Ginisang Upo with Sardinas (Sauteed Opo Squash with Sardines
One of the favorite ways Filipinos cook opo squash is by pairing it with sardines. It’s a simple and budget-friendly dish that’s also full of flavor and it’s another way to pamper our palate with our native food.
Nutritious and Delicious
Opo squash is not just tasty, it’s also nutritious. The most popular nutrients it offers are Vitamin C and Calcium. Growing up, whenever our grandmother cooked upo, she used to joke, “Eat your opo so your bones get strong enough to carry a sack of rice!” It’s one of those funny lines that stuck with us – and it’s partly true!
First Time Eating Opo Squash?
If it’s your first time trying opo squash, the texture might feel unfamiliar at first. But don’t worry, you’ll get used to it. It’s soft and tender when properly cooked, almost like the texture of a ripe banana.
Where to Buy Opo Squash
You can easily find opo squash at many supermarkets, especially in stores like Walmart or international grocery stores. It’s one of the more in-demand vegetables among Asians, particularly Filipinos.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 small opo squash, peeled and chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 can sardines in tomato sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- A splash of water
Instructions
- In a non-stick pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the chopped opo squash and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the soy sauce and add the sardines (including the tomato sauce). Stir gently to combine.
- Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Add a splash of water to prevent the sauce from drying out.
- Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the opo squash is tender.
- Serve warm over steamed white rice.
How to Prepare Opo Squash
- Wash the outer skin thoroughly.
- Peel the squash.
- Slice it horizontally and vertically to expose the inside. You’ll notice a soft white foam-like center and seeds – remove those.
- Chop or slice the squash into pieces about a quarter inch thick. This size helps prevent it from becoming mushy when cooked.
Do You Have to Use Sardines?
Not at all. Some people don’t like sardines because of the smell or flavor. Feel free to leave them out or use a substitute like meat or other canned goods. I personally, use sardines because I enjoy the added fish flavor, but the choice is yours. In fact, you can keep it completely vegetarian for a healthier version, it will still taste great!
Ginisang Upo with Sardinas (Sauteed Opo Squash with Sardines)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 small opo squash, peeled and chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- salt, to taste
- ground black pepper, to taste
- splash of water
Instructions
- In a non-stick pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the chopped opo squash and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the soy sauce and add the sardines (including the tomato sauce). Stir gently to combine.
- Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Add a splash of water to prevent the sauce from drying out.
- Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the opo squash is tender.
- Serve warm over steamed white rice.
I hope you enjoy this simple and comforting dish of opo squash with sardines. And again, feel free to skip the sardines or replace them with your preferred ingredients.
Watch the easy-to-follow video recipe of Ginisang Upo with Sardinas. You can also visit my channel for more video recipes.
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