When it comes to simple yet delicious Filipino home-cooked dishes, sautéed opo squash—also known as Ginisang Upo—is a comfort food favorite. With its tender texture and flavorful taste, this humble dish turns the mild opo squash into a satisfying meal.
Let’s go through the complete guide to making the best sautéed opo squash that’s healthy, tasty, and easy to cook.
Contents
🥒 What Is Opo Squash?
Opo squash, also called bottle gourd or upo in Filipino, is a light-green vegetable with a mild, sweet taste. It’s often used in Filipino cooking for its ability to absorb flavors well. When sautéed, it becomes soft and juicy—perfectly blends with the umami of garlic, onion, and shrimp or ground meat.
🧄 Why We Love This Sautéed Opo Squash Recipe
- Fast and easy – Cooks in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy and low calorie – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Customizable – Works with shrimp, pork, or vegetarian options.
- Good for any meal – Side dish or light main course.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delightful Filipino classic, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
| Opo squash (peeled and sliced) | 1 medium (about 2 lbs) | Main vegetable |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves | Adds aroma and depth |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium | Sweetens and balances flavors |
| Tomatoes (diced) | 2 medium | Adds tangy, rich flavor |
| Cooking oil | 2 tbsp | For sautéing |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Basic seasoning |
| Ground pork or shrimp (optional) | ½ lb | Adds protein and savory flavor |
| Fish sauce (patis) | 1 tbsp | Boosts umami taste |
| Water or broth | ½ cup | Helps soften the squash |
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Opo Squash
Peel the opo squash, remove the big seeds, and cut into half-moons or cubes. Make sure the pieces are even so they cook evenly.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, then onions and tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes are soft and release juices.
3. Add Protein (Optional)
If using ground pork or shrimp, add now. Stir and cook until the meat changes color and releases oil.
4. Add Opo Squash
Add the sliced opo squash. Mix gently to coat with sautéed aromatics. Cook for a few minutes until it starts to soften.
5. Add Seasoning and Simmer
Pour in water or broth, then add fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 5-8 minutes or until the opo squash is tender but not mushy.
6. Taste and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with steamed rice for a Filipino comfort food.
🍽️ Tips for Sautéed Opo Squash
- Don’t overcook – Squash should still be slightly firm, not mushy.
- Use fresh opo – Younger opo squash is tender and sweet.
- Balance flavors – Adjust saltiness with fish sauce and natural sweetness from tomatoes.
- Add a kick – Add sliced chilies or chili flakes for extra flavor.
🥘 Variations You’ll Love
Ginisang Upo with Shrimp
Adds a seafood touch and a hint of sweetness.
Ginisang Upo with Pork
Ground pork makes it richer and heartier—perfect for lunch or dinner.
Vegetarian Ginisang Upo
Skip the meat and use mushrooms or tofu for a lighter version.
🌿 Nutritional Benefits
Opo squash is a gem for health enthusiasts. It’s:
- Low in calories but high in water, perfect for hydration.
- High in fiber, good for digestion.
- Source of vitamin C, calcium, and iron, boosts immunity and bone strength.
- Heart-friendly, regulates cholesterol levels.
🍛 Perfect Pairings
Sauté your opo squash with:
- Steamed white rice – A Filipino classic.
- Fried or grilled fish – Balances the soft squash.
- Adobo or fried chicken – Contrasts with the soft squash.
- Tinapa (smoked fish) – Adds smoky flavor.
🧊 How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which rarely happens), store them properly to keep them fresh:
- Cool completely before refrigerating.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan or microwave until warm.
Don’t freeze—opo squash loses texture after thawing.
💡 Pro Tips for Cooking Opo Squash
- Peel skin thinly—too thick and it’s bitter.
- Use ripe tomatoes for natural sauce.
- Add a pinch of ginger or crushed peppercorns for aroma.
- For a lighter version, skip meat and use vegetable broth instead.
🏆 Why This Recipe Works
This sautéed opo squash recipe has everything we love about Filipino home cooking—simple ingredients, big flavor, and comfort. Each bite is fresh, opo, fish sauce, and sautéed tomatoes. Budget-friendly, nutritious, and perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal.
Conclusion
Sautéed opt squash isn’t just a dish—it’s a reminder of Filipino family meals filled with love. Simple, flavorful, and healthy, it’s a kitchen favorite. Whether you cook with shrimp, pork, or just vegetables, Ginisang Upo proves that great flavor comes from simple ingredients.
How to Cook Perfectly Sautéed Opo Squash at Home
When it comes to simple, comforting Filipino dishes, Ginisang Upo always hits home. It’s that humble dish you crave on a lazy Sunday afternoon — light, healthy, and so easy to cook! Soft pieces of upo (bottle gourd) soak up the flavours of garlic, onions, and tomatoes. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug from home.
🥘 Ingredients
🍽️ Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Upo
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Peel your upo using a peeler or small knife. Slice it lengthwise, remove the soft seeds, and cut into bite-size cubes. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
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In a pan over medium heat, heat your cooking oil. Add the garlic, sauté until lightly golden, then toss in the onion and tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes turn soft and saucy — that’s where the magic flavor begins!
Step 3: Add the Protein
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Add ground pork (or shrimp, if you prefer) and cook until browned. Season with a bit of fish sauce for that savory, umami Filipino kick.
Step 4: Add the Upo
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Toss in the upo cubes and stir well to coat them in all that flavorful sauce. Add water or broth, then cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the upo turns tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Season and Serve
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Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Add malunggay leaves (if using) right before turning off the heat — they’ll wilt perfectly in the residual warmth.
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Serve hot with steamed rice. 😋
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 120kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6g10%
- Sodium 350mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 9g3%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Protein 7g15%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
❤️ Personal Note
Growing up, my mom would always cook Ginisang Upo on rainy afternoons. The smell of garlic and tomato sizzling in the pan was enough to make everyone rush to the dining table. It’s not fancy, but it’s the kind of food that fills both your tummy and your heart.
🌿 Perfect Pairings
- Fried Tilapia or Daing na Bangus
- Steamed Rice (white or brown)
- A slice of green mango with bagoong on the side 😍
