Sweet Braised Pumpkin Recipe
Kid-Approved Sweet Braised Pumpkin: A Deliciously Simple Recipe
Enjoy this delightfully sweet and tender braised pumpkin that the whole family will love! It’s a perfect, mild dish for kids’ snacks or side dishes.
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized pumpkins (kabocha squash)
- 2.5 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 5 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the pumpkin thoroughly. Then, microwave it for about 1 minute and 30 seconds. This step makes cutting the pumpkin much easier, especially if the skin is tough.
Step 2
After microwaving, cut the pumpkin into quarter pieces. Use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds and stringy insides. Removing the seeds will result in a cleaner braised dish.
Step 3
Once the seeds are removed, cut each quarter piece in half again. This will give you a total of 8 pieces. These are a good bite-sized portion for braising and serving.
Step 4
Arrange the prepared pumpkin pieces in a pot. Place them with the skin side down, layering them neatly. This helps them maintain their shape better during cooking.
Step 5
Sprinkle the granulated sugar (2.5 Tbsp) and soy sauce (1 Tbsp) evenly over the pumpkin pieces. Add only 3 Tbsp of the corn syrup at this stage. The remaining 2 Tbsp will be added later to enhance sweetness and gloss.
Step 6
Pour water into the pot. The water should come up to about half the height of the pumpkin pieces, creating a shallow braising liquid. Avoid adding too much water, as it can dilute the flavor.
Step 7
Cover the pot and simmer over medium-low heat until the pumpkin is fully tender. You can check for doneness by piercing a piece with a chopstick or fork – it should go in easily. Once tender, stir in the remaining 2 Tbsp of corn syrup for extra sweetness and shine. Finally, spoon the thickened syrup over the pumpkin pieces to coat them and finish the braising. Your delicious braised pumpkin is ready!
Step 8
Allow the braised pumpkin to cool down completely before serving. It tastes even better when chilled, as the flavors deepen and meld. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
