Opo squash, also called bottle gourd or long squash, is a delicious and nutritious summer vegetable. In this article, I answer some common questions about opo squash and instruct you how to cook opo squash in 3 different ways.
1. Frequently Asked Questions
1.1. Do You Need To Peel Opo Squash?
Opo squash has very thin, delicate skin that is edible, so peeling is optional. However, larger, more mature squash often develops a thicker skin that may taste bitter, so peeling is recommended. Scrub the skin well before cutting.
1.2. What Part of Opo Squash is Edible?
The entire vegetable is edible including the flesh, seeds and skin (if young and tender). Opo squash is mainly composed of the mild-flavored white flesh but the seeds can also be cooked just like pumpkin seeds.
1.3. What Is The Taste of Opo Squash?
Opo squash has a very mild, delicate flavor compared to other squash, almost like a cucumber or zucchini. When cooked, it has soft, pulpy flesh that takes on surrounding flavors well, working both in sweet and savory preparations.
2. How To Cook Opo Squash in Oven
Ingredients
- 1 large opo squash, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
In a large bowl, toss the opo squash cubes with the olive oil until evenly coated. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss again to evenly season the squash.
Arrange the seasoned squash in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the opo squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
3. How To Cook Opo Squash on Stove
3.1. How To Sauté Opo Squash
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 medium opo squash, peeled & diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Scallions
Instructions
Heat oil in wok or skillet over high heat. Add pork and cook 5 minutes stirring frequently.
Add opo squash, garlic and ginger. Cook 2 minutes stirring constantly.
Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil. Cook 2 more minutes until squash is fork tender but still crisp.
Remove from heat. Garnish with scallions before serving.
3.2. How To Cook Opo Squash in Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium opo squash, peeled & diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- Juice from 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Add opo squash and broth. Raise heat and bring to a boil then lower heat to a simmer. Cook 10 minutes until squash is very tender.
Add shrimp and cook 3 more minutes until pink.
Turn off heat and stir in lime zest, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro before serving.
With its very mild flavor and soft texture, opo squash works wonderfully roasted, sautéed, or added to soups. It’s an adaptable summer squash that suits both savory and sweet recipes.
