18 Japanese Pork Squash Recipe Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
In addition to being a delicious and flavorful ingredient in Japanese cooking, pork is also a versatile and nutritious protein source. One popular way to enjoy pork in Japanese cuisine is through a savory and satisfying dish known as pork squash, or "kabocha nikujaga." This dish combines tender chunks of pork with the sweetness of kabocha squash and the umami flavors of soy sauce and mirin. Not only is this dish packed with flavor, but it is also simple to make and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Let's take a closer look at this Japanese pork squash recipe and how to make it yourself.
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Chashu is a popular Japanese dish that features slow-cooked pork belly in a savory soy sauce-based marinade. For a unique twist, try using chicken instead of pork for a lighter version of this delicious dish.
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Japanese Pork Gyoza
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Egg, Soy Sauce, Green Onions, Pork, Wonton
If you're a fan of dumplings, then you have to try these Japanese pork gyoza. They're filled with a flavorful mixture of ground pork, cabbage, and spices, and then pan-fried to crispy perfection. Serve with a side of soy sauce for dipping.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
For a fun and creative way to enjoy gyoza, try making these Japanese gyoza dumplings. Instead of frying, these are steamed and served with a homemade dipping sauce made with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and chili paste.
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Japanese Pork Yakisoba
Main Ingredients: Pork, Matchstick Carrots, Small Cabbage, Onion, Red
This Japanese pork yakisoba is the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Stir-fried udon noodles are tossed with pork, vegetables, and a homemade sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, and oyster sauce.
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Homemade Japanese Gyoza
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Salt, Pork, Minced Fresh Garlic, Minced Fresh
If you're feeling ambitious, try making your own homemade Japanese gyoza. These dumplings are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground chicken, cabbage, and green onions, and then pan-fried to crispy perfection. Serve with a side of ponzu sauce for dipping.
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Okonomiyaki (Japanese Savoury Pancake)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Flour, Dashi Stock, Egg, Shredded
Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese dish that's often referred to as a savory pancake. It's made with a batter of flour, eggs, and cabbage, and then topped with pork belly, green onions, and a sweet and tangy sauce.
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Katsudon Japanese Pork Cutlet and Egg Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Chops, Salt, Pepper, Flour, Egg, Panko
Katsudon is a classic Japanese dish that features a breaded and fried pork cutlet served over a bed of rice and topped with a scrambled egg and onions. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.
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JAPANESE TSUKUNE WITH TERIYAKI SAUCE
Main Ingredients: Small Onion, Celery, Ground Meat, Pork, Salt, Pepper
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Japanese Meat and Potato Stew (Nikujaga)
Main Ingredients: Oil, Onion, Pork, Carrots, Potatoes, Water, Soy Sauce
Nikujaga is a hearty Japanese stew that's filled with potatoes, carrots, onions, and meat, and then simmered in a flavorful broth made with soy sauce, mirin, and sake. It's a comforting and delicious dish that's perfect for a chilly night.
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Ramen is a beloved Japanese dish that's made with noodles and a flavorful broth. This version features a spicy miso broth, tender chicken, and an assortment of vegetables for a bowl of soup that's packed with flavor and heat.
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Pork Shigureni with Sesame
Main Ingredients: Pork, Ginger Root, Water, Soy Sauce, Sugar, Sake
Shigureni is a popular Japanese dish that's made with pork and a sweet and savory sauce. In this recipe, the pork is slow-cooked in a teriyaki and sesame sauce until it's tender and bursting with flavor.
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Slow Cooked Pork in Tonkatsu Sauce (Japanese Barbecue...
Main Ingredients: Pork, Ketchup, Soy Sauce, Rice Wine, Worcestershire
For a hands-off approach to cooking, try this flavorful slow-cooked pork in tonkatsu sauce. The pork is marinated in a tonkatsu sauce and then cooked in a slow cooker until it's fall-apart tender. Serve over a bed of rice for a delicious meal.
These Japanese gyoza are a classic and delicious way to enjoy dumplings. Filled with a mixture of pork, cabbage, and green onions, these gyoza are pan-fried until crispy on the outside and served with a side of soy sauce for dipping.
If you're looking for a quick and easy meal, try making this Japanese-style fried rice. It's filled with chicken, vegetables, and rice, and then stir-fried with a flavorful soy sauce mixture. Top with a fried egg for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Japanese Char Siew
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Soy Sauce, Sake, Mirin, Brown Sugar, Spring
Char siew, or Chinese-style barbecue pork, is a popular dish in Japan. This recipe features tender pork belly that's marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and then broiled until it's crispy and caramelized.
Kakuni is a Japanese dish that features pork belly that's slow-cooked until it's tender and then served in a flavorful broth made with soy sauce, mirin, and sake. It's a rich and comforting dish that's perfect for a cold day.
The Ingredients You Will Need
To make pork squash, you will need a few key ingredients that are commonly found in Japanese cooking. These include pork belly, kabocha squash, potatoes, onion, mirin, and soy sauce. The combination of these ingredients creates a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, making this dish a favorite among many Japanese households. You can typically find all of these ingredients at your local Asian market or grocery store.
The Cooking Process
To begin, you will want to cut the pork belly into bite-sized pieces and cook them in a pot until they are nicely browned. Next, add in diced kabocha squash, potatoes, and onions, stirring them together with the pork. Then, add in a mixture of mirin, soy sauce, and water, bringing the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat and letting it simmer. This allows the flavors to meld together and the pork to become tender and flavorful.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the pork squash is fully cooked, you can serve it over a bed of steamed white rice and top it off with some green onions for added flavor and color. The sweetness of the kabocha squash pairs perfectly with the savory pork and the umami flavors of the soy sauce and mirin. This dish is not only delicious, but it is also a well-rounded and balanced meal that is sure to please.
In conclusion, pork squash is a staple dish in Japanese cuisine that is loved for its simplicity and delicious flavors. With just a few key ingredients and some easy steps, you can make this dish in the comfort of your own home. So why not give this Japanese pork squash recipe a try and experience the taste of Japan in your own kitchen?