STEAMED KABOCHA WITH GINGER-SOY DRESSING

Steamed Kabocha With Ginger-Soy Dressing image

Provided by Sohla El-Waylly

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 scallions, white and dark green parts separated, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. seasoned rice vinegar
2 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
2 tsp. honey
1 tsp. finely chopped peeled ginger
1 small kabocha or 2 acorn squash (about 2 lb.)
1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds

Steps:

Pour water into a large saucepan, wide skillet, or large wok to come 1" up the sides and place over medium-high heat. Mix white and pale-green parts of scallions, garlic, vinegar, oil, soy sauce, honey, and ginger in a small heatproof ramekin. Set inside a large bamboo steamer off heat (or, if using a metal insert, don't bring water to a simmer and fit into saucepan before adding dressing. Cover dressing with foil.)
Cut squash in half; scoop out and discard seeds. Slice into ½"-thick wedges. Arrange in steamer basket around ramekin, overlapping a little if needed (for metal insert, add as much squash as will fit without piling up, placing over dressing). Set over saucepan (or turn on heat), cover, and steam until squash is tender (a tester, skewer, or paring knife should easily slide through flesh), 13-15 minutes.
Transfer squash to a platter and top with scallion greens and sesame seeds. Serve with dressing alongside.