There’s something truly magical about the sweet, savory dance of flavors in my Miso Glazed Honeynut Squash. This dish brings a comforting warmth to any table. The honeynut squash itself cooks down to a wonderfully tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s a gorgeous golden hue.
I often whip this up on a busy weeknight. It’s simple enough for everyday, but feels special enough for company. Plus, the leftovers are fantastic! They reheat beautifully, making another meal a breeze. It’s a real lifesaver during hectic periods.
Why I Love This Recipe
Seriously, what’s not to adore about this roasted squash? It’s a weeknight wonder.
- Speedy Prep: Takes mere minutes to get into the oven.
- Flavor Bomb: That miso glaze is pure magic. Savory, sweet, perfect.
- Crowd Pleaser: Even the picky eaters dive right in.
- Versatile Star: Works as a stunning side dish for almost any meal.
Miso Glazed Honeynut Squash Ingredients
Creating this flavor-packed roasted squash feels like a culinary hug. The simple ingredients come together beautifully. They deliver an amazing sweet and savory depth. It’s truly a symphony for your taste buds.
- Honeynut squash: These small wonders are naturally sweet. They roast up incredibly tender.
- White miso paste: This fermented soybean paste is the star. It brings that addictive umami salty goodness.
- Honey: Balances the miso with a lovely sweetness. It also aids in caramelization.
- Soy sauce: Adds another layer of savory depth and color.
- Rice vinegar: Brightens all the flavors with a touch of acidity.
- Sesame oil: Imparts a subtle, nutty aroma. Delicious!
- Fresh ginger: A little zing goes a long way here. So good.
- Garlic powder: Easy flavor boost, no mincing needed. Quick and tasty.
Substitutions and Tips
Can’t find honeynut squash? No worries! Butternut or acorn squash work wonderfully. Just adjust the roasting time a bit for larger squash. Feel free to tweak the honey and soy sauce. This lets you control the sweet and salty levels. Craving more heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. For extra flavor, try a dash of mirin. You can also use freshly minced garlic instead of powder. For best results, the full ingredient list is in the recipe card below. Happy cooking!
How to Make Miso Glazed Honeynut Squash
Let’s get cooking! Making this flavorful roasted squash is a breeze. It’s pretty straightforward. Follow these simple steps. You’ll have a delicious side dish in no time.
Preheat and Prepare the Squash
First things first, get that oven nice and hot. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s 200 degrees Celsius for my metric friends!
Next, grab your gorgeous honeynut squash. Halve them lengthwise. A good sturdy knife helps here. Scoop out those pesky seeds and stringy bits. You can use a spoon for this. Discard the seeds or save them for another day! Roasting honeynut squash is a simple process.
Create the Flavorful Miso Glaze
Now, let’s whip up that amazing glaze for your honeynut squash recipe. Grab a small bowl. Add your white miso paste. Spoon in the honey next. Pour in the soy sauce. Add the rice vinegar. Drizzle in the sesame oil. Finally, add the grated ginger and garlic powder. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth. This mixture is pure gold! It smells incredible already.
Glaze and Roast the Squash
Time to get that glaze onto the squash. Place your squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. A parchment-lined sheet makes cleanup super easy! Spoon that delicious miso glaze generously over the cut surfaces. Get every nook and cranny coated. This glaze is key for that savory-sweet crust. Now, carefully place the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Roast for about 25 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for the squash to be fork-tender. It should also have lovely caramelized edges. The aromas filling your kitchen will be amazing!
Finishing Touches
Just a few more steps! Once the squash is perfectly roasted, pull it from the oven. Let it cool for just a minute or two. It’s hot! If you like, sprinkle on some toasted sesame seeds. Chopped fresh scallions also add a nice pop of color. They provide a little oniony bite. This elevates your roasted honeynut squash even more. Serve immediately and enjoy this fantastic side dish!
PrintMiso Glazed Honeynut Squash
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful recipe for Miso Glazed Honeynut Squash, offering a sweet and savory profile with a touch of umami.
Ingredients
- 2 honeynut squash
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Chopped scallions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Halve the honeynut squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the white miso paste, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Place the squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet.
- Spoon the miso glaze evenly over the cut surfaces of the squash.
- Roast for 25-35 minutes, or until the squash is tender and caramelized.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions, if desired.
Notes
- Honeynut squash is a smaller, sweeter variety of butternut squash. If unavailable, you can substitute with butternut squash or acorn squash.
- Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the glaze to your preference by altering the amounts of honey and soy sauce.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
How to Store Miso Glazed Honeynut Squash
This roasted honeynut squash is pretty forgiving. Leftovers are a pleasant surprise. Proper storage keeps it tasting delicious for days. You can store cooled Miso Glazed Honeynut Squash easily. Pop it into an airtight container.
Refrigerate promptly. It should keep well for about three to four days. That makes it perfect for meal prep. Enjoy it chilled or gently reheated. Reheating can be done in a low oven or microwave. Just warm it through. This saves time later on. Remember, the glaze can make it a bit sticky.
Tips for Success
- Pick the right squash: Choose firm, heavy honeynut squash. Their skin should be smooth and evenly colored.
- Don’t over-roast: Keep an eye on the squash while roasting. You want tender, not mushy.
- Even glazing is key: Ensure the miso glaze coats the squash evenly. This helps with caramelization.
- Taste and adjust: Before roasting, taste a bit of the glaze. Add more honey or soy sauce if needed.
- Embrace the caramelization: Those slightly browned edges are pure flavor!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet: Use a rimmed baking sheet.
- Small bowl: For mixing that tasty glaze.
- Whisk: To get the glaze nice and smooth.
- Knife: A sharp one helps cut the squash.
- Spoon: For scooping out seeds and spreading glaze.
Serving Suggestions
- Pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or salmon.
- Serves as a delightful vegetarian main alongside a grain salad.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a bright finish.
- Enjoy with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Miso Glazed Honeynut Squash ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! Prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge. You can also halve and seed the squash. Then, roast the Miso Glazed Honeynut Squash. Let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container. Reheat gently before serving.
What are good substitutes for honeynut squash?
If you can’t find honeynut squash, don’t fret! Butternut squash or acorn squash are excellent substitutes. They offer a similar sweetness. You might need to adjust the roasting time slightly. Keep an eye on these other winter squash varieties.
How can I make the miso glaze spicier?
For a little heat, simply add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the miso glaze mixture. You could also include a dash of sriracha or a bit of fresh minced chili pepper. Taste as you go! This lets you customize the spice level perfectly.
Is this recipe vegan?
The base recipe is vegetarian. To make the Miso Glazed Honeynut Squash vegan, ensure your honey is plant-based or substitute it with maple syrup. Maple syrup works wonderfully as a sweetener. It also helps with that lovely caramelization.