Figuring out how to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave is pretty simple, with a few basic bits of advice under your belt.
Course Entree
Cuisine Gluten-Free
Keyword autumn, keto, low carb, paleo, winter
Prep Time 5minutes
Cook Time 15minutes
Total Time 20minutes
Servings 4people
Calories 74.83kcal
Author Steph
Cost $5
Equipment
Cutting board
Paring knife
Chef's knife
Microwave
Fork
Ingredients
1spaghetti squash3 or 4 pounds
Instructions
How to microwave spaghetti squash whole
Give the spaghetti squash a quick rinse in the sink to get rid of any dirt or debrit on the surface. Dry the squash completely and set on a cutting board.
Use a sharp paring knife to STAB THE HOLY HELL out of your spaghetti squash. I mean it — channel your inner Freddie Krueger! The reason you're doing this is because microwaving a whole spaghetti squash can cause it to explode from pressure. Stabbing a bunch of holes in it allows the pressure to release. Seriously, you want like 20 DEEP holes all over the squash.
Set the squash on a plate and set in the microwave. Microwave on high for 5 minutes. Carefully turn the squash over (it make be hot!) and cook on high for another 5 minutes. The squash is done when you can very easily pierce it with a fork and the fork goes all the way in. If there is any resistance when you stick it with a fork, microwave for an additional 2 minutes.
A 3-pound spaghetti squash should take about 11 minutes. A 4-pound squash can take up to 14 or 15 minutes.
The squash will be SUPER hot, so grab your heat-proof kitchen mits and set the squash on a cutting board. Use a chef's knife to cut the squash in half, lengthwise, or in 3-inch slices if you prefer longer noodles. The squash should be soft and very easy to cut.
Use a spoon to remove the seeds, which you can discard. Use a couple of forks to scrape the inside of the spaghetti squash the long way to create long noodles.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper, tossing noodles to season evenly. Add sauce and serve immediately.
How to microwave spaghetti squash in slices for longer noodles
Give the spaghetti squash a quick rinse in the sink to get rid of any dirt or debrit on the surface. Dry the squash completely and set on a cutting board.
Using a large 8-inch chef's knife, shave off a flat spot on one side of the squash to keep it from rolling around. It doesn't need to be a big spot, just enough to stabilize it, which will make it a lot safer to cut!
Once the squash is stabilized and won't roll around, cut the squash into 3-inch thick slices, so that you end up with several round disks of squash. Scoop out the seeds in the middle.You can also cut the spaghetti squash the long way, but you will end up with shorter "noodles" and it will take longer to cook in the microwave.
Place the spaghetti squash slices on a glass baking dish or microwave-proof plate and slide the plate into the microwave. Microwave squash for 2 minutes on high.
Remove the squash from the microwave and flip the slices over. Use a fork to scrape the interior flesh of the squash and see if it comes apart in strands. If it does not, place the squash slices back in the microwave and cook for another 2 minutes on 50% strength. Continue repeating this process until your spaghetti squash is completely cooked and you're able to easily create "noodles" with a fork.
When the spaghetti squash is completely cooked, use a fork to scrape around the inside of the slices, creating long, luxurious noodles. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, tossing noodles to season evenly. Add sauce and serve immediately.