Study tips on how to cook dinner spaghetti squash within the microwave (the appropriate manner!). Microwaving is my quicker, mess-free technique for cooking completely tender spaghetti squash each time.
I like spaghetti squash by itself and it’s an important low-carb substitute for pasta. Cooking it within the microwave is mess-free and tremendous simple! Plus, it leaves my oven free to make baked meatballs to serve over high.
Studying tips on how to cook dinner spaghetti squash within the microwave is one among my favourite kitchen hacks. As somebody who’s always carrying many hats, I like shortcut. Utilizing your microwave to cook dinner spaghetti squash leads to a quicker cooking time and longer strands. Tried and true. IMHO! In case you’ve by no means tried spaghetti squash earlier than, or in the event you’re used to roasting it, you’ll love this simple microwave recipe.
Causes to Love Spaghetti Squash
- A veggie-packed various to pasta. They don’t name it “spaghetti” squash for nothing! As soon as cooked, the flesh inside a spaghetti squash may be flaked/shredded into lengthy, noodle-like strands (thus the title). The distinction right here is that squash is low in carbs and 100% veggie!
- It goes with EVERYTHING! Spaghetti squash has a light style and takes on the flavour of any pasta sauce you pair it with. I’ll serve it with every little thing from Bolognese to Alfredo sauce, similar to conventional spaghetti. This squash can also be scrumptious stuffed, zucchini boat fashion.
- It cooks rapidly within the microwave. This microwave technique is by far one of many quickest and best methods to cook dinner spaghetti squash that I’ve tried. In case you’re a fan of squash and cook dinner it on a regular basis like I do, you want this cooking technique in your life! And if the oven is extra your factor, I’ve you lined with baking instructions, too.
What You’ll Want
The one ingredient you want for this tutorial is (you guessed it) spaghetti squash! Select a squash that’s freed from spots and blemishes, with none cracks.
You’ll additionally want a microwave-safe baking dish that matches inside your microwave, and a little bit of water so the squash can steam. Earlier than you cook dinner the squash, you’ll wish to wash, dry, and halve it. See beneath.
Tips on how to Minimize Your Squash In Half
I’ve tried the tactic the place you merely poke the pores and skin and microwave the squash complete, however I discover that I get higher outcomes once I halve the squash first.
Whereas spaghetti squash may be difficult to chop as a consequence of its thick partitions and exhausting pores and skin, a pointy chef’s knife makes it simpler. You’ll additionally wish to use a non-slip reducing board. Right here’s tips on how to slice a spaghetti squash in half:
- Lay the squash horizontally on the reducing board.
- Maintain the squash firmly in place with one hand. Along with your different hand, use the knife to trim off the highest and backside ends of the squash. Preserve your supporting hand as removed from the knife as doable.
- Subsequent, flip the squash upright on the reducing board, ensuring it’s steady. Beginning on the high, slice the squash downward, reducing it in half lengthwise. Tada! At all times watch out and search additional assist in the event you want it.
Tips on how to Cook dinner Spaghetti Squash within the Microwave
In my expertise, microwaving spaghetti squash this manner yields completely cooked squash and longer strands when serving. Profitable! Comply with the steps right here:
- Prep the squash. Rinse the skin of the squash and dry it nicely. Then, comply with the instructions above to slice it lengthwise down the center. Use a spoon to scrape out any seeds.
- Assemble. Place your squash halves cut-side down in about 1” of water inside a 9×13” baking dish.
- Cook dinner. Microwave the squash for 15-20 minutes, till it’s gentle sufficient to pierce with a fork. Afterward, let it relaxation a beat earlier than you shred it.
- Shred. Use a fork to shred the spaghetti squash flesh into lengthy, skinny strands. Alternatively, you’ll be able to fill the squash with one thing scrumptious. See the part additional on for serving concepts!
Oven Methodology
In case you’d desire to bake your spaghetti squash within the oven, that’s tremendous, too. The strategy is just a little completely different (and it takes longer) however the squash seems simply as tender. Right here’s tips on how to do it:
- Minimize the spaghetti squash in half and scoop out the seeds as directed.
- Use your arms to rub just a little olive oil over the within. Season with salt and pepper in the event you’d like.
- Place the squash cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast at 400ºF for about 40 minutes, till the squash is tender. Afterward, shred as traditional for serving.
Discover detailed directions for roasting spaghetti squash in my creamy spaghetti squash recipe.
Recipe Suggestions
- Get the quantity of water proper. Just a little water within the baking dish helps the spaghetti squash steam, however an excessive amount of water will make it mushy with shorter strands.
- Don’t overcook. The squash doesn’t have to be tremendous gentle to be shreddable. Overcooking makes the spaghetti strands mushy. I all the time discover it tastes greatest when it’s cooked al dente!
- The squash can be steaming scorching. Watch out when eradicating the squash from the microwave. Give it a couple of minutes to chill afterward earlier than you’re taking a fork and peel away the spaghetti strands.
- Run the fork in the identical path because the strands. That is one of the simplest ways to create lengthy, pasta-like “noodles”.
Spaghetti Squash Serving Ideas
You’ll see, spaghetti squash’s lengthy, skinny strands make it an important various to actual spaghetti. I’ll serve it with selfmade Bolognese sauce for spaghetti squash Bolognese, or gown it with pesto, like in my basil pesto spaghetti squash pasta. Spaghetti squash can also be scrumptious with traditional Italiano-style gradual cooker spaghetti sauce and a topping of freshly grated parmesan and veggie meatballs.
One other simple method to serve spaghetti squash is to stuff it. Get artistic with fillings like floor meat, veggies, rice, or different grains. Strive these Mediterranean squash boats for inspiration!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Refrigerate. Retailer spaghetti squash hermetic within the fridge for as much as 4 days. I like to make use of leftover spaghetti squash to make squash fritters!
- Reheat. To reheat the squash, heat it within the microwave once more or you’ll be able to sautée it in a skillet earlier than including your selection of sauce.
Extra Squash Recipes
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Prep the squash. Wash the skin of the squash, then slice it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds.
Add water. Subsequent, place the squash face down in a 9×13 glass or heat-proof baking dish. Fill the dish with about an inch of water.
Cook dinner. Microwave the squash on HIGH for quarter-hour. Examine to see if the squash is gentle sufficient utilizing a fork. If it isn’t totally cooked, microwave for five extra minutes.
Cool. Fastidiously take away the squash from the microwave and let it stand for a couple of minutes.
Shred. Use a fork to shred the spaghetti squash into strands.
Use spaghetti squash in your favourite squash recipes, or serve it together with your favourite pasta sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Energy: 100kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 2g | Fats: 2g | Saturated Fats: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fats: 1g | Monounsaturated Fats: 0.1g | Sodium: 55mg | Potassium: 348mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 386IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 1mg
Dietary information is an estimate and offered as courtesy. Values could differ in response to the components and instruments used. Please use your most well-liked dietary calculator for extra detailed information.
