6 Chinese Fusion Pumpkin Recipes to Try This Thanksgiving

The time for pumpkin carving is passed, which means it’s the season for Thanksgiving! Although not a holiday typically celebrated in China, why not try to celebrate it Chinese-style. Below we've compiled a few ways in which you can incorporate pumpkins into typical Chinese desserts and dishes for a new take on Thanksgiving away from home, perfect for parties and family get-togethers.

Steamed Pumpkin Muffins (蒸金瓜发糕)

For anyone who loves all things steamed, these sweet, light, and fluffy muffins will definitely satisfy your breakfast, dessert, or snack time needs. They resemble 发糕 fāgāo, Chinese steamed rice flour cakes, which have a “smiling” appearance thanks to the way the cakes rise. For that reason, it is believed that they bring happiness, luck, and prosperity.

Pumpkin Sweet Rice Pancakes (南瓜軟餅)

Rice pancake fans will love these simple pancakes with a pumpkin twist, making the perfect delicate and delicious snack or dessert.

Chinese Pumpkin Buns

These buns are particularly popular across China and serve as that final filling food to push you over into hibernation. However, instead of using pork or vegetables, you can fill these with any sweet paste you want.

Savory Pumpkin Cake

These pumpkin cakes are a local delicacy in Southern China, and may thus not be known throughout all of the Middle Kingdom. This tried and tested family pumpkin recipe makes for a slightly tedious process but the results are worth it. If you are an experienced chef or want a challenge, we recommend opting to try and make this mouthwatering savory pumpkin cake this Thanksgiving.

Stir-Fried Chicken with Pumpkin

Not a fan of sweets? Try this simple savory dish instead, which combines classic elements with delicious and nutritious chunks of pumpkin. If you are a beginner and want to learn the basics of stir-frying, we recommend giving this recipe a go.

Braised Spicy Pumpkin

Another quick and easy stir fry dish for you to try. All you need is some ginger, meat, shrimp, pumpkins, other spices, and your wok, making the perfect dish for a healthy balance of meat and vegetables. Enjoy this dish with some steamed rice on the side for a satisfying meal to see you through winter.

READ: WeChat Recipes: Master This Easy Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe

Images: huangkitchen, tastehongkong, omnivorescookbook, tinyurbankitchen, daydaycook, yireservation