Cooked spaghetti squash sounds simple, but there are some tips for cooking perfect spaghetti squash that results in longs strands of al dente (firm) "noodles" that can be used as a gluten-free, low carb. pasta replacement!
Tips for cooking perfect spaghetti squash
Spaghetti squash fibers run along the "equator" of the squash. Unlike the directions of many of the labels on the squash, cut the squash latitudinally rather than lengthwise.
Cutting the spaghetti squash
The skin of the spaghetti squash is very hard. Poke a few holes with a fork into the skin of the squash to prevent it from possibly exploding in the microwave. Microwave the squash for three minutes to slightly soften the skin which will make it easier to cut in half. Cut it along the "equator", shorter side of the squash rather than lengthwise. This will prevent cutting all the long strands of squash in half!
Spaghetti squash cut lattitudinally along the equator.
Flavoring the spaghetti squash
Butter and mushroom seasoning are my favorite additions. This mushroom seasoning is all natural and provides umami to the squash.
All natural mushroom seasoning.
Cooking the spaghetti squash
Microwaving is a lot faster than baking. When microwaving, cover the squash with a microwave safe plate. It takes about 7 minutes to cook a half of a spaghetti squash.
Baking spaghetti squash takes about an hour. This cooking method is convenient when baking another dish simultaneously. Cover the spaghetti squash halves with foil to allow the squash to steam. Bake the spaghetti squash with your other dish, placing the spaghetti squash into the cold oven, when preheating the oven. If your dish takes about 40-45 minutes to bake, the spaghetti squash and other dish will be ready at the same time!
When the spaghetti squash is cooked, use a fork and gently scrape the strands from the sides of the squash, creating long, al dente "spaghetti".
Serving the spaghetti squash
Spaghetti squash can be served on its own or as a gluten-free, low carb pasta. See Marbella inspired "Michella" chicken recipe or for a very quick meal, serve it with your favorite marinara sauce right in the bowl!
Spaghetti squash marinara
Dealing with the seeds
Don't waste them! The spaghetti squash seeds make an excellent snack. See savory umami seeds. Bake the seeds with the spaghetti squash to take advantage of the oven heat!
Baked savory umami squash seeds
How to cook spaghetti squash perfectly!
Equipment
- Foil if baking spaghetti squash
- Microwave-safe plate if microwaving spaghetti squash
Materials
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 tsp mushroom bouillon or salt
Instructions
- Wash spaghetti squash.
- Using a fork, poke holes into the spaghetti squash
- Microwave the spaghetti squash for 3 minutes to slightly soften the skin.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half, latitudinally, along the equator. NOT lengthwise.
- Add 1 Tbsp of butter and 1 tsp of mushroom bouillon to each half.
Microwaving spaghetti squash
- Cover the prepared spaghetti squash with a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave the perpared spaghetti squash for 7-14 minutes, depending on the strength of your microwave.
- Remove spaghetti squash and gently scrape strands using a fork.
Baking spaghetti squash
- Cover the prepared spaghetti squash with a piece of foil and place it on a baking tray.
- Place it in a cold oven and preheat oven to 350° and then bake it for another 40-45 minutes.
- Remove spaghetti squash and gently scrape strands using a fork.
