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In 20 minutes or less, you can microwave squash for the most epic low-carb dinners. Check out the simple steps, and, of course, the best recipes to use it!
Can You Microwave Spaghetti Squash?
Yes! While you can cook spaghetti squash in the oven or in the crockpot, the quickest method is to use the microwave. Once you place it in the microwave, it takes 15 to 20 minutes to be ready to eat.
Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the spaghetti squash, but even if it takes a little longer to be tender, it’s still faster than the oven or the slow cooker. It will turn out tender and perfectly cooked to shred and use in your favorite recipes.
What You Need
You’ll add the seasonings after cooking spaghetti squash, so here’s the only two things you need:
- Spaghetti squash: halved and seeds scooped out.
- Water: for cooking.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave
It’s SO simple that you’ll wonder why you didn’t cook spaghetti squash in the microwave before. Yes, this is one method you’ll use often. Check it out:
- Prep the spaghetti squash
First, you wash the spaghetti squash and dry the skin completely. On a flat surface, with a sharp knife, you carefully slice the squash lengthwise. Using a spoon, scrape the seeds out and discard them. Pierce the skin of the squash 6 to 7 times, with a fork, to ensure even cooking. - Place it on a dish
Now, you place one-half of the squash into a microwaveable-safe dish that is a few inches deep. Then you top it with the other half. - Add water
Fill the bottom of the dish with water, about half an inch. - Cook it
Microwave your spaghetti squash for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s cooked when the skin is tender and you can poke it with a fork with little resistance. - Shred it
Allow it to cool down before shredding the squash with a fork.
In this video, I show you 3 ways to how to cook spaghetti squash, including the microwave:
How to Know When Spaghetti Squash is Done
After 15 to 20 minutes on high, your squash should be soft and tender, but not all squash are the same, so check doneness poking with a fork. If there’s very little resistance and the skin is soft, then it’s cooked!
Keeping Spaghetti Squash from Getting Soggy
The microwave is notorious for trapping steam when cooking spaghetti squash because it cooks for a long time inside. To keep it from getting soggy, open the microwave door a few times during the cooking process, and once it’s finished cooking, use a paper towel to absorb the excess moisture before shredding it with a fork.
Can You Reheat Cooked Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave?
Yes! You can reheat cooked spaghetti squash in the microwave as you would do with pasta, no sticking risk! Warm it up for about one minute, stir, and keep microwaving until it’s heated through.
What to Serve with This Easy Side
Spaghetti squash is super versatile, making it perfect to serve as a side in many different ways. One of my favorites is with Garlic Butter Chicken. Simple and delicious!
If you ask my kids, they tell you these Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats can’t be beaten. They have a point. I mean, squash stuffed with seasoned ground meat and tons of cheese on top? EPIC. I usually bake the squash for that recipe, but you can microwave it and have a winning dinner too.
More delicious ways to enjoy this easy side are to add salt, pepper, and butter and serve it along with roasted vegetables, baked salmon, pork loin roast, meatballs, or sausage and peppers. The possibilities are endless!
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash, halved and seeds scooped out
- Water
Instructions
Prep:
- Wash the spaghetti squash with warm soapy water and dry it with a clean kitchen towel.
- On a flat surface, carefully slice it lengthwise. With a spoon, scrape the seeds out and discard. Pierce the skin of the squash with a sharp knife –this helps the heat go through the squash layers.
- Place one-half of the squash into a microwaveable-safe dish that is a few inches deep. Then, top it with the other half. Fill the bottom of the dish with water, about half an inch.
Microwave:
- Microwave the spaghetti squash for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the skin is soft and you can poke it with a fork with little resistance. Opening the microwave at the 10-minute mark to let some of the steam out and carefully swap the positions of the spaghetti squash. Remove from the microwave.
Serve:
- When ready to serve, remove the squash from the dish onto a cutting board, and with a fork, separate the squash shreds from the skin and transfer them onto a plate. Top it with your favorite sauces or use it in a recipe.
Emily says
I tried to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave as you explain and it totally works!! Thanks for sharing this quick and easy method!
Tiffany says
On days I don’t feel like cooking for my family, Laura reminds me it’s not lazy to cook things in the microwave, it’s efficient LOL
Ana says
I didn’t know it’s possible to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave, but this came out perfect! Thank you!
Andrea says
Omg!! What a lifesaver! Spaghetti Squash in the microwave….EPIC!!
Janet says
This made cooking spaghetti squash so quick and easy! My first time trying it but I will definitely make it again, now that I know it can be so quick!