A vibrant, feel-good twist on a classic burger, this kalabasa burger uses grated butternut squash (kalabasa) combined with garlic, shallots, and a touch of pork mince (optional) to create a soft, flavour-packed patty. Lightly spiced with Garlic Chilli Paste and pan-fried until golden, each bite delivers a balance of sweetness, savoury depth, and gentle heat. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a burger, snack, or even with rice—perfect for a wholesome weekday meal.
Kalabasa Burger
Kalabasa (Squash) Burger
Kalabasa burger made with squash, garlic and chilli—crispy, savoury and perfect for a lighter meal.
- Author
- RoniB's Kitchen
- Prep Time
- 20 minutes
- Cook Time
- 40 minutes
- Servings
- 6
- Category
- Main
- Cuisine
- Modern Filipino
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 4 cups grated butternut squash
- 125g pork mince (omit for vegan option)
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 banana shallots minced
- 1 tbsp RoniB's Kitchen Garlic Chilli Paste (add more if desired)
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1-2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
- Peel and grate the butternut squash. Set aside.
- Heat a pan with the oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the garlic and shallots and saute until fragrant. Add the minced pork, if using and cook until no longer pink. Transfer in a bowl and let it cool.
- While waiting for the pork to cool squeeze out any excess water from the butternut squash and place it in a sieve and let any excess water drip for about 10-15 minutes.
- Combine the butternut squash and minced pork mixture in a bowl. Add the garlic chilli paste and salt and pepper to taste. Test the seasoning by frying a small portion in a small frying pan. Adjust accordingly.
- Prepare the batter by mixing the flour, eggs, salt, and pepper in another bowl. This will be relatively thick.
- Add the pork mixture into the batter.
- Heat oil in a frying pan and scoop about 2 tablespoons of the batter. Use a ring if needed and place the mixture in the middle. Flatten and fry until golden brown.
- Do the same to the other side. Repeat until all the mixture is cooked.