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5 BEST Substitutes for Kabocha Squash: Flavorful Choices

Kabocha squash and pumpkin are used widely in various cuisines globally.

Squashes are used in various recipes, including soups and batters.

Kabocha Squash is a very popular squash, and it is famously known as winter squash.

It got the name winter squash because you can’t find it in other seasons.

What is a Kabocha Squash?

what is a kabocha squash

Kabocha Squash is a winter squash, and it is originated in japan initially.

Kabocha Squash is also popularly known as Japanese pumpkin that is mostly what people call it in North America.

In Japan, people from many parts eat Kabocha Squash as a staple food; you find many dishes made with Kabocha Squash in Japanese cuisine.

You can get a fried dish in the restaurants, and it is also cooked dipping in a tempura batter.

You can also use kabocha squash in soups. The texture and flavor of the Kabocha Squash somewhat match the taste of sweet potato.

It has coarse skin and appearance is deep-green, and it has tender flesh.

This particular squash offers outstanding flavors and is loaded with nutrients.

When you add this squash to the dish, it will certainly increase the taste and level of sweetness.

However, Kabocha Squash is a winter squash, and if you cannot find kabocha squash when you want to use it in other seasons, don’t worry; there are many substitutes available for kabocha squash.

If you want to know the substitutes for Kabocha Squash, you can find the five best substitutes for Kabocha Squash.

5 Best Substitutes for Kabocha Squash

best substitutes for kabocha squash

1 – Butternut Squash

butternut squash

Butternut Squash is one of the best substitutes for Kabocha Squash.

When you cannot find kabocha squash, then you use butternut squash in place of it.

In Australia, this squash is popularly called butternut pumpkin.

Butternut squash is also winter squash, but it is the best choice for people who do not like the sweetness in their dish.

Butternut squash also has a slight sweetness, and the level of the sweetness increases when it fully ripens.

This squash can be baked, cooked, roasted, or you can as well consume raw.

Butternut squash is loaded with fiber and Vitamin A, and the nutrient values are more than Kabocha Squash.

You can use butternut squash in soups and puree form.

You can also use mashed butternut squash in muffins, pastries, and pies.

2 – Spaghetti Squash

spaghetti squash

Spaghetti Squash is also one of the best substitutes for Kabocha Squash.

The shape and the appearance of the Spaghetti squash are different from kabocha squash.

Spaghetti squash also has a slightly sweet flavor, and the cut spaghetti squash looks like crispy spaghetti-like strands.

The spaghetti strands are more visible when it is cooked.

Spaghetti squash has an oval shape, and you can’t get solid chunks.

When you use spaghetti squash in the place of kabocha squash, then choose yellow rind as it gives out the better flavor.

3 – Sweet Potatoes

sweet potatoes

Sweet Potatoes are also one of the best substitutes for Kabocha Squash.

Also, the texture and flavor of the sweet potatoes are similar to kabocha squash, which is why it is considered the best alternative to your dishes.

You can bake, roast, and cook sweet potatoes, and it is loaded with higher nutritional values than kabocha squash.

You can also use sweet potatoes for making soups, and you can mash them and add them to the sauce.

You can replace kabocha squash with mashed sweet potatoes in pastries, and you can serve sweet potato fries with the burger.

But, unlike kabocha squash, you cannot eat raw sweet potatoes.

4 – Acorn Squash

acorn squash

Acorn squash is also one of the best substitutes for Kabocha Squash.

The size of the Acorn squash is small. It is the perfect option when you want to bake.

Acorn squash gives a mild taste and flavor, so if you want more sweetness, add sugar to your dish.

However, you cannot add artificial sugar; instead, you can include more acorn squash.

When you want to use acorn squash in the place of kabocha, then it is suggested to buy green rinds, as they offer better taste and flavor.

5 – Banana Squash

banana squash

Banana Squash is also one of the best substitutes for Kabocha Squash.

This banana squash is available in bigger sizes, and also you can cut them into solid pieces.

This squash offers a creamy texture, and it is the best alternative for kabocha squash.

The flesh of the banana squash has a golden color that makes the recipes look more appealing.

When it comes to the flavor, banana squash gives out the fruitier flavor, and the sweetness can be increased by steaming the squash’s flesh.

Conclusion

Kabocha Squash is a favorite squash for Japanese, and it is used to make most dishes in Japanese cuisine.

It is popular not just because of its flavor but also its high nutritional values and health benefits.

It has an outstanding source of beta-carotene, which provides healthy skin, great for immunity, eyes, hair, etc.

Kabocha squash is rich in Vitamin C, iron, and Vitamin B.

best substitutes for kabocha squash

The 5 Best Substitutes for Kabocha Squash

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Substitutes
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • Butternut Squash
  • Spaghetti Squash
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Acorn Squash
  • Banana Squash

Instructions
 

  • Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
  • Organize all of your ingredients.
  • Follow the substitution ratio to determine how much is required in your recipe.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @EatDelights or tag #eatdelights!

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