Sautéed Opo Squash Recipe with Shrimp (Ginisang Opo)

Name: Sautéed Opo Squash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 T Olive Oil; 2 cloves Garlic (smashed); 1 medium Onion (chopped); 1 medium Tomato (chopped); 1 cup Shrimp (cleaned, peeled and deveined); 1 Opo squash (peeled and cut); 1 cup of water or stock; Salt & Pepper (to taste)

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Today, I want to share with you a recipe for Sautéed Opo Squash or Ginisang Opo in Tagalog. This versatile and nutrient-packed veggie might not be on everyone's radar, but trust me, it's a game-changer. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your cooking adventure, sautéed opo squash is here to add some delightful flavors and textures to your plate. This healthy and delicious recipe just takes 20 minutes to make and is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Sautéed opo squash with white rice on a black bowl.

This recipe was inspired by my Chicken Tinola which also uses another exotic squash, called chayote squash.

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Why You Would Love This Dish
What Is Opo Squash And What Does It Taste Like
Why Sautéed Opo Squash
Ingredients You Will Need
How to Cook Opo Squash
How To Prepare Opo Squash
Tips and Variations
Storage
Where Can I Find Opo Squash
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Filipino Dishes with Vegetables You May Like
📖 Recipe
What Pairs Well With Opo Squash
What Else Goes with Sautéed Opo Squash?
💬 Reviews

Why You Would Love This Dish

One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can pair Sautéed Opo Squash with almost anything! Whether you're enjoying it as a side dish alongside some juicy grilled huli huli chicken or bbq beef, or adding it to your favorite beef stir-fry for a burst of freshness, ginisang opo knows how to complement any meal.

But what truly sets sautéed opo squash apart is its ability to absorb flavors like a sponge. Imagine tossing in some garlic, onions, and tomatoes while cooking - the aroma alone will have your mouth watering in no time! The delicate sweetness of the opo squash combined with these savory ingredients creates an explosion of flavors that'll leave you craving more.

What Is Opo Squash And What Does It Taste Like

Opo is a type of squash that can also be spelled upo, also known as a bottle gourd or calabash.

This vibrant green vegetable is long and slender, resembling a cucumber or zucchini, but with a unique flavor all its own. With its mild taste and tender texture, it's an absolute delight to cook with.

Opo squash is a versatile vegetable commonly found in Asian cuisine. Its elongated shape and vibrant green color make it easily distinguishable. But what makes Opo special is its mild and slightly sweet taste.

When sautéed, Opo squash becomes tender yet maintains a crisp texture, making it perfect for stir-fries and soups. It absorbs the flavors of other ingredients beautifully while adding its subtle notes.

Why Sautéed Opo Squash

One famous way to enjoy the goodness of opo is through Ginisang Opo. "Ginisa" means to sautée in Tagalog. This traditional Filipino dish features sautéed slices of opo with garlic, onions, tomatoes, and your choice of protein like shrimp or ground pork. I used shrimp for this recipe which you can easily substitute for a 1:1 ratio of ground pork or thin slices of pork. The combination creates an explosion of flavors that will surely satisfy your taste buds.

Like many other recipes for squash, opo can also be roasted and/or stuffed. I will post a recipe for them soon. So be sure to bookmark my site.

Ingredients You Will Need

Ingredients for sauteed opo squash (shrimp, garlic, tomato, onion, opo squash) on a wooden board.

Opo squash (calabash): Its mild flavor and unique texture make it a great ingredient for sautéed dishes.
Garlic: This aromatic ingredient adds a punch of flavor to any dish. Whether minced, crushed, or roasted, garlic complements opo squash beautifully.
Onions: Sweet or savory, onions are fantastic when cooked alongside opo squash. Their caramelized goodness adds depth and richness to this sautéed opo squash.
Tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes provide tanginess and balance out the sweetness of opo squash in soups or stews.
Shrimp or ground pork: Succulent shrimp or mouthwatering pork is a great complement to this dish. I used shrimp and saved the shells for the broth.
Seasonings: salt, black pepper, fish sauce (patis)
- Salt and pepper: These trusty seasoning staples are essential for balancing flavors and bringing out the best in your sautéed opo squash creations.
- Fish sauce (patis): Gives the dish an overall umami flavor. I didn't use it this time because I used the shells to make a broth. But you can use one or both for more enhanced flavor.
Cooking oil: I like using olive oil for this because it offers a subtle fruity flavor that complements the flavor of opo squash beautifully. But you can use any type of oil.

Please refer to the recipe card for more specific ingredients.

How to Cook Opo Squash

STEP 1: Using a vegetable peeler, peel the skin and scoop out the seeds as shown below in "How to peel and cut opo squash".
STEP 2: Mince the garlic, chop the onions, and dice the tomatoes.
STEP 3: Peel the shrimp... WAIT, don't toss the shells away. Put them in a cup and fill it with 1 cup of water and set aside. We will use that as your broth for this dish.
STEP 4: In a large skillet or wok, over medium heat, make a sofrito by sauteeing the minced garlic, chopped onions, and tomatoes. Then add the shrimp. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes or until shrimp turn a nice golden orange color.
STEP 5: When the shrimp are pink in color, add the squash and broth. Cover and simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes. Add salt and black pepper to taste; fish sauce is optional.

Please refer to the recipe card for more specific cooking instructions.

How To Prepare Opo Squash

While you have the option of eating the skin, here's a tutorial showing how you can peel and prepare it.

Sauteed opo squash with the skin being peeled.

STEP 1: With a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, peel the skin.

Sliced opo squash with a knife and vegetable peeler on the side on top of a wooden board.

STEP 2: Cut the squash in half length-wise and cross-wise.

Sauteed opo squash with the seeds being removed.

STEP 3: Using a spoon, carve out the seeds and remove them. Discard the seeds.

Cut up opo squash on a wooden board with a knife and vegetable peeler next to it.

STEP 4: Cut the opo squash into bite-size chunks so they cook all evenly.

Tips and Variations

Helpful tips to enhance the flavor and texture of Ginisang Opo:

1. Be careful not to overcook the opo squash, as it will become mushy.

2. Experiment with different protein options like tofu or chicken for variation.

3. Add a squeeze of calamansi or lemon juice for some tanginess.

Storage

Now that we all know how delicious this dish is, what happens if you end up with leftovers or want to prepare it in advance? Here are a few proper storage suggestions to ensure not only longevity but also the flavor of your Sautéed Opo Squash.

Cool it down: Before storing your Ginisang Opo, make sure to let it cool down completely. This step allows the dish to reach room temperature before going into the fridge.
Choose the right container: Opt for an airtight container that will keep your Ginisang Opo fresh and prevent any odors from seeping in or out. It's best if you choose a container with a secure lid to avoid any spills or leaks.
Separate servings: If you're planning on having leftovers for future meals, consider dividing the remaining Ginisang Opo into individual portions. This way, you can easily grab one serving at a time without reheating the entire batch.
Label and date: To stay organized and avoid confusion when rummaging through your fridge later on, don't forget to label your containers with the dish name and date of preparation.
Refrigerate promptly: Once your Ginisang Opo has cooled down and is properly packed in an airtight container, pop it into the refrigerator as soon as possible (within two hours of cooking). Chilling it quickly helps maintain its freshness and avoids bacterial growth.
Consume within 3-4 days: While refrigeration extends its shelf life compared to leaving it at room temperature, try to consume your stored Ginisang Opo within 3-4 days for optimal taste and quality.
Reheating techniques: When reheating your stored Ginisang Opo squash, take care not to overcook it, as this might make the squash mushy. You can gently warm it in a microwave or reheat it on the stovetop with a little oil for a fresh and delicious taste.

Where Can I Find Opo Squash

You can find opo squash from Asian markets, or your local grocery store in the produce section with other exotic fruits and vegetables. The photo shown here was taken at Woodman's grocery store. Opo squash is a long cylindrical shape in the lower right-hand corner. You can see the chayote squash right above them.

Picture of Opo squash and other exotic produce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add other vegetables or meat to my sautéed opo?

Absolutely! One of the great things about this dish is that you can customize it according to your taste preferences. Feel free to add other vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, and carrots or use chicken or tofu as a non-meat substitute.

Can opo squash be eaten raw?

Yes, similar to cucumber and zucchini, it can be eaten raw.

Can you eat the seeds?

Yes. The seeds of the opo squash can be eaten while they're still young and tender. However, as the seeds mature, they get bigger, tougher, and will become bitter in taste. So to make sure that this Sautéed Opo Squash will be tasty and delicious, the seeds were removed and not used for this recipe.

Why is my Opo squash brown?

Opo squash should have a nice light green flesh. If it has turned brown or slightly browned, it has passed its ripeness and should be discarded.

Why is my Opo squash bitter?

It most likely has already turned and has passed its ripeness. Also, make sure there are no hard seeds in the dish. The seeds, once matured, will be bitter.

In conclusion, sautéed opo squash, or ginisang opo, is truly a dish that can bring delight and satisfaction to your taste buds. Its tender texture, mild flavor, and versatile nature make it a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you're a fan of vegetables or looking to explore new culinary horizons, this Filipino delicacy will not disappoint. So why not give it a try? Whip up some ginisang opo in your kitchen today and experience the joy of savoring this delightful dish with family and friends. Happy cooking!

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