Cooking Spaghetti Squash - Tips on How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
Cooking Spaghetti Squash – The Best Method
The best way to cook a spaghetti squash is to cut it in half and place it seed-side down in a large baking dish. Add about ½ inch of water to the bottom of the dish, and cook the squash uncovered for about an hour in an oven preheated to 350 degrees (smaller squashes will need less time in the oven, and larger squashes may need even more). To minimize difficult cleanup, put parchment paper under the squash before adding the water.
Although many recipes will tell you to pierce the squash several times with a fork and then bake it whole, cutting it in half is usually an easier alternative. Spaghetti squash takes a long time to cool when it’s whole, and cutting a steaming spaghetti squash in half to let it cool more easily is usually more trouble than it’s worth.
Alternative Methods
You can also boil the squash whole for about half an hour (add it to water that is already boiling). An even faster alternative is preparing the squash as if you were going to cook it, but in a microwave-safe dish. Then cover the dish in plastic wrap and microwave it for 10-15 minutes, depending on the squash’s size.
Preparing the Squash
Turn the halves over carefully, using two utensils as tongs. Make sure to let the squash cool for about half an hour after cooking, as the inside will be extremely hot. Then use a spoon to remove the seeds (some of the squash will inevitably come along with the seeds). When no seeds remain, scrape the prongs of a fork through the squash. You’ll see the strands unravel as you continue to scrape. Make sure to unravel all of the squash – focus on both sides, the top, and the bottom of each half. Empty the squash into a container, and use immediately or store in the fridge for several days.
Spaghetti Squash Possibilities
You can do so much with spaghetti squash! Try mixing it with some stir-fried vegetables and some mozzarella cheese. Add sauce (and even meatballs) to it, and pretend that you’re eating spaghetti. Add it to stir fries and frittatas, or make it into a low-carb kugel by cooking it with a few eggs, sautéed onions and garlic, and some spices.
This post is part of the series: How to Cook Squash
Trying to find some exciting new vegetables recipes? Squash is a healthy, easy-to-cook vegetable. Just take a look at this series on how to cook squash for specific instructions about acorn squash, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, and yellow squash.
