I was so excited to see Opo squash at my grocery store. This dish is amazingly good and so good for you. And at $1.49 per pound, it's a deal for what I'm going to be making! How does easy, affordable, healthy, tasty, and 30 minutes from prep to table sound?
Opo or Upo? That is the question. I call it Upo, however, the sign at Woodman's says "Opo". What do you call it?
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!
Table of contents
🥰 Why We Love This Dish
- I love how easy it is to make.
- I love that I'm making something healthy for my family that tastes amazing!
- It's budget and kid-friendly too!
🥘 Ingredients Needed
- Garlic
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Shrimp (optional)
- Opo Squash
🌶 Key Ingredients Notes
This recipe uses Opo Squash which can be found in your grocery store located in the produce aisle.
🔪 How To Make This Dish
- STEP 1: Take your opo and peel the skin, using a spoon, scoop out the seeds from the middle of the squash. Cut the squash 1" length-wise then 1" cross-wise.
- STEP 2: Smash the garlic, chop the onions, and dice the tomatoes.
- STEP 3: 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.
- STEP 4: Sauté the garlic, onions, and tomatoes, then add the shrimp.
- STEP 5: When the shrimps are pink in color, add the squash and broth. Cover and simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Opo squash is healthy and has very few calories. It provides small amounts of vitamin C, folate, calcium, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. As with most vegetables, opo is rich in fiber and is believed to help aid in healthy digestion.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Opo {Upo} is squash or a gourd. It looks like butternut squash with its lengthy and cylindrical shape, however, they differ in color so instead of yellow like butternut squash, the opo {upo} skin is light green in color.
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.
When the fruit is still young, the seeds are tender and can be eaten, they become hard, so they should be discarded. It may be bitter so don't eat them!
To remove the seeds, simply use a spoon to scoop the seeds out.
🥘 Other Recipes To Try
📋 Recipe Card
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Sautéed Opo Squash
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 cups 1x
Description
A very simple to make and healthy dish, and I bet you have all the ingredients at home, with the exception of the Opo {Upo} squash! You have to try to make this recipe! Only takes less than 30 minutes to make and it's soooooo delicious! And did I say healthy too?
Ingredients
- 2 T Olive Oil
- 2 cloves of garlic (smashed)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 medium-sized tomato (chopped)
- 1 cup of Shrimp (cleaned, peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup of water or broth
- 1 Opo {Upo} squash
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the shrimps and cook until pink. Strain the shells from the reserved liquid, and add the liquid into the pan.
- Add the squash with the mixture, lower the heat and cover to simmer for about 8-10 minutes.
- Add salt & pepper to taste. Enjoy!
Notes
- 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 completely 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.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Vegetable
- Method: Saute
- Cuisine: Philippine
Keywords: Upo Squash Recipe, Sauteed Upo Squash, Philippine Upo recipe, Sauteed Opo Squash, Philippine Opo recipe, Opo Squash Recipe
I love to cook delicious and healthy meals for my family and friends, and I am happy that I get to share my passion with all of you. Every food I make is full of flavorful and healthy ingredients that are quick and simple to make with ingredients that you can find in your local grocery store or online. Let's be taste buds ~ and follow me along my culinary journey. My mantra, to always cook with love, and that is after all, why I call this blog the JOZmahal. Read more about me here...
PS: If you try any of my recipes please use the tag #JOZmahalrecipes and you may be featured in my upcoming posts! ~ cook with love my friend!
Wanda Speer
One of my fav things about JozMahal is how much I'm learning from following her. I love vegies and I really love when I'm introduced to a new vegie. This Upo is divine!! So flavorful and satisfying, and yet so simple. Definitely going to be making Upo again soon!
★★★★★
Jocelyn Wilhelm
Thank you Wanda! Glad you approve!
Karen
This recipe is easy and delicious!
★★★★★
Jocelyn Wilhelm
Thank you Karen! I'm glad you enjoyed it! ❤️
Qashang | Chili to Choc
Mmmm I love this!
★★★★★
Jocelyn Wilhelm
Glad you do! ? Enjoy!