Savory Ground Pork over Tender Pumpkin
Inspired by a traditional Japanese recipe shared by Tomoko's family, this flavorful dish features tender pumpkin topped with a savory ground pork mixture. The blend of soy sauce, mirin, and a touch of chili powder elevates the dish with rich umami notes and a hint of spiciness. This nourishing meal is perfect for sharing, making it an ideal centerpiece for a variety of small courses or as a comforting family dinner. Substitute with beef or chicken mince if desired for variation. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweetness from the pumpkin and the savory depth of the pork!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pumpkin
500 g (Cut into 2 cm (3/4 inch) dice)
Water
1 cup (For cooking sauce)
Soy Sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons
Mirin
2 tablespoons
Sugar
2 teaspoons
Chili Powder
1 pinch
Salt
1 pinch
Ground Pork
200 g
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon
Extra Water
2 tablespoons (For cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the pumpkin. Cut it into 2 cm (3/4 inch) cubes, then place the diced pumpkin on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with plastic wrap and microwave on high for about 7 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
2
Once cooked, allow the pumpkin to cool slightly for safe handling. When it's cool enough, peel off the skin and set the pumpkin aside.
3
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, chili powder, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat.
4
Once boiling, add the ground pork to the sauce. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until the pork is fully cooked and no longer pink, breaking it apart into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks.
5
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of extra water to create a slurry. Gradually add this to the pork mixture, stirring well to combine. Continue cooking for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
6
To serve, generously pour the savory pork mixture over the tender pumpkin. Enjoy this dish warm, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the Savory Ground Pork over Tender Pumpkin recipe?
This dish is inspired by a traditional Japanese recipe shared by Tomoko's family.
What are the main flavors of this pumpkin dish?
The dish features rich umami notes from soy sauce and mirin with a hint of spiciness from chili powder.
Can I use a different meat besides ground pork?
Yes, you can substitute the ground pork with beef or chicken mince if you prefer variation.
How should I prepare the pumpkin for cooking?
The pumpkin should be cut into 2 cm (3/4 inch) cubes before cooking.
What is the recommended method for cooking the pumpkin?
Place the diced pumpkin on a microwave-safe plate, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave on high for about 7 minutes.
When should I peel the pumpkin skin?
You should peel off the skin after the pumpkin has been microwaved and cooled slightly for safe handling.
How do I know when the pumpkin is finished cooking in the microwave?
The pumpkin is ready when it is tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
What ingredients are used for the cooking sauce base?
The sauce consists of water, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, chili powder, and salt.
How long does it take to cook the ground pork?
The ground pork should be cooked for approximately 5 minutes until it is no longer pink.
How should the ground pork be handled during the cooking process?
You should break the pork into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks in the sauce.
How is the savory pork sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened by adding a slurry made of cornstarch and extra water.
What is the ratio for the cornstarch slurry?
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of extra water.
What is the final step in assembling the dish?
Generously pour the thickened savory pork mixture over the prepared tender pumpkin.
Are there any suggested garnishes for this recipe?
Yes, you can garnish the dish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
How much pumpkin do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 500 grams of pumpkin.
How much ground pork is required?
You will need 200 grams of ground pork.
How much soy sauce is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 tablespoons of soy sauce.
How much mirin is added to the mixture?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of mirin.
How much sugar is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of sugar.
How much chili powder should I add for the hint of spiciness?
A single pinch of chili powder is used for a subtle hint of spice.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a weeknight dinner option.
Should this dish be served hot or cold?
The dish is best enjoyed while it is still warm.
Is this a healthy recipe option?
Yes, it is categorized under healthy options and features nourishing ingredients like pumpkin.
Can this dish be served as a main course?
Yes, it can serve as a comforting family dinner or as a centerpiece for a variety of small courses.
What kind of texture should the pumpkin have?
The pumpkin should be tender and soft after microwaving.
How much water is needed for the main sauce?
You need 1 cup of water to combine with the sauce ingredients.
Is salt used in this recipe?
Yes, a pinch of salt is added to the sauce mixture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 10 ingredients required to make this dish.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include Japanese recipe, pork mince, pumpkin dish, comfort food, savory, quick meal, healthy options, and weeknight dinner.
Does the recipe require boiling the pumpkin?
No, the pumpkin is steamed in the microwave rather than boiled in water.