How To Cook Spaghetti Squash
This article will go through a simple step-by-step guide of how to cook and cook spaghetti squash. It may seem like a daunting task, but it’s quite intuitive with just the right preparation. To cook spaghetti squash, you will need to boil them for about 20-30 minutes on medium heat.
You won’t spend hours in the kitchen or have to worry about whether you got that pesky strand of noodle off the wall. You’ll have fresh and delicious spaghetti squash in just about an hour. So let’s get started!
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What Is Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is not actually spaghetti, but it’s a similar shape with layers that appear to be long noodles. It has a mild flavor, and after it is cooked, the flesh separates from the peel, which can then be removed and discarded.
The peeled squash can be covered with grated cheese, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, or served alone. It can be used in many recipes that call for spaghetti. Use it in spaghetti to make a dish more exciting or for children and adults who are health-conscious. Cook the squash until it is so soft that you can quickly plunge a fork into the center and pull out strands of squashy noodles.
How To Cook Spaghetti Squash: 7 Proven Steps
The first thing you want to do is open up your spaghetti squash over a cutting board and use a paring knife or another sharp implement to cut out the inside flesh (seeds, etc.). Then, using a fork or your hands, scrape out the fibers/filling within the squash so you can begin preparing it for cooking.
You will need to use a fork or some other sharp implement to scrape out the insides of your squash. But, don’t worry; it’ll end up in a casserole dish, and you won’t be eating it!
Then you need to follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- While your oven is heating, you’ll want to take a large pot and fill it with 1 inch of water. Then place the spaghetti squash in the pot and cover it with its lid. This will give your spaghetti squash time to cook and soften for about 15 minutes while preparing the rest of your meal.
- While your squash is cooking, begin preparing the rest of your meal. First, take a large sauté pan (2-3 inches deep) and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Let that start to heat up on medium-high heat. Then you’ll want to add your desired meat to the pan (sausages, chicken, etc).
- While your squash is cooking and your meat is crisping up at the bottom of the pan, you’ll want to begin preparing your spaghetti squash. The first thing you should do is use a fork or other sharp instrument and pierce holes all along the top of the squash. This will allow for steam to escape while it cooks. Then using a large cutting board or similar clean flat surface, place the spaghetti squash on top. Next, take a pair of sharp kitchen scissors or knives and cut away any remaining strands from cutting out the inside fibers. You’ll want to remove any extra strands because they will burn if left in the spaghetti squash.
- After your squash is prepped, you can now transfer it to a baking dish with a lid. This will allow for it to soften and cook without being burned. Next, place the baking dish in your oven (don’t forget to set your timer!) and let it cook for about 30 minutes at 375°F.
- When the time is up, you can take off your lid and test whether the spaghetti squash is tender or not. The best way to check is to poke it with your finger. If the spaghetti squash “pops” back, it’s ready to eat. You can then serve it with a side of your favorite sauce and enjoy!
- If your squash isn’t tender enough, give it another 10-15 minutes and test it again. If you’re still not satisfied, then leave that in for up to an hour! So if you’re still having trouble getting that noodle strand off the wall, keep trying.
How To Cook Spaghetti Squash In The Microwave
- Cut spaghetti squash lengthwise and remove seeds.
- Place one-half of the squash face down on a microwave-safe plate or dish with high edges, add 1/4 cup water, cover loosely with microwavable plastic wrap, and cook for 10 minutes on High or until tender when pierced with a knife.
- Remove from oven carefully (the steam can scald), uncover, and drain liquid from squash before serving.
- For best results, cook squash in a glass or ceramic dish.
How To Cook Spaghetti Squash In Instant Pot
It may sound a little strange, but spaghetti squash is an absolutely delicious and healthy alternative to pasta. It contains tons of vitamins, minerals, and natural sugars that will nourish your body from the inside out.
- Preheat your Instant Pot to the “saute” setting with the knob set at “medium.”
- Add in your olive oil and turn the knob to “low.” Once hot, add your spaghetti squash.
- Stir occasionally as you wait about 10 minutes for it to soften.
- It should take about 30 minutes to cook (but this may vary depending on altitude, type of squash you are using, and type of pot you are using). It will begin to look browned like an apple. Once softened, press “cancel” and open a lid.
- Squeeze the liquid out of your squash with a paper towel, and set it aside for chilling.
How To Cook Spaghetti Squash In Air Fryer
Spaghetti squash is a versatile vegetable. You can roast it, boil it, or even grill it in. But for that beautifully fried noodles flavor, here’s how to cook spaghetti squash in the air fryer!
It takes about 25-30 minutes to cook spaghetti squash in the air fryer, and you don’t need any additional oil. The squash has a beautiful flavor and texture. Below, you’ll find the quick recipe for the air fryer:
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scrape out the seeds from each half.
- Rub some oil or butter on the skin of each half (optional).
- Bake at 370⁰F for about 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing into smaller noodles with a fork.
- Serve!
Vegan Spaghetti Squash Recipe In Air Fryer
Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash but make sure it fits in your air fryer basket
- 1 tsp olive or avocado or sesame oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Cut the ends off your spaghetti squash, then split it lengthwise, creating two halves. Scoop the seeds out.
- Brush both halves with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360 F. Place both halves in your air fryer basket and cook for 25-30 minutes.
- Halfway through cooking, use a fork to fluff the “spaghetti” to ensure even cooking.
- Serve as a side dish or use as “spaghetti” beneath sauce or tomato gravy.
Related: Vegetable French Toast Recipe
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
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What Is The Easiest Way To Cut A Spaghetti Squash?
There are various ways to cut a spaghetti squash, ranging from cutting it in half to cutting the skin off. The easiest way to cut a spaghetti squash is to remove the seeds and then cut lengthways towards your body.
Then you can make smaller cuts across the length of the cob. You can also divide them into sections by halving them and then twisting each half apart. The method you choose will depend on what you want for dinner or how many people you’re cooking for – this is really up to personal preference.
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Does Spaghetti Squash Tender?
Yes, but you have to cook it in a certain way. You can boil the spaghetti squash for about three to five minutes or until it starts getting soft. Then, you can drain the water and shred up the spaghetti squash. You need to season the squash with salt and pepper before serving. It will be tender from all that boiling! But if you don’t do this right, the spaghetti squash will still be challenging and undercooked even after boiling it for 15 minutes!
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Why Is My Spaghetti Squash Bitter?
The primary reason for this bitterness is the chemical compounds in the vegetable that react with our digestive enzymes and make them more bitter. Unfortunately, these same compounds also inhibit our ability to absorb specific minerals and vitamins. As a result, many people avoid foods like crucifers, leafy greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage.
But there may be no need to do so! Here’s a way to avoid that bitterness without giving up your favorite vegetables: just dry them out a bit!
