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Thursday, September 19, 2024

The best way to Prepare dinner Spaghetti Squash


Be taught easy methods to cook dinner spaghetti squash within the microwave (the correct means!). 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 straightforward! Plus, it leaves my oven free to make baked meatballs to serve over prime.

Baking sheet with cooked spaghetti squash and a fork shredding the squash.

 

Studying easy methods to cook dinner spaghetti squash within the microwave is certainly one of my favourite kitchen hacks. As somebody who’s continually carrying many hats, I like a very good shortcut. Utilizing your microwave to cook dinner spaghetti squash leads to a quicker cooking time and longer strands. Tried and true. IMHO! For those who’ve by no means tried spaghetti squash earlier than, or in case you’re used to roasting it, you’ll love this straightforward 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 might 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 part from Bolognese to Alfredo sauce, similar to conventional spaghetti. This squash can be scrumptious stuffed, zucchini boat model.
  • It cooks shortly 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. For those who’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 need to wash, dry, and halve it. See under.

Two spaghetti squash halves facing downward in a glass baking dish.Two spaghetti squash halves facing downward in a glass baking dish.

The best way to Minimize Your Squash In Half

I’ve tried the strategy the place you merely poke the pores and skin and microwave the squash entire, however I discover that I get higher outcomes after I halve the squash first. 

Whereas spaghetti squash might be difficult to chop as a consequence of its thick partitions and laborious pores and skin, a pointy chef’s knife makes it simpler. You’ll additionally need to use a non-slip slicing board. Right here’s easy methods to slice a spaghetti squash in half:

  1. Lay the squash horizontally on the slicing board. 
  2. 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 attainable.
  3. Subsequent, flip the squash upright on the slicing board, ensuring it’s steady. Beginning on the prime, slice the squash downward, slicing it in half lengthwise. Tada! All the time watch out and search additional assist in case you want it.

The best way to Prepare dinner Spaghetti Squash within the Microwave

In my expertise, microwaving spaghetti squash this manner yields completely cooked squash and longer strands when serving. Successful! Observe 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.
  • Prepare dinner. Microwave the squash for 15-20 minutes, till it’s tender 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 Technique

For those who’d desire to bake your spaghetti squash within the oven, that’s effective, too. The tactic is slightly totally different (and it takes longer) however the squash seems simply as tender. Right here’s easy methods to do it:

  1. Minimize the spaghetti squash in half and scoop out the seeds as directed.
  2. Use your palms to rub slightly olive oil over the within. Season with salt and pepper in case you’d like. 
  3. Place the squash cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Roast at 400ºF for about 40 minutes, till the squash is tender. Afterward, shred as regular for serving.

Discover detailed directions for roasting spaghetti squash in my creamy spaghetti squash recipe.

Recipe Suggestions

  • Get the quantity of water proper. A bit of 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 should be tremendous tender to be shreddable. Overcooking makes the spaghetti strands mushy. I at all times discover it tastes greatest when it’s cooked al dente!
  • The squash might 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 the easiest way to create lengthy, pasta-like “noodles”.
Cooked spaghetti squash served on a dinner plate and topped with Marinara Sauce and grated parmesan cheese.Cooked spaghetti squash served on a dinner plate and topped with Marinara Sauce and grated parmesan cheese.

Spaghetti Squash Serving Solutions

You’ll see, spaghetti squash’s lengthy, skinny strands make it an important various to actual spaghetti. I’ll serve it with home made Bolognese sauce for spaghetti squash Bolognese, or gown it with pesto, like in my basil pesto spaghetti squash pasta. Spaghetti squash can be scrumptious with traditional Italiano-style gradual cooker spaghetti sauce and a topping of freshly grated parmesan and veggie meatballs.

One other straightforward technique to serve spaghetti squash is to stuff it. Get inventive 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 alternative 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.

  • Prepare dinner. Microwave the squash on HIGH for quarter-hour. Examine to see if the squash is tender sufficient utilizing a fork. If it is not totally cooked, microwave for five extra minutes.

  • Cool. Rigorously 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 supplied as courtesy. Values could fluctuate in keeping with the components and instruments used. Please use your most popular dietary calculator for extra detailed information.

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