Discover the easy steps on how to microwave butternut squash for versatile cooking options. This microwaved butternut squash can serve as a base for various dishes.
Butternut squash holds a special place in winter kitchens. Brimming with essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, this vegetable is both healthy and delectable.
Squash is a vegetable that’s especially popular with kids due to its vibrant orange color and sweet flavor.
Once you master the art of butternut squash in microwave, you’ll find it becomes your preferred cooking method. It’s not only the fastest way to prepare squash, but this step-by-step guide will also demonstrate just how straightforward microwaving squash can be.
Microwave cooking comes in really handy when you’re pinched for time. Be sure to check out how to make microwave baked potatoes, how to boil eggs in the microwave, along with microwave mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash
How to Cook Butternut Squash In The Microwave:
The best part of microwaved butternut squash is that it uses a few pieces of equipment and only 1 ingredient. To get started, gather the equipment and grab your butternut squash.
1. Prepare the squash.
Prepping a butternut squash can be intimidating. It is actually a lot easier than you expect. To prepare the squash, cut the ends off each side. This will create a flat surface to help you carefully cut the squash in half.
Next, stand the squash on one of the flat ends. Cut in half. Cutting the squash is important because it allows steam to escape when cooking.
Scoop the seeds out of each half.
FUN FACT: you can eat butternut squash seeds just like pumpkin seeds. Roasted Squash Seeds are very tasty.
2. Cook the squash.
Place each half (with the skin side facing up) on a piece of parchment paper.
Place the parchment paper with the squash halves into the microwave. Microwave for 15-25 minutes or until the squash is fork-tender. Rotate halfway through.
PRO TIP: The microwave time will depend on the size of the squash. For a medium-sized squash, it will take around 15 minutes. However, large sizes will require more time.
3. Scoop cooked squash from the shell.
Carefully remove from the microwave using potholders. Scoop out the flesh of the squash from the shell.
What can I make with cooked butternut squash?
There are so many different ways to enjoy butternut squash. Butternut squash tastes great alone or seasoned with salt and pepper.
It is also a great winter squash to add to a recipe. A few include Slow Cooker Butternut Swash Soup with Apple, Butternut Squash & Sausage Pasta, Butternut Squash Risotto, Spiced Butternut Squash Muffins
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Selecting a Butternut Squash: Choose a medium-sized butternut squash for this recipe. It should feel firm and have a smooth, unblemished skin.
Safety First: When cutting the butternut squash, exercise caution. The skin can be tough, and it may require some effort to cut through. Use a sharp knife and be mindful of your fingers.
Easier Seed Removal: To make scooping out the seeds easier, you can use a spoon to scrape them out of each half of the squash. This helps ensure you remove all the seeds.
Adjust Microwave Time: Microwaving times can vary based on the size and power of your microwave. Start with 15 minutes and check for doneness by inserting a fork into the flesh. If it’s not tender, continue microwaving in 5-minute increments until it’s fork-tender.
Rotate for Uniformity: Remember to rotate the squash halves halfway through the microwaving process to ensure that all sides cook evenly.
Safety When Removing from Microwave: Use potholders or oven mitts to safely remove the hot squash from the microwave to prevent burns.
Customize Your Dish: After scooping out the cooked squash, get creative with how you use it. You can mash it, season it with salt and pepper for a simple side dish, or incorporate it into various recipes like soups, stews, casseroles, or even as a topping for salads.
FAQs:
Butternut squash can be roasted, baked or slow cooked. Microwaving butternut squash is only one way to enjoy this veggie. As a Registered Dietitian, I do recommend microwaving if you are looking for a simple and quick cooking method.
Yes. You can microwave butternut, acorn and spaghetti squash. Simply swap any squash variety for the butternut squash in this step-by-step guide.
Cooking the squash with the skin side facing up helps it cook evenly and prevents it from sticking to the microwave plate.
The squash is done when it becomes fork-tender, meaning a fork can easily pierce the flesh. Cooking times may vary, so start with 15 minutes and check for doneness, extending the time as needed.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration: If you have leftover cooked butternut squash, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3-5 days.
Freezing: To extend the shelf life, you can freeze cooked butternut squash. Place it in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. It’s a good idea to portion it into smaller servings if you plan to use it in smaller quantities. Label the container with the date. Cooked butternut squash can be frozen for up to 10-12 months.
Thawing: When you’re ready to use frozen butternut squash, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave. Once thawed, you can reheat or use it as needed.
Reheating: To reheat refrigerated or thawed butternut squash, you can microwave it, warm it on the stove in a pan, or bake it in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. Season it to your liking before serving.
More How To Recipes:
- How To Cube a Watermelon
- Roast Garlic On The Grill
- How To Cut a Pineapple
- How to Cook Whole Chicken In Slow Cooker
- Shred Chicken in Kitchenaid
- How to Boil Chicken Thighs
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
How To Microwave Butternut Squash
Equipment
- bowl
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash
Instructions
- ⭐️Prepare the squash. Cut the ends off of the butternut squash carefully. Stand on one end and cut in half. Scoop the seed out of each half.1 medium butternut squash
- ⭐️Cook the squash. Place each half with the skin side facing up on a piece of parchment paper. Microwave for 15-25 minutes or until the squash is fork-tender. Rotate halfway through.
- ⭐️Scoop cooked squash from the shell. Carefully remove from the microwave using potholders. Scoop out the flesh of the squash from the shell and use as you please or simply topped with salt and pepper.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Katrina says
I’ve never thought to try the microwave for squash. My toddler loved it and it was easy to make.
Shabanam says
Looking so yummy! Will try definitely! Thanks
Marilyn says
Thanks for the tip on parchment paper!
Debra Wiese says
How much squash in cups is in your medium butternut Squash?
Jodi Danen, RDN says
A medium butternut squash is about 2 1/2 cups. Hope that helps!
Debra says
I use butternut squash in place of pumpkin for all my baking recipes.
Sue says
I microwave the whole squash for one minute…it makes it easier to cut in half