Pumpkin Stir Fry Recipe (炒南瓜): Simple And Tasty

When it comes to versatile and delectable dishes, pumpkin stir fry takes the spotlight. Pumpkin stir fry is a savory and satisfying recipe that is a great way to add a burst of flavor to your homey weeknight meal. In this blog post,  I will explore a pumpkin recipe that combines pumpkin with fragrant minced garlic. Read on for more, and follow my step-by-step guide to create a delicious pumpkin stir fry that your whole family will love.

Jump To

• Ingredients
• How to choose and prepare the pumpkin
• Step-by-step cooking instructions
• Pumpkin stir fry variations 
• Serving suggestions
• Storing and reheating leftovers
• Final thoughts
• Pumpkin Stir Fry Recipe (炒南瓜): Simple And Tasty
• YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Ingredients

Pumpkin: Pumpkin adds a sweet and earthy flavor to the stir fry. It also contributes a soft and slightly creamy texture when cooked.

Minced garlic: Minced garlic adds a rich taste to the dish and complements the sweetness of the pumpkin.

Cooking oil: To stir fry. Olive oil and peanut oil are both good choices. 

Light soy sauce:  Light soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor to the stir fry. It also imparts a savory depth to the dish while providing a subtle saltiness.

Sugar: Sugar is used to balance the flavors in the stir fry. It enhances the natural sweetness of the pumpkin, counteracts the saltiness of soy sauce, and contributes to a well-rounded taste profile.

Water: Water is used to create a sauce for the stir fry. It helps in deglazing the pan, incorporating flavors, and creating a light sauce that coats the ingredients. It also provides moisture to prevent the dish from becoming too dry.

Salt and black pepper(or white pepper powder): to taste.

Chopped green onions to garnish.

How to choose and prepare the pumpkin

So, what kind of pumpkin is best for the pumpkin stir fry? For a pumpkin stir fry, it's best to choose a culinary or sugar pumpkin. These pumpkins have a sweeter, smoother flesh compared to larger decorative pumpkins used for carving. I got mine from an Asian store. Here are some tips on selecting the right pumpkin for stir fry:

Size and Weight: Look for smaller to medium-sized pumpkins. They are generally more tender and have a sweeter flavor compared to larger pumpkins.

Firmness: The pumpkin should feel firm and heavy for its size. Avoid pumpkins with soft spots or wrinkles, as these may indicate spoilage.

Skin Color: The skin of the pumpkin should be consistent in color, whether it's orange, beige, or green, depending on the variety. Avoid pumpkins with blemishes, bruises, or mold.

Stem Condition: Check the stem to ensure it is intact. A fresh, green stem indicates a recently harvested pumpkin.

Preparing the pumpkin for stir fry

Peeling: Culinary pumpkins usually have thinner skin than carving pumpkins, and the skin is edible. However, if you prefer a softer texture in your stir fry, you can peel the pumpkin using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife.

Seeding: Scoop out the seeds and pulp from the center of the pumpkin using a spoon. You can save the seeds for roasting later if you want.

Cubing: Cut the peeled or unpeeled pumpkin into 1-inch-ish cubes. This ensures even cooking during stir-frying.

By choosing the right type of pumpkin and preparing it properly, you can create a delicious and satisfying pumpkin stir fry.

Step-by-step cooking instructions

Gather all the ingredients. Wash and peel the pumpkin skin. Cube them into bite-sized pieces.

Heat a large wok or deep frying pan over medium high heat. Add cooking oil to the wok. Stir-fry minced garlic until aromatic and fragrant,  usually for 20 seconds. Gently add the pumpkin pieces to the wok.

Stir-fry the pumpkin until it achieves a golden-brown color, approximately 2-3 minutes. The pumpkin should be tender but not mushy. Add 1 cup water, light soy sauce, and sugar to the wok over the stir-fried pumpkin pieces. Toss the pumpkin in the sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Cover the wok and simmer on low heat for 5-8 minutes or until the pumpkin is soft. Salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with some green onion and serve hot. Enjoy!

Pumpkin stir fry variations 

Adding more vegetables: You can try to add more vegetables like tofu, bell peppers, green beans, and some Chinese greens. Please remember that the cooking time varies depending on how many vegetables you add.

Adding protein: Add chicken, beef, shrimp, or your favorite meat into this recipe to make a savory dish. They pair very well with pumpkin. 

Fusion flavors: Try some international flavor with this stir fry! Such as pumpkin and curry-infused stir fry and Mediterranean-inspired pumpkin stir fry. 

Serving suggestions

• You can place this stir fry on a bed of jasmine rice for a complete meal.
• This dish pairs well with other side dishes like grains and noodles.
• If you like spicy food, feel free to add some red chili flakes.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Allow the stir-fried pumpkin to cool down to room temperature before storing. Transfer the stir-fried pumpkin to an airtight sealed container or a resealable plastic bag. Store the stir-fried pumpkin in the refrigerator. It can typically be stored for 2-3 days.  If you plan to freeze it, I recommend consuming frozen stir-fried pumpkin within 1-2 months for the best quality.

To reheat leftovers, sautéing briefly in a pan or using a microwave are common methods. Try not to overcook it.

Final thoughts

Pumpkin stir fry is a great dish as a quick and easy side dish. With the perfect balance of sweet, savory flavors, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, the next time you're at the grocery store, grab a pumpkin and try this delicious pumpkin stir fry recipe!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE