Learn how to microwave butternut squash in a few simple steps. This steamed butternut squash can be used in many different ways.
Butternut squash is a staple winter squash in many households. Packed with vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber, this veggie is nutritious and delicious.
It is also a vegetable that kids love. The bright orange color combined with the sweet flavor has my kids requesting butternut squash throughout the fall and winter months.
Once you learn how to microwave butternut squash, it will be your go-to cooking method. It is the quickest way to cook squash. This step-by-step guide will show you how simple it is to microwave squash.
How to Microwave Butternut Squash:
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.
Equipment
- cutting board
- chefs knife
- spoon
- parchment paper
- bowl
Ingredients
- 1 medium 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 do I make with 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
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.
More How To Recipes:
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- 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.
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.