Tips on how to Prepare dinner Spaghetti Squash

October 4, 2023

2

Tips on how to cook dinner spaghetti squash for lengthy and attractive strands that can be utilized in a wide range of spaghetti squash recipes!

My fascinating story about spaghetti squash is that one in every of my spaghetti squash recipes went mega-viral almost a decade in the past, not as a result of it’s extremely scrumptious (which it IS) however as a result of Buzzfeed wrote an article about why it needs to be ashamed of itself.

I assume it’s true what they are saying — there’s no such factor as dangerous publicity! 😉

Level being, I’ve cooked my justifiable share of spaghetti squash through the years and have landed on the perfect technique to cook dinner it: slice the spaghetti squash into rings then roast them.

The result’s spaghetti squash strands which can be lengthy like precise spaghetti, crisp-tender vs mushy, plus there’s extra floor space to season so every chunk is completely seasoned.

I can’t wait so that you can do this BEST technique for cooking spaghetti squash!

What’s Spaghetti Squash and What Does it Style Like?

Spaghetti squash is an rectangular squash that’s golden yellow with a light taste. That mentioned, it’s an ideal clean canvas for flavoring along with your favourite seasonings and sauces. After spaghetti squash has been cooked, the flesh is shredded with a fork to create lengthy strands that resemble spaghetti.

It’s actually a enjoyable meals to eat!

Spaghetti squash can also be low in carbohydrates and energy, excessive in fiber, nutritional vitamins, and minerals, and even has antioxidants, too. We cook dinner it continuously within the fall, particularly.

The Finest Technique to Reduce a Spaghetti Squash

Like I mentioned, I’ve landed on slicing the spaghetti squash into rings as one of the simplest ways to chop it, versus slicing the squash in half lengthwise to create two “boats”. There’s nothing WRONG with slicing spaghetti squash into halves, however there are two fundamental advantages to slicing them into rings as an alternative:

The spaghetti squash strands come out crisp-tender as an alternative of mushy.
Spaghetti squash strands develop in a round sample so once you slice the squash in half lengthwise, or “towards the grain” so to talk, you slice by means of every strand leading to shorter shreds. Slicing the squash into rings doesn’t interrupt the expansion sample of the strands so that you get lengthy, spaghetti-like shreds!

What’s the Finest Technique to Prepare dinner Spaghetti Squash?

Roast it. That’s it, that’s all it’s worthwhile to know, ha!

Really, roasting spaghetti squash not solely attracts out the moisture from the squash but additionally caramelizes it for the perfect taste. I believe plenty of instances when folks consider squash, the phrases mushy, moist, or soggy come to thoughts. Drizzling the spaghetti squash with additional virgin olive oil then seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (or no matter seasonings you want greatest) and roasting is the perfect technique to provide actually mouthwatering squash with a satisfying, crisp-tender texture.

How Do You Use Cooked Spaghetti Squash?

Whether or not you roast the spaghetti squash as rings or “boats”, the cooked spaghetti squash strands can be utilized in a wide range of methods. Listed below are some concepts:

Use the strands as a gluten-free swap for pasta on spaghetti night time.
Combine the shreds with a contact of butter and parmesan cheese for low carb “Buttered Noodles”.
Toss the strands with vegan pesto for as a recent aspect dish.
Toss with veggies, olives, and feta cheese like in my Very-Veggie Spaghetti Squash.
Flip into stuffed spaghetti squash bowls with meatballs, marinara sauce, and cheese as a low-carb possibility for Meatball Subs.
Flip the cooked spaghetti squash halves right into a low-carb pizza possibility (don’t @ me, Buzzfeed!) 😉
Use the strands in a satisfying casserole.
Function is as a wholesome, low-carb aspect for dinner tonight.

Prime 5 Suggestions for Making ready and Cooking Spaghetti Squash

Cooking spaghetti squash isn’t rocket science however since squash has a tough, outer pores and skin that may be arduous to slice, I do have 5 vital suggestions for getting ready and cooking spaghetti squash.

Use a pointy, straight-edge knife: don’t try and cook dinner spaghetti squash when you don’t have a pointy, straight-edge knife like a chef’s knife. As a result of the squash may be very arduous previous to roasting (not as arduous as butternut squash, however nonetheless very arduous), this isn’t the time to make use of a uninteresting knife, or a small paring knife.
Microwave the squash: microwaving the squash for two minutes previous to slicing helps soften it barely. I discover microwaving longer than 2 minutes begins to cook dinner the squash, which produces a steamed vs caramelized taste, however 2 minutes is important to assist soften the pores and skin only a bit.
Transfer the squash not the knife: when slicing the squash into rings then eradicating the seeds from the facilities, transfer / rotate the squash, not the knife. I like to make use of a rocking movement with my knife whereas rotating the squash, versus sawing by means of it to create every slice. Equally, I flip every slice of squash in a circle like a steering wheel whereas retaining the knife nonetheless to take away the seeds.
Damp paper towel hack: dampen a paper towel then place it beneath the slicing board earlier than slicing the spaghetti squash so it stays in place with out slipping.
Don’t over-bake: for spaghetti squash strands which can be crisp-tender, vs creamy, make sure you don’t over bake the spaghetti squash. Be happy to check a slice because it roasts to maintain tabs on how simply the strands are shredding, after which eat to check out the feel.

Whether or not you employ roasted spaghetti squash as a gluten free, low carb swap for spaghetti, or just select to face over the baking pan devouring roasty-toasty strands of spaghetti squash straight out of the oven (#beentheredonethat) I do know you’re going to like this technique for cooking spaghetti squash!

Tips on how to Put together and Prepare dinner Spaghetti Squash

Step 1: Pierce then microwave the spaghetti squash.

Begin with a big, entire spaghetti squash with unblemished pores and skin. Just a few scars and spots are nice however keep away from a squash with punctures.

Use a straight-edged knife like a pointy chef’s knife to pierce the squash 4 or 5 instances all the best way across the middle then microwave for 2 minutes, rotating the squash midway by means of. Piercing the pores and skin ensures that the squash doesn’t explode within the microwave!

Let the spaghetti squash cool for a couple of minutes then place a humid paper towel below a big slicing board to forestall slipping and slice off the highest and backside of the squash.

Tip: this additional step of inserting a humid paper towel below your slicing board to forestall it from slipping is actually a recreation changer. You do not need a slippery slicing board whereas utilizing a pointy knife to slice a tough squash!

Step 2: Slice the spaghetti squash into 1-1/2″ rings.

Use a rocking movement along with your knife whereas rotating the squash to create 1-1/2″ rings. It’s okay in the event that they’re larger or smaller than that — simply so long as they’re all usually the identical measurement.

In case your rings are thicker than 1-1/2″, plan on tacking on a bit extra baking time. In the event that they’re thinner than that, you have to much less baking time.

Step 3: Take away the seeds from every ring.

Insert your knife into the middle of every slice then rotate the slice like a steering wheel to chop out the seeds.

For the slices close to the ends of the squash, use a spoon to scoop out the goop!

Step 4: Season then roast the spaghetti squash.

Place the spaghetti squash rings onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or nonstick-sprayed foil then drizzle every ring with additional virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (or your favourite seasoning mix — my home made seasoned salt plus pepper is nice too!)

Use your fingers to rub the oil and seasonings throughout the back and front of the rings, plus the within and outdoors of the squash.

Roast the rings for 25-35 minutes or till the flesh shreds simply with a fork. I additionally like to provide the squash a style check for texture right here and there whereas it’s baking to make sure it’s not over-cooking.

Voila — true spaghetti-like strands of spaghetti squash!

Tips on how to Retailer

Use the roasted then shredded spaghetti squash instantly or scoop the strands into an hermetic container, cool to room temperature, after which cowl with a lid and retailer within the fridge for as much as 5 days. Reheat within the microwave if serving as a aspect dish or topping with sauce.

In case you’ll be utilizing the spaghetti squash strands in a casserole or stir fry / skillet meal, you should use the strands chilly, straight out of the fridge.

Nevertheless you eat it, I hope you’re keen on this greatest technique for cook dinner spaghetti squash – ENJOY!

Use Cooked Spaghetti Squash in These Recipes

free electronic mail bonus

Dinner Made EASY

5 days of straightforward but flavorful recipes that take the stress out of dinnertime!