Savory Acorn Squash and Sticky Rice Stuffing
Delight your Thanksgiving table with this Savory Acorn Squash and Sticky Rice Stuffing. This unique dish combines the nutty flavors of sticky rice with the sweetness of roasted acorn squash, creating an unforgettable side that's both hearty and wholesome. The addition of aromatic scallions and zesty sauces enhances the flavor profile, making it the perfect accompaniment to any holiday meal. Ideal for sharing with family and friends, this stuffing offers a creative twist on traditional recipes, showcasing seasonal ingredients and bold flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.
N/A
Servings
68
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
sticky rice
4 cups (soaked overnight)
acorn squash
1 (halved, seeds removed and cut into 2-inch chunks)
kosher salt
to taste
fresh ground white pepper
to taste
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons
scallion
1 bunch (thinly sliced, whites and greens separated)
seafood sauce (XO sauce)
1/2 cup
tamari
1/4 cup
toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons (plus more for drizzling)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Drain the soaked sticky rice and tie it up in a bundle using cheesecloth. Steam the rice in a large pot for about 12 minutes until cooked. Allow it to cool before carefully removing it from the cheesecloth.
3
While the rice steams, cut the acorn squash into 2-inch chunks. Place them on a half-sheet tray, drizzle with vegetable oil, and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper. Toss to ensure even coating and roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is tender and golden-brown. Once done, remove and set aside.
4
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over high heat. Add the whites of the scallions and sauté for about 1 minute until beginning to soften.
5
Stir in the cooled sticky rice, ensuring each grain is well-coated with the oil and scallions.
6
Add the seafood sauce (XO sauce) and cook, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant and the rice is evenly coated.
7
Pour in ½ cup of water and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the water evaporates and the rice loosens slightly.
8
Reduce the heat and mix in tamari, seasoning the mixture with additional salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the rice to become golden and crispy in some places.
9
Gently fold in the roasted acorn squash and half of the scallion greens, along with the toasted sesame oil, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated.
10
Transfer the stuffing to a serving dish, drizzle with additional sesame oil, and garnish with the reserved scallion greens. Serve warm and enjoy the festive flavors.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
10.6g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The main dish is a Savory Acorn Squash and Sticky Rice Stuffing, a unique holiday side dish.
How many calories are in a serving of this stuffing?
There are 68 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
This recipe contains 2.5g of fat per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in the Savory Acorn Squash and Sticky Rice Stuffing?
There are 10.6g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe provide any protein?
Yes, it contains 1g of protein per serving.
What preparation is required for the sticky rice?
The sticky rice must be soaked overnight before cooking.
How should the acorn squash be prepared before roasting?
The squash should be halved, seeds removed, and then cut into 2-inch chunks.
What is the recommended oven temperature for roasting the squash?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does it take to steam the sticky rice?
The rice should be steamed for about 12 minutes until cooked.
What tool is used to bundle the rice for steaming?
Cheesecloth is used to tie the rice into a bundle for steaming.
How long should the acorn squash roast in the oven?
The squash needs to roast for 15-20 minutes until tender and golden-brown.
What type of oil is used for roasting the squash?
Vegetable oil is used to drizzle over the squash before roasting.
Which spices are used to season the acorn squash?
Kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper are used for seasoning.
Which part of the scallions is sautéed first?
The white parts of the scallions are sautéed first in the skillet.
What is added to the skillet to provide a savory seafood flavor?
Seafood sauce (XO sauce) is added and cooked until fragrant.
Why is water added to the rice in the skillet?
1/2 cup of water is added to help the rice loosen slightly while cooking.
How long do you cook the rice after adding tamari?
The rice is cooked for another 3-4 minutes until it becomes golden and crispy in some places.
When should the roasted acorn squash be added back to the mixture?
The squash is gently folded in during the final steps along with the scallion greens and toasted sesame oil.
What is used as a garnish for the finished dish?
The dish is garnished with reserved scallion greens and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.
Is this recipe suitable for a Thanksgiving meal?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a creative and hearty side dish for Thanksgiving.
What kind of oil is used for the final drizzle and flavoring?
Toasted sesame oil is used for both the final mix and the drizzle.
How many total ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of tamari?
The recipe specifies tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, but regular soy sauce can be used if gluten is not a concern.
How should the scallions be sliced?
The scallions should be thinly sliced, with the whites and greens separated.
What type of pepper is recommended for this recipe?
Freshly ground white pepper is recommended.
What is the flavor profile of this stuffing?
The flavor profile is savory, nutty, and slightly sweet with zesty and aromatic notes.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
While tagged as vegetarian, traditional XO sauce contains seafood; to make it truly vegetarian, ensure you use a vegetarian-style XO sauce.
What heat level is used to sauté the scallion whites?
High heat is used for the skillet when starting the sauté process.
Does this recipe include dietary fiber?
The nutritional information provided does not list a specific amount for fiber.
Should the stuffing be served warm or cold?
The recipe recommends serving the stuffing warm to best enjoy the festive flavors.