Sautéed Opo Squash

Opo or Upo? That is the question. I call it Upo, however, the sign at Woodman’s says “Opo”. What do you call it?

First of, Woodman’s has a GREAT selection of exotic foods. I mean check it out, vegetables, fruits, and a whole aisle for Asian foods, fresh, canned and frozen. 🥰

I have to admit, I was reluctant at first about going there for groceries. Now…. I. Shop, There. Every. Week!

Anyway…..

I’m thinking I’m going to make Sautéed Opo Squash for dinner! YES!!! And at $1.49 per pound, it’s a deal for what I’m going to be making! Keep reading or scroll down to recipe!

So just what is Opo or Upo? 🤓

First off, it’s pronounced exactly as it’s read. So let me hear you say it ….. 😊

Opo {Upo} is a squash or a gourd. It does look like a butternut squash with its lengthy and cylindrical shape, however, they differ in color so instead of yellow like a butternut squash, the opo {upo} skin is a light green in color.

It has a spongy white flesh with  small seeds. When young, the seeds are tender and can be eaten, they become hard and when so, they should be discarded. Don’t eat them!

To remove the seeds, simply use a spoon to scoop the seeds out.

What does it taste like?

My opinion, it tastes like summer! Truly they do. It has a very mild and hint of sweetness and it’s very light in texture, kind of like a cucumber. I hope my friends who’ve tasted this dish would chime in and share their experiences with you.

Is it easy to make?

So easy, you’d probably be done cooking it before you even finish reading this blog. 🥰

Seriously folks, just take the peeler and peel the skin off the squash. I’m going to be working on a video soon, so I’ll be sure to add it on here. But for now, just take my word for it. 😉

Peel the skin, take a spoon, scoop out the seeds from the middle of the squash. It’s super easy!

Cut the squash 1″ length-wise then 1″ cross-wise.

Smash the garlic, chop the onions and tomatoes.

Peel the shrimps…. 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.

Take a look at that fine, morsel of yummy and healthy goodness. Don’t you just want to make that? And if you follow my recipe, you can’t go wrong.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

Let me know if you’ve made this, or have tried it, or plan to make it.

I love hearing from you guys! And also, please share and tag @JozMahal on Instagram and use #JozMahal.

Sautéed Opo Squash

★★★★★ 5 from 2 reviews

• Author: Jocelyn Wilhelm
• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 20
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 cups 1x
• Category: Vegetable
• Method: Saute
• Cuisine: Philippine

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Description

A very simple to make and healthy recipe, with the exception of the Opo {Upo} squash, I betcha you have all the ingredients at home! I beg you to give this recipe a try! Takes less than 30 minutes to make and it’s soooooo delicious! And did I say healthy too?

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Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1 Opo {Upo} squash
• 1 cup of Shrimp (cleaned, peeled and deveined)
• 2 cloves of garlic (smashed)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 1 medium sized tomato (chopped)
• 2 T Olive Oil (affiliate link)
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 1 cup of water

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Instructions

1. Clean, peel and devein shrimps. Reserving the shells (if you have them) put them in a cup and fill with water to be used as broth when cooking.
2. Put olive oil in a braiser or skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add garlic and onions. Cook until transparent without burning the garlic. Then add chopped tomato and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Add the shrimps and cook until pink. Strain the shells from the reserved liquid, and add the liquid into the pan.
4. Add the squash with the mixture, lower the heat and cover to simmer for about 8-10 minutes.
5. Add salt & pepper to taste. Enjoy!

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Equipment

Le Creuset Braiser

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Le Creuset Skillet

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Notes

• The equipment section above contains affiliate links to products I LOVE and personally use.
• For meat variation: You can use pork with or instead of shrimp.
• For Upo/Opo variation: You can use any type of squash or vegetables to use in place of. And when I say any, I mean ANY!!
• For a complete vegan recipe: Omit the shrimp!
• When cutting vegetables, be sure to cut them all the same size so they cook quickly and evenly.
• Serve with steamed rice.

Keywords: Upo Squash Recipe, Sauteed Upo Opo Squash, Philippine Upo Opo recipe

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Jocelyn Wilhelm

Welcome to Joz Mahal. I’m here to show you how exotic can be easy. Seriously folks, I LOVE to cook and I LOVE to entertain just as much. My friends and family love coming over to “the Joz Mahal” kitchen because they know they will be treated like royalty. Every food I make is full of flavorful ingredients, and aside for the delightful conversations you’ll hear plenty of oohs and aahs at the dinner table. Every bite is truly an exotic journey of the senses. Yet all the dishes are very quick and simple to make, using ingredients that are easy to find. I’m truly passionate about cooking delicious foods! Come and cook with me. Let’s be taste buds ~ and follow me along my exotic culinary journey. I can help you put the ❤️ back in the kitchen. After all, that is why I call this blog the Joz Mahal. Read more about me here…

PS: If you try any of my recipes please tag me at #JozMahal!