Kalabasa Chips Recipe

Kalabasa Chips Recipe is a medium Filipino recipe that serves 4. 485 calories per serving. Recipe by Lokong Kusinero on YouTube.

Prep: 12 hrs 45 min | Cook: 22 min | Total: 13 hrs 22 min

Cost: $27.32 total, $6.83 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Pumpkin (peeled, seeds removed, cut into chunks)
  • 5 tbsp Breading Mix (store‑bought seasoned breading mix)
  • 3 cups Cornstarch (all‑purpose cornstarch)
  • few drops Green Food Coloring (optional, for a green hue)
  • 1 tbsp Barbecue Powder (optional seasoning)
  • 1 tbsp Cheese Powder (optional, for cheesy flavor)
  • 1 tbsp Sour Cream Powder (optional, for tangy flavor)
  • 2 cups Vegetable Oil (high smoke‑point oil such as canola or peanut)

Instructions

  1. Cut the Pumpkin

    Place the pumpkin on a cutting board, remove the skin and seeds, and cut it into bite‑size chunks.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Boil Until Tender

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the pumpkin chunks, and cook for 5–7 minutes until they are just tender.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: 100°C

  3. Drain and Cool

    Drain the pumpkin in a colander and let it cool for a few minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Remove Excess Moisture

    Pat the boiled pumpkin pieces dry with paper towels to eliminate surface water.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Mash the Pumpkin

    Using a fork (or potato masher), mash the pumpkin until it forms a coarse puree.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Prepare Coating Mix

    In a mixing bowl combine 5 tbsp breading mix and 3 cups cornstarch. Add the mashed pumpkin and stir until the mixture is evenly coated.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Add Optional Green Color

    Drop a few drops of green food coloring into the mixture, stir, and let it sit for a couple of minutes so the color sets.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Slice Thin Chips

    Lay the coated pumpkin on a clean surface and slice it into very thin pieces (about 2 mm thick).

    Time: PT5M

  9. Dry the Chips

    Arrange the slices on a tray in a single layer and let them air‑dry at room temperature for at least 12 hours (or overnight) until they feel dry to the touch.

    Time: PT12H

  10. Heat Oil

    Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan to a depth of about 1 inch and heat over medium heat until it reaches roughly 175°C.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 175°C

  11. Fry the Chips

    Working in small batches, gently place the dried pumpkin slices into the hot oil. Fry for 3–4 minutes, or until they turn golden‑brown and crisp.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 175°C

  12. Drain Excess Oil

    Using a slotted spoon, lift the chips onto paper towels to absorb excess oil.

    Time: PT5M

  13. Season and Serve

    While still warm, sprinkle barbecue powder, cheese powder, or sour cream powder to taste. Toss lightly and serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
485
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
70 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
6 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains corn

Allergens: Corn (cornstarch), Wheat (breaded mix), Dairy (cheese powder, sour cream powder optional)

Last updated: March 15, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Kalabasa Chips Recipe

Recipe by Lokong Kusinero

Crispy, golden-fried pumpkin chips seasoned with your favorite powders. A healthier alternative to processed snacks, these Filipino-style kalabasa chips are perfect for snacking, parties, or a tasty side. The recipe includes optional green coloring for a fun twist and tips for seasoning with barbecue, cheese, or sour cream powder.

MediumFilipinoServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
12h 37m
Prep
25m
Cook
1h 34m
Cleanup
14h 36m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$27.32
Total cost
$6.83
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Remove excess water from boiled pumpkin before mixing with cornstarch.
  • Dry the coated pumpkin slices for at least 12 hours to achieve crispness.
  • Maintain oil temperature around 175°C for even frying.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; keep children away from the stove.
  • Boiling water can splash—use a pot with a lid and handle with care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Kalabasa Chips in Filipino cuisine?

A

Kalabasa (pumpkin) chips are a modern twist on traditional Filipino street snacks that often use root vegetables and tubers. While not a historic dish, they reflect the Filipino love for crunchy, fried treats and the growing trend of healthier, home‑made alternatives to processed chichirya.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of pumpkin snacks in Filipino cuisine?

A

In the Visayas and Luzon, pumpkin is commonly boiled, mashed, and formed into cakes or puto. Some regions deep‑fry thin slices as a snack, while others bake them with coconut sugar. The Kalabasa Chips recipe adapts these ideas with a crisp, chip‑like texture.

cultural
Q

How is Kalabasa Chips traditionally served in the Philippines?

A

When served as a snack, Kalabasa Chips are usually presented on a banana leaf or simple plate, sprinkled with salt or local seasoning like bagoong powder. They are enjoyed with cold drinks during merienda (afternoon snack time).

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Kalabasa Chips associated with in Filipino culture?

A

While not tied to a specific festival, fried vegetable snacks like Kalabasa Chips are common at family gatherings, fiestas, and street fairs where merienda is served alongside other finger foods.

cultural
Q

What makes Kalabasa Chips special or unique in Filipino snack cuisine?

A

Kalabasa Chips combine the natural sweetness and fiber of pumpkin with a crunchy, fried texture, offering a healthier alternative to processed chichirya. The optional green coloring adds visual appeal, and the use of seasoning powders lets cooks customize flavor profiles.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Kalabasa Chips?

A

Common errors include not drying the pumpkin slices enough, which leads to soggy chips, and failing to remove excess water from the boiled pumpkin before adding cornstarch, causing the coating to slip off. Overcrowding the oil also drops temperature and results in uneven frying.

technical
Q

Why does this Kalabasa Chips recipe use a 12‑hour drying step instead of baking the chips directly?

A

The long drying period removes surface moisture, allowing the cornstarch coating to adhere firmly and crisp up quickly in hot oil. Skipping this step often produces chips that stay soft or become greasy.

technical
Q

Can I make Kalabasa Chips ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. You can prepare the coated, dried slices a day ahead and keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Fry them when needed; they will crisp up instantly. Store fried chips in a paper‑lined container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Kalabasa Chips are done?

A

The chips should be uniformly golden‑brown, thin, and completely crisp with a light snap when broken. There should be no visible moisture or soggy spots.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Kalabasa Chips are done cooking?

A

When the chips float to the surface, turn a golden color, and emit a light, steady sizzle, they are done. Remove one chip, let it cool for a few seconds, and test for crispness; it should break cleanly.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Lokong Kusinero specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Lokong Kusinero focuses on Filipino home cooking, showcasing affordable, everyday recipes, snack ideas, and practical cooking hacks for Filipino households.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Lokong Kusinero's approach to Filipino snack recipes differ from other cooking channels?

A

Lokong Kusinero emphasizes low‑cost, locally available ingredients and often repurposes common vegetables like pumpkin into snack forms. The channel also highlights realistic business considerations, such as profitability, which is less common on typical recipe channels.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Gourmet Basbousa with pastry cream and chocolate chips
12

Gourmet Basbousa with pastry cream and chocolate chips

Traditional basbousa revisited with a light pastry cream, butter, coconut and chocolate chips. Moist individual mini cakes soaked in a vanilla‑flavored syrup, perfect for a snack or dessert.

1 hr 10 minServes 6$7
Maghreb
Ultimate Fish and Chips
24

Ultimate Fish and Chips

A step‑by‑step guide to the classic British favourite – crispy, double‑fried chips paired with beer‑battered cod, homemade chunky tartar sauce and buttery mushy peas. Uses beef dripping for authentic flavour and a vodka‑boosted batter for extra crunch.

2 hrs 52 minServes 2$30
British
Classic British Fish and Chips with Tartar Sauce
14

Classic British Fish and Chips with Tartar Sauce

A homemade take on the iconic London fish & chips. Crispy beer‑battered Alaskan pollock paired with golden potato wedges and a tangy homemade tartar sauce. All components are made from scratch for authentic pub‑style flavor.

1 hr 5 minServes 2$13
British
Beer‑Battered Fish and Chips
26

Beer‑Battered Fish and Chips

A classic British fish and chips recipe with a light, airy beer‑battered cod, crisp waxy‑potato fries, and a tangy homemade tartar sauce. Inspired by Gordon Ramsay’s quick‑fire kitchen demo, this dish can be assembled in under an hour and serves two hungry eaters.

47 minServes 2$10
British
Crispy Mustard Chicken Breast with Chips
22

Crispy Mustard Chicken Breast with Chips

A quick weekday dinner featuring skin‑on chicken breasts rendered crispy in a pan, finished with a bright mustard‑wine sauce and served alongside crunchy chips. Perfect for beginners and packed with flavor without any fancy equipment.

45 minServes 2$9
American
Ramen chips
12

Ramen chips

A super cheap, ultra‑crunchy snack made from instant ramen noodles, air‑fried to golden perfection and served with a dollop of mayo. Perfect for when you’re broke and need something tasty fast.

18 minServes 2$1
American
1 thing no one tells you about PASTA CHIPS
12

1 thing no one tells you about PASTA CHIPS

A crunchy, salty snack made by overcooking pasta, deep‑frying it until golden, and tossing it in finely grated Pecorino Romano. Inspired by the bar snack from Del Posto in New York City, these pasta chips are perfect for parties, game nights, or a quick bite.

47 minServes 4$5
Italian‑American
The Ultimate Michelin Chips (Better Than Any Fries!)
21

The Ultimate Michelin Chips (Better Than Any Fries!)

Crispy, fluffy, and perfectly ruffled British chips made with Agria potatoes, a low‑temperature first fry in vegetable oil, and a final high‑heat finish in rendered beef dripping. Follow the step‑by‑step method for restaurant‑quality chips at home.

1 hr 26 minServes 3$38
British