Here’s how to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave. It only needs 12 minutes to cook in the microwave and can be eaten whole or cut in half.
Spaghetti squash is another of my favorite vegetables these past few months. Even though I haven’t quite persuaded my family to join me in eating it, I frequently have spaghetti squash for dinner. I won’t try to convince you that it is identical to pasta because it isn’t.
But I like that I can eat spaghetti squash with the same sauces that I would use for pasta because the strands remind me of spaghetti noodles. Compared to pasta, spaghetti squash has a sweeter flavor and a crunchier texture.
I’m going to explain how to microwave spaghetti squash today because I’ve discovered that it’s the quickest and simplest way to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave.
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Video: Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave:
A Trick for Cutting the Squash in Half
Like most winter squashes, spaghetti squash is difficult to cut in half. I’ve previously attacked with a chef’s knife, a folded towel to shield my hand, and some strength. Then I discovered a valuable tip in the discussion thread for our article on how to bake spaghetti squash.
“Score a squash with a knife and microwave it for a few minutes if you’re having trouble cutting it open.” It should cut in half much easier after that. ”.
– jerk nugget
I no longer feel like I’m fighting a kraken every time I cook a squash thanks to this method, though it still requires some effort and attention to your fingers.
You may need to adjust this based on your specific microwave, but five minutes is a good place to start. After some trial and error, I’ve found that about five minutes in the microwave seems about right. Scoring it aids in knife guidance, and a few fork pricks allow steam to escape.
To be very clear, this step only serves to slightly soften the squash’s exterior and make it easier to cut. Even with vent holes pierced through the shell, I do not advise microwaving the entire squash for more than a few minutes because doing so could result in steam building up inside the squash and creating a hazardous situation.