Sauteed Butternut Squash with Pork (Ginisang or Ginataang Kalabasa)

This authentic Filipino recipe, Sauteed Butternut Squash with Pork (Ginisang or Ginataang Kalabasa), combines tender pork pieces, creamy coconut milk, and sweet butternut (or acorn) squash for a hearty, comforting dish. Perfect with rice, it’s an easy weeknight dinner with authentic flavor.

I seriously can eat this dish every day! It’s that good! I remember growing up in our island province, and this Sauteed Butternut Squash with Pork (Ginisang Kalabasa) has always been on our weekly menu. It’s such a simple dish, yet it’s so tasty and is moreish, especially when paired with rice. There’s a contrast of sweet and salty flavors—sweetness from the squash and saltiness from the seasoned pork. Truly, this is Filipino comfort food.

This is such a popular dish that you can find this viand in any cafeteria or food court that features a Filipino menu. The best thing is that it’s such a simple recipe that anyone can make it. You can opt to make this vegetarian, too, but it’s typically paired with meat in the Philippines. It’s usually cooked with pork, either as sliced meat or ground, but you can also use fish, beef, and, rarely but not totally odd, with chicken. My favorite is pork, as most Filipinos would agree. The addition of coconut milk is optional, though doing so elevates the dish to another level, and it now becomes ginataan (from the word “gata” which means coconut milk). Cooked with or without coconut, it is absolutely delicious!

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s both flavorful and nourishing, this Sauteed Butternut Squash with Pork—also known in the Philippines as Ginisang Kalabasa or Ginataang Kalabasa—will quickly become a favorite on your dinner table. This dish beautifully balances savory pork belly, sweet butternut squash, and the rich creaminess of coconut milk, with optional chilies for a gentle kick of spice.

As an experienced food blogger, I’ve cooked my fair share of comfort food recipes, but this Filipino classic stands out as a satisfying and budget-friendly dish that works any night of the week. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish or a main served with steamed rice, you’ll love how quickly it comes together while filling your home with irresistible aromas.

What is Ginisang or Ginataang Kalabasa?

In Filipino cuisine, kalabasa refers to pumpkin or squash, and it’s a staple ingredient in many household meals. Ginisang means sautéed, so Ginisang Kalabasa usually involves stir-frying squash with aromatics and protein. When coconut milk (gata) is added, the dish becomes Ginataang Kalabasa, translating to “squash cooked with coconut milk.”

This recipe hits the perfect middle ground: you start by sautéing pork, garlic, and onions, then braise the squash in savory broth. Adding coconut milk enhances the dish’s depth and makes it creamy, rich, and utterly comforting. It’s a versatile Filipino comfort food recipe that you can easily adapt for your taste preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot meal: Everything cooks in a single skillet or wok, saving dishes and making cleanup easy.
• Wholesome & hearty: Butternut squash brings natural sweetness, pork adds richness, and coconut milk ties everything together.
• Customizable heat: Use fresno or jalapeño peppers for mild spice, or go traditional with bird’s eye chilies for true Filipino heat.
• Perfect with rice: Like most Filipino dishes, it’s best enjoyed with a big bowl of fluffy white rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Ingredients for Sauteed Butternut Squash with Pork

• Pork belly (1 lb) or boneless pork short ribs: The fat renders beautifully, adding flavor and making the dish rich. You can also use pork shoulder for a leaner option.
• Garlic and onion: The aromatic base that infuses the dish with flavor.
• Tomatoes: Add brightness and acidity to balance the richness of pork and coconut milk.
• Fish sauce or soy sauce: Brings umami depth typical of Filipino cooking.
• Butternut squash (1 ½ lbs): Naturally sweet with a creamy texture once cooked. Acorn squash or kabocha squash can be substituted.
• Snake beans or green beans: Adds texture and freshness to the dish.
• Coconut milk (14 oz): Gives a creamy, slightly sweet finish. Use full-fat for the best texture.
• Chilies: Optional but highly recommended for heat and balance. Fresno, jalapeño, or bird’s eye chilies all work well.
• Seasonings: Salt and black pepper to taste.

Instructions on how to make Ginisang or Ginataang Kalabasa

The first thing to do is to choose some pork with a bit of fat. This would give the dish a lot of flavor. Pork belly is the best for this, though any pork with a bit of fat should be good! Make sure to season the pork with salt and pepper before cooking. Cook the pork first without the need for any oil, as it would render its own fat, thereby releasing all its flavor.

In the pork fat, saute the garlic, onion, and tomatoes. Now you’re adding even more flavor!!!

Pour some water, then simmer until the pork is tender.

Once the pork is tender (and super flavorful at this point), add the butternut squash and (green beans or snake beans, if using), then cook until soft but not mushy. You can, if you like, add coconut milk and chilies near the end of cooking to make it creamier and slightly spicy. This is optional and will transform the dish into Ginataang Kalabasa, rather than just the plain Ginisang Kalabasa. Uncover and eat with rice, mopping up all that yummy sauce!

What to Serve With Sauteed Butternut Squash with Pork

Like many Filipino recipes with coconut milk, this dish is best paired with plain white rice, which absorbs all the sauce. For extra flavor on the table, you can serve it with fried or grilled fish, pickled vegetables (atchara), or even a simple fried egg for a complete, hearty meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply leave out the pork and use mushrooms or tofu. Substitute soy sauce for fish sauce to keep it plant-based.

What other vegetables can I add?
You can try adding eggplant, okra, or even bitter gourd or melon (marigoso) for a more traditional Filipino taste.

Can I use pumpkin instead of butternut squash?
Absolutely. Any firm-fleshed squash like kabocha, acorn squash, or pumpkin will work well.

How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on your choice of chilies. Fresno or jalapeño peppers are mild, while Thai bird’s eye chilies make it very spicy.

Is coconut milk necessary?
No, you can skip it for a lighter Ginisang Kalabasa, but coconut milk is what transforms it into Ginataang Kalabasa, giving it its iconic creaminess.

By bringing together Filipino sautéed butternut squash and pork simmered in coconut milk, this dish highlights comfort, tradition, and adaptability all in one. Whether you’re familiar with Filipino flavors or trying them for the first time, this Sauteed Butternut Squash with Pork will easily earn a place in your weeknight rotation.

Last updated on September 22nd, 2025 at 10:21 pm