after flowering? ›

Squash grow rapidly, especially in hot weather, and are usually ready to pick within 4 to 8 days after flowering. Although summer squash has both male and female flowers, only the female flowers produce fruits. Because the fruits are harvested when still immature, they bruise and scratch easily.

Is kabocha squash hard to grow? ›

Best of all, kabocha is ridiculously easy to grow in the garden. These vigorous vines practically take care of themselves! This squash is a delight in the garden as long as you have plenty of warm sunshine, water, and room to ramble.

How many squash plants to feed a family of 4? ›

How many vegetable to plant for a family
Vegetable cropPlants per 1 personPlant spacing
Potatoes4 to 612 in.
Radishes10 to 154 to 6 in.
Spinach4 to 8Thin seedlings to 3 to 6 in.
Squash (Summer & Winter)1 to 2Thin seedlings to 18 to 36 in.
18 more rows
Mar 12, 2018

How many squash will one plant produce? ›

how many squash do you get per plant? For butternut squash you can expect 5 or 6 fruits per plant through the growing season, for some larger squash and pumpkins you may only get 2 to 4.

Can I eat kabocha squash everyday? ›

If you eat an excessive amount of kabocha squash, or any yellow or orange fruit or vegetable containing beta carotene, you can develop carotenemia. This is a condition that can cause your skin to appear yellowish or orange. It's harmless, and the cure is simply to cut back on the carotene-containing foods.

Is kabocha squash a laxative? ›

Yes. Kabocha squash contains fiber and fluid, which help support healthy gut bacteria, bulk up poop, and hydrate the intestines for healthy digestion and bowel movements. To minimize digestive discomfort, gradually introduce high-fiber foods like squash.

Is kabocha anti-inflammatory? ›

Anti-inflammatory properties: Kabocha squash contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.

Is kabocha squash a superfood? ›

Kabocha squash is also a rich source of vitamin A, fiber, and flavonoids like beta-carotene. It is good for health because it contains zero sodium, fats, and cholesterol.

Can you eat kabocha squash raw? ›

Yes, you can eat kabocha squash raw! Toss it in a vinaigrette or marinade and let it sit for 10 minutes to soften. Then it's delicious as an addition to deli-style small plates.

How far apart should I plant kabocha squash? ›

Growing Tips
Squash Plant Spacing Chart
Row WidthDistance Between Plants
Compact Bush5'2'
Bush5'3'
Semi Bush5'4'
2 more rows

How to know if kabocha squash is bad? ›

A squash with soft spots and is soft to the touch, is a sign that the squash has gone bad. And if it starts to leak fluid, that's a sure sign that the squash is spoiled. Likewise, if the flesh and seeds of the fruit are mushy and slimy, that's a clear sign that it shouldn't be eaten.

How long does it take for squash to start producing? ›

Unlike winter squash that takes upwards of three months to mature fully on the vine, summer squash is harvested at an immature stage, before it has a chance to develop hard seeds and a tough skin. Most varieties grow from seedling to flower in 40–50 days with squash reaching harvestable size less than two weeks later.

Does kabocha squash need full sun? ›

Keep the seeds consistently moist and in at least six hours of sun per day. When soil temperatures have reached 70 degrees F. (21 C.) transplant the kabocha squash pumpkins into an area of full to partial sun in mounds that are 3 inches (8 cm.)

Does kabocha squash ripen off the vine? ›

If you still have under-ripe squash or pumpkins on the vine when a frost is imminent, know that if they have some color to them it is possible to bring them inside in a warm sunny spot and they might continue to ripen off the vine.

What is the season for kabocha? ›

Season. Because Kabocha's are a winter squash, you'll usually start seeing them pop up around October and then last throughout February or March.

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