What To Make With Red Kuri Squash

Red kuri squash is one of the best fall and winter ingredients you can bring home from the market. 

If you’ve been staring at that beautiful orange squash on your counter and wondering what to make with red kuri squash, you’re in the right place. 

Red kuri squash is a Japanese variety of winter squash that’s naturally sweet, nutty, and incredibly creamy when cooked. 

It’s also a lot easier to work with than most people think. 

Whether you want a simple soup or something a bit more impressive, there are so many ways to cook red kuri squash. 

In this post, we’ll go through some of the best things to make with red kuri squash, plus a few tips for prepping it the right way. 

Let’s dive in. 

What to Make With Red Kuri Squash

The great thing about red kuri squash is how versatile it is. 

You can roast it, puree it, stuff it, or turn it into something sweet. 

Here are some of my favorite ways to use red kuri squash in the kitchen. 

1. Roasted Red Kuri Squash

Roasting is probably the simplest thing to make with red kuri squash. 

Its flesh is dense and holds up beautifully in the oven. 

Just cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and slice it into wedges. 

Toss the wedges with olive oil, salt, and a little maple syrup, then roast at 400°F for about 30 to 40 minutes. 

The natural sugars in red kuri squash caramelize as it roasts, giving you a sweet, buttery bite every time. 

You can serve roasted red kuri squash as a side dish or toss it into grain bowls and salads. 

2. Red Kuri Squash Soup

A creamy red kuri squash soup is another classic way to use this squash. 

The flesh purees into an incredibly silky texture without needing much cream at all. 

Start by roasting or steaming the squash until it’s fork-tender. 

Then sauté some onion, garlic, and ginger in a pot. 

Add the cooked red kuri squash along with vegetable broth, and simmer for about 15 minutes. 

Blend everything until smooth, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. 

Swirl in a little coconut milk for extra richness, and you’ve got a cozy bowl of red kuri squash soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings. 

3. Stuffed Red Kuri Squash

Because red kuri squash is small and round, it’s perfect for stuffing. 

Slice off the top, scoop out the seeds, and roast the squash halves until they’re just soft. 

While that’s happening, cook up a filling of quinoa, wild rice, or even sausage with onions, celery, and herbs. 

Spoon the filling into the roasted squash halves, then pop them back in the oven for another 10 minutes. 

This stuffed red kuri squash makes a beautiful main dish that looks way fancier than the effort it takes. 

4. Red Kuri Squash Puree

Making a puree is one of the most flexible things to do with red kuri squash. 

Once cooked and mashed, red kuri squash puree can go into soups, sauces, baked goods, and even baby food. 

You can also freeze it in portions so you always have some on hand. 

To make the puree, simply roast or steam the squash, then scoop out the flesh and blend it until smooth. 

A little salt and butter make it a delicious side dish on its own. 

5. Red Kuri Squash Curry

If you love bold flavors, curry is a fantastic way to cook red kuri squash. 

Cube the squash and simmer it in coconut milk with red curry paste, ginger, and garlic. 

The squash softens and soaks up all those spices, turning tender and rich. 

Add chickpeas or tofu for protein, and serve the curry over jasmine rice. 

The sweetness of red kuri squash balances the heat of the curry perfectly, and it’s a meal that comes together fast. 

6. Red Kuri Squash Desserts

Don’t sleep on using red kuri squash in sweet recipes either. 

Its natural sweetness makes it a great swap for pumpkin in pies, muffins, and quick breads. 

Red kuri squash puree works beautifully in pancakes and even in a spiced loaf cake. 

The flavor is slightly nuttier than pumpkin, which adds a nice depth to baked goods. 

How to Prep Red Kuri Squash

Prepping red kuri squash is easier than it looks. 

The skin is actually edible once cooked, so you don’t always have to peel it. 

Start by washing the squash and cutting off the stem. 

Then slice it in half from top to bottom and scoop out the seeds. 

From there, you can cut it into wedges, cubes, or roast it whole. 

If the skin feels tough, a sharp vegetable peeler or a sturdy knife will do the job. 

The seeds can also be cleaned and roasted just like pumpkin seeds for a crunchy snack. 

Just remember that red kuri squash is dense, so a good sharp knife makes all the difference. 

So, What to Make With Red Kuri Squash?

So, what to make with red kuri squash really comes down to how you want to enjoy it. 

Red kuri squash is sweet, creamy, and works in everything from soups and curries to pies and stuffings. 

You can roast it simply, blend it into a silky soup, or turn it into a cozy curry. 

The options for what to make with red kuri squash are genuinely endless, and each one brings out a different side of this amazing vegetable. 

Grab a red kuri squash next time you see one at the store, and try one of these ideas. 

You might just find your new favorite fall ingredient.