how to microwave spaghetti squash
Here is a step by step guide to show you just how easy it is to microwave spaghetti squash. I have photos for each step, including how to cut it in half, how to scoop it out and how to check if it is done too. Next week, I’ll have a delicious new recipe to share with you featuring spaghetti squash.
Purchasing Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti Squash is harvested in the fall and is a great storing crop.
Look for it in the market from the fall through most of the winter. Choose spaghetti squash that is smooth and firm. Make sure it doesn’t have any rot which first appears like small round spots.
How to Microwave Spaghetti Squash
Cut the Squash in Half
To soften the spaghetti squash to make it easier to cut in half, you can microwave it whole for 20 to 30 seconds. Carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise with a large chef’s knife. Break it apart at the stem.
Scoop out the Seeds
Open the squash. Inside you’ll see the center cavity is filled with seeds and pulp. You’ll have to scoop that out before cooking the squash. To scoop out the seeds and pulp, use a spoon and scrape down to the hard flesh of the spaghetti squash. This is sort of like cleaning out a pumpkin for a jack o’ lantern.
Don’t be afraid to scrape away all of the thready pulp!
Arrange the Squash in Baking Dish
Place the squash halves, cut side down, in a large microwave safe casserole dish. I used a 9 by 13-inch pyrex lasagna dish. Pour 1 cup tap water over the squash.
Cover and Microwave the Squash
Layer parchment or wax paper over the squash. Then cover with plastic wrap. The parchment or wax paper keeps the plastic from touching the food. The plastic wrap seals in the steam. Microwave the squash until it is done.
How to Tell When Spaghetti Squash is Cooked
How do you when the spaghetti squash is done?
After the first 5 minutes, carefully press your fingertip into the squash to see if the skin has softened. (Careful it will be hot!)
If the squash is still hard, continue cooking in 5 minute intervals. Smaller squashes will be done more quickly.
Once the skin soft enough that it gives when you press on it, test to make sure it is fully cooked by removing the plastic and parchment. Then use a fork to scrape up the strands. If the strands closest to the shell are still hard, continue microwaving in 2 minute intervals until they are softened.
Note that you don’t want to over cook it, because it will become watery and the threads will be mushy.
Step By Step Photos
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- Step 1. Microwave the spaghetti squash for 20 seconds to soften it before cutting. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.
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- Step 2. Scrape out the seeds and pulp.
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- Step 3. Set cut side down in a microwave safe baking dish. Add one cup water.
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- Step 4. Cover with parchment and plastic wrap.
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- Step 5. Microwave for 5 minutes. Test if softened. Repeat cooking in 5 minute intervals until the squash is soft to the touch.
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- Step 6. Carefully remove the plastic wrap and parchment. The steam will be hot!
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- Step 7. Test if the squash is tender by lifting up the strands of spaghetti squash with a fork. If the squash is not tender all the way to the shell, microwave again in 2 minute intervals until the squash is fully tender.
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- Step 8. Scrape up the strands with a fork. Use a kitchen spoon to scoop up any remaining strands from the shell.
More Spaghetti Squash Recipes:
This is comforting and clean at the same time Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Sausage Ragu.
I love the little kick of heat in this Spaghetti Squash with Amatriciana Sauce.
This yummy side dish can double as a light main course: Spaghetti Squash with Chèvre and Lemon Thyme Dressing.
This vegan and grain free recipe for Spaghetti Squash with Mushroom Rosemary Sauce gets its flavor from stove-top roasted garlic.
And Classic Pesto is delicious on it and only takes 5 minutes to make. Or this 10 minute Puttanesca Sauce would also be a great fast sauce to use.
If you make this recipe, please come back and let me know by leaving a star rating and review.
Happy Cooking!
~Katie
Print
how to microwave spaghetti squash
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 cups
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Microwaved
- Cuisine: American
Description
This step-by-step guide tells you how to microwave spaghetti squash, how to tell when it’s fully cooked, and how to scoop out the seeds.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti squash
- Water
Instructions
- Carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise with a large chef’s knife. Break it apart at the stem.
- Open the squash and scoop out the seeds and pulp.
- Place the squash halves, cut side down, in a large microwave safe casserole dish. (I used a 9 by 13-inch pyrex lasagna dish.) Pour 1 cup tap water over the squash.
- Layer parchment or wax paper over the squash. Then cover with plastic wrap.
- Microwave the squash until it is done. To be safe, microwave the squash in 5-minute intervals (smaller squash will cook faster, while larger squash might need up to 15+ minutes). If you can’t tell if your squash is done, see my notes in the post above for tips on testing the doneness of the squash.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 31 cal
I have never cooked spaghetti squash in the microwave before. Easy peasy! Thank you for the recipe and it was delicious!
Hi Sandra! I am so glad you liked it!