Spaghetti squash is an easy-to-prepare veggie that delivers a healthy dose of vitamins A and C. It’s also a delicious addition to your favorite pasta dishes or even in burritos.
When preparing a squash, a sharp knife is the key to safely and easily cutting through the skin and flesh without damaging it. If you have trouble making a cut, try microwaving the squash for a few minutes to soften it before you attempt to cut it.
Use a Chef’s Knife
Spaghetti squash is a tasty and healthy alternative to pasta, but cutting into it can be difficult without harming the delicate strands inside. To help you make a good cut, you can use a Chef’s knife.
A Chef’s knife has a long blade that makes it possible for you to slice up spaghetti squash in small but accurate slices. It is also made of a high-quality steel that is sharp and durable, so it will last for a long time.
Before you begin, wash the spaghetti squash and dry it completely to remove any dirt or residue. You should then lay it on a cutting board or non-slip surface.
Start by making a small incision on the top of the spaghetti squash using your knife. Gently push down on the knife to make it penetrate the skin. Repeat on the other side. Once you have made several small incisions, cut the stem off of the squash.
Once the stem is removed, cut the bottom 1-2in off of the squash. This leaves behind a smooth flat surface that you can use to roast the spaghetti squash or to add to soups and stews.
Alternatively, you can cut the spaghetti squash into halves. If you’re going to separate the two halves, cut lengthwise from the stem end until you reach the tip.
You can then either use the halves in recipes or discard them. The seeds within the squash can be roasted and eaten as a snack or left in the shell and used for a homemade spaghetti sauce recipe.
The strands of spaghetti squash are a great source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. They are also low in fat and cholesterol, so you can enjoy them as part of a healthy diet.
Use a Paring Knife
A paring knife is a great tool to use for cutting spaghetti squash. This is the easiest way to do it, and it makes a lot less mess than using your big chef’s knife. Plus, it’s a lot safer because you don’t have to worry about getting your fingers stuck in the blade!
First, cut the squash in half lengthwise. This will make it easier to insert your longer chef’s knife all the way through without having to fight it. Once you’ve done this, use your knife to scrape out all of the seeds and strings from the inside.
Once the seeds and strings are removed, brush olive oil generously over the inside of each half. This will ensure that the squash is not dry and shriveled up before it gets to the oven.
After this, you’ll want to pierce the skin of the spaghetti squash in a few places around the outer edges. This will allow steam to escape and help the squash cook more quickly.
Then, microwave your squash for 4 – 5 minutes or until it’s soft and easy to pierce with your knife. When it’s ready, peel it and chop it up as you like!
Another great way to prepare spaghetti squash is by baking it. This is a healthier way to cook it, and it produces delicious results that are reminiscent of pasta. However, baked spaghetti squash can take a while to cook.
To bake your spaghetti squash, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Rub a little olive oil on the squash, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and place it cut side down on a parchment paper or a baking sheet smeared with a bit of oil.
When the strands of cooked spaghetti squash easily separate and are al dente, remove it from the oven and let it cool. Then, scoop the strands from the shell and serve with your favorite sauce or toppings!
Use a Butcher Knife
If you’re trying to learn how to cut spaghetti squash, it’s best to use a sharp and reliable chef’s knife. It should be at least 8 inches long and have a blade edge that is curved slightly downward. This helps you cut the squash without a lot of strain on your wrist.
Spaghetti squash is a versatile vegetable that can be used to make delicious pasta dishes. This is because it contains stringy strands that are similar to noodles. It can be eaten raw or roasted and is low in calories, fat and cholesterol.
The most common way to prepare this squash is to cut it in half lengthwise and then bake it. This is the easiest method to cook it and is a great way to add flavor to the flesh.
Before cutting your spaghetti squash in half, make sure to remove the seeds and stem end of the squash. This will help it to cook faster and become tender.
After removing these, place the spaghetti squash on a non-slip surface. Hold it in one hand and use the other hand to cut the bottom 1-2in off of each squash half, leaving behind a flat surface.
Next, rotate the spaghetti squash so that it sits upright on its broadest side. Then, use the tip of a chef’s knife to carefully slice the top layer of the squash off of each half.
Once the squash is completely cut, stand it up on a stable surface, like a cutting board, and use a spoon to scoop out the noodle-like strands in the middle. Once the squash is fully scooped out, you can either discard it or eat it as it is!
Microwave
One of the best ways to make spaghetti squash is to microwave it. Microwaves help to soften the outer skin of the squash, making it easier to cut and cook.
Spaghetti squash is a low carb, gluten-free alternative to pasta that’s a perfect addition to salads and other side dishes. It has a mild, spaghetti-like flavor that pairs well with pasta sauce or pesto. It also makes a quick and easy main dish with just a drizzle of olive oil and a dash of garlic salt.
There are three cooking methods you can use to make spaghetti squash: oven roasting, microwave and Instant Pot (or pressure cooker). Each method yields different results, so it’s important to choose the right technique for you.
The first way to cook spaghetti squash is in the oven. If you’re a fan of nutty caramelization, then this is the way to go. By baking the squash halves, more surface area comes in contact with the hot baking sheet which helps to promote the caramelization of the edges and color.
Once cooked, you can then use a fork to pull apart the strands of squash and serve them with your favorite sauce or toppings. For a quick meal, you can even saute the squash with fresh tomatoes and chopped garlic for a few minutes and then toss it with a little olive oil, balsamic vinegar and basil before serving.
For a more flavorful and rich dish, try this recipe for spaghetti squash with mushroom rosemary sauce. It is so easy to make and has a savory, fall-inspired flavor that’s delicious over any pasta!
If you want to cook the whole spaghetti squash in the microwave, just prick it a few times with a fork and then microwave on high for 15 minutes. Check it to make sure the squash is tender and easily pierced with a knife, but don’t overcook it as steam build-up can cause it to explode.