Archive / Pumpkin

Jul 3, 2026

A Tested Recipe

Steamed Pumpkin (Qing Zheng Nan Gua).

Pumpkin steamed until naturally sweet and tender. This simple home-style dish preserves the squash's delicate flavor and makes an easy dessert, side dish, or light staple.

By jackTao · Jul 3, 2026

Slices of tender steamed pumpkin arranged on a white plate
Photographed for ChinaRecipe · Slices of tender steamed pumpkin arranged on a white plate

Hands in the dough?

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The Mise en Place

Ingredients

Adjust portions

Main Ingredient (One Batch)

  • 300 g pumpkin

For Steaming

  • 1000 ml drinking water, for the steamer

The Method

Instructions

Step 01 / 03 33%
  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
01

Prepare the Pumpkin

  • Wash the pumpkin skin thoroughly, then remove the seeds and fibrous center.
  • Cut the pumpkin into slices about 2cm thick.
Up next
02

Prepare the Steamer

  • Pour 1000ml drinking water into the bottom of the steamer and bring it to a boil over high heat.
  • Arrange the pumpkin slices evenly on a heatproof plate.
Up next
03

Steam and Serve

  • Once the water is boiling, carefully place the plate of pumpkin in the steamer and cover with the lid.
  • Steam over high heat for , then test the thickest slice with a chopstick. If it does not pierce easily, continue steaming for up to .
  • Turn off the heat and carefully remove the plate from the steamer. Serve warm or allow it to cool before serving.
Almost there

Cook's Notes

Notes

One batch serves 1-2 people and contains approximately 80 calories, depending on the pumpkin variety.

Note Nº 01

Pumpkin varieties differ in sweetness and texture. Mature pumpkin is usually sweeter and more floury when cooked.

Note Nº 02

The skin is nutritious and may be left on if preferred, but scrub it thoroughly before steaming.

Note Nº 03

Steaming time varies with the pumpkin variety and the size and thickness of the slices. A chopstick should pass easily through the thickest piece when it is ready.

Note Nº 04

Steamed pumpkin can be served as a naturally sweet dessert, a side dish, or a light staple food.

Note Nº 05

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