How to Cook Spaghetti Squash (The Best Way)
User Reviews
4.6
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash (The Best Way)
Description
To prepare spaghetti squash, the recipe advises slicing the squash widthwise into rings about 1½ inches thick after removing the ends. Seeds are scooped out, typically with a grapefruit spoon, and each ring is coated with olive oil and seasoning. The squash slices are baked on a rimmed sheet at 400°F for 30 to 40 minutes, flipped halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Once roasted, the rings are cooled for about 15 minutes before peeling away the skin and separating the flesh with a fork into long strands resembling spaghetti. This method avoids steaming, producing drier strands with concentration of flavor and texture that can stand up in various dishes.
The spaghetti squash strands offer a low-carb alternative to pasta and can be served as a side dish or used in main dishes. The recipe notes alternative cooking methods such as roasting whole, cutting lengthwise, microwaving, or Instant Pot cooking, but recommends this ring-slicing roasting technique for best texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 large spaghetti squash
- 1-2 teaspoons olive oil
- salt to taste, sea salt
- black pepper to taste, sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice ends off the squash, then cut widthwise into rings, making sure the rings are about the same size, around 1½ inches thick.
- Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds. (I love using a grapefruit spoon for this.)
- Place squash on rimmed baking sheet and use your hands to coat each ring with a little olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping rings once about 15 minutes in.
- Allow to cool for about 15 minutes, then peel the skin away and separate the strands into long spaghetti noodles using a fork.
Notes
- Using a grapefruit spoon to remove seeds can make the task easier and more precise.
- Alternative cooking methods include roasting whole, halving lengthwise, microwaving, or Instant Pot cooking, but these may result in wetter or less flavorful strands.
- For whole roasting, bake at 375°F for about 1 hour 20 minutes, turning once, until tender.
- Microwave cooking involves slicing and placing cut-side down in water-filled dish but may result in watery squash.
- Instant Pot cooking is a viable method but may produce different texture; see specific instructions if using this appliance.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4-6 cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 114 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2cups | |
| Calories | 114kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 20g | 7% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Sodium | 56mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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