Pumpkin recipes
Autumn is harvest time. The days grow shorter, the weather cooler, and a cosy autumnal feeling settles into our homes. Hardly any other fruit is as closely associated with the spirit of the season as pumpkin—and not just at Halloween. Let's celebrate around the dinner table with Kikkoman: our pumpkin recipes bring delicious variety to your cooking.
Recipes with pumpkin
Whether butternut, Hokkaido or kabocha (a Japanese squash with a dark green skin), whether roasted or baked, served hot or cold—pumpkin is such a versatile ingredient that you can enjoy this autumn favourite in countless different ways. Especially when Kikkoman soy and seasoning sauces are on hand. Dive into the endless variety of our pumpkin recipes.
Popular Japanese pumpkin recipes (kabocha)
Although the orange Hokkaido pumpkin takes its name from the Japanese island of Hokkaido, kabocha is the traditional pumpkin most commonly eaten in Japan and an integral part of the country's cuisine. It is prized above all for its typically dark green edible skin and its sweet flavour, reminiscent of chestnuts. Good news: for these classic Japanese dishes, you can also use Hokkaido or other varieties.
Typical Japanese pumpkin dishes:
- Nimono (braised pumpkin): Slowly simmered in a sweet and savoury broth of dashi, soy sauce, mirin, sake and sugar, the pumpkin becomes wonderfully tender and full of flavour.
- Tempura: Pieces of pumpkin are coated in tempura batter and deep-fried. The result: a crisp coating and gloriously soft, warm, sweet flesh. Delicious!
- Salads & side dishes: Pumpkin works beautifully as a creamy purée—often enriched with mayonnaise—served as a side dish.
- Curry: Japanese curries (kare raisu) frequently feature pumpkin alongside vegetables, rice or udon noodles.
Here are some Kikkoman recipe ideas for kabocha.
Pumpkin soups, stews & curries
This is where pumpkin shows its savoury side: it readily absorbs flavours and develops a wonderfully velvety consistency when cooked. In these dishes, the interplay between the pumpkin's subtle sweetness and savoury, spicy or hot components makes for an unbeatable combination. In autumn especially, pumpkin makes an ideal base for warming dishes and delicious comfort food.
Sweet & savoury pumpkin recipes
Pumpkin is also a true all-rounder when it comes to baking. Its natural sweetness and creamy consistency make it an outstanding choice. Whether in moist cakes, delicate gateaux or savoury pies: paired with the right spices and ingredients, this autumn classic can reach its full culinary potential. The possibilities are almost endless.
