Looking to whip up a quick and delicious side dish using your microwave? Cooking butternut squash in the microwave is an easy and efficient way to enjoy this hearty vegetable without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you’re aiming to serve it as a simple side or make it the star of your meal, getting it right in the microwave can save you a lot of hassle.
How to Cook Butternut Squash in Microwave Oven? To cook butternut squash in a microwave, halve the squash and scoop out the seeds. Place it cut-side down in a microwave-safe dish with a bit of water. Microwave on high for about 10-12 minutes or until tender. Let it cool before handling.
First, you’ll need to prepare the squash by washing it thoroughly. Then, carefully cut it into manageable pieces, which makes it easier to handle and quicker to cook. Don’t forget to remove the seeds! The key to perfectly cooked butternut squash in the microwave is ensuring each piece is roughly the same size for even cooking. This method is not only quick but also preserves the rich flavors and textures of the squash. With just a few ingredients and about 10-15 minutes of cook time, you can transform this humble veggie into a soft, fork-tender dish ready to enjoy. Let’s dive into how to peel, seed, cut, and cook butternut squash in your microwave oven for a mouthwatering treat!
Quick & Easy Microwave Butternut Squash Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting Started: Preparing Your Butternut Squash
Before you can enjoy your delicious microwave squash, you’ll need to get it ready. Start by washing the outer skin to remove any dirt. Next, it’s time to tackle peeling the squash. A good vegetable peeler or a sharp knife will make this task easier. Once peeled, cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and dice the squash into cubes. Keeping the pieces uniform in size helps them cook evenly and become perfectly tender.
Microwave Magic: The Quick and Easy Method
Now, let’s use the microwave to transform your prepped squash into a scrumptious dish. Place the diced butternut squash in a microwave-safe dish, adding a bit of water to the bottom—this will help steam the squash as it cooks, preserving its flavor and speeding up the cooking process. For a touch of richness, dot the squash with bits of butter. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small corner open to let steam escape.
Cooking Time: Finding the Perfect Moment
Microwave the squash on high power. The total cook time will depend on the power of your microwave and the amount of squash you’re cooking. Generally, it takes about 7-10 minutes. Halfway through, give the squash a quick stir or poke to ensure it’s cooking evenly. You’ll know it’s done when you can easily pierce it with a fork and it’s beautifully tender.
Serving Suggestions: Beyond Just a Side Dish
Once cooked, your butternut squash is ready to serve! It’s fantastic as a side dish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or you can get creative. Puree it to make a smooth butternut squash soup, or toss it into salads for a hearty addition. Since you’ve mastered the quick and easy way to cook butternut squash in the microwave, you can easily incorporate it into various meals.
This microwave squash recipe not only saves time but also preserves the nutrients and flavors of the squash, making it a healthy choice for any meal. Whether you’re baking, steaming, or making soup, using the microwave to cook butternut squash is a method that’s sure to impress with minimal effort.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Butternut Squash in the Microwave? Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Veggie Dish
- Wondering how long it takes to cook butternut squash in the microwave? You’re looking at about 12 minutes, depending on the size of your squash pieces and the power of your microwave. This method is one of the quickest ways to prepare butternut squash, especially on a busy weeknight for dinner.
- Start by prepping your squash. Wash the outer skin, cut it in half, and make sure to remove the seeds. Then, peel the flesh and dice it into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Place the diced squash in a microwave-safe dish with a lid. Adding a splash of water to the bottom of the dish creates steam that helps cook the squash quickly and keeps it moist. Don’t forget to leave a small vent in the lid or cover; this prevents pressure build-up and promotes even steaming.
- Season the squash with salt and pepper before cooking. These simple seasonings enhance the natural sweetness of the squash and make it even more delicious.
- Microwave on high for about 12 minutes. Halfway through, give the squash a stir or a poke to check on its softness. It’s done when you can easily mash the flesh with a fork.
- If you’re looking for alternative cooking methods, butternut squash in the oven can give you a more caramelized flavor, while an Instant Pot can prepare it in a similar time frame with a pressure-cooked texture.
- Once cooked, you can serve the squash as is, or mash it up for a yummy, creamy side dish. Either way, it’s a simple and tasty way to get your veggies in!
- Making microwave butternut squash is highly recommended for its ease and speed. Plus, it doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture, making it a superb choice for anyone short on time but craving a healthy, hearty meal.
Conclusion
Cooking butternut squash in the microwave is not just about saving time—it’s about simplifying your meal prep in the most effective way. In as little as 10 minutes, you can have perfectly tender squash ready for mashing, slicing, or incorporating into soups. Start checking at around 5 minutes to gauge doneness, and then adjust your cooking time accordingly. This step-by-step method ensures that you can prepare a nutritious vegetable dish without the hassle of long baking times or complex directions.
Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick dinner side or need a base for a creamy soup, the microwave can handle it effortlessly. From slicing the cooked squash for salads to transferring it to a blender for soups, the possibilities are as versatile as they are delicious. Discover how useful your microwave can be beyond just reheating leftovers. With these vegetable recipes, you’ll find that matching convenience with health is easier than ever. This quick, step-by-step guide is a testament to how the microwave can truly revolutionize your cooking experience, making it one of the easiest and most efficient ways to enhance your kitchen prowess.
Frequently Asked Questions (How to Cook Butternut Squash in Microwave Oven)
Can you cook butternut squash in the microwave?
Yes, you can cook butternut squash in the microwave. Simply cut it in half, remove the seeds, place it cut-side down in a microwave-safe dish with a bit of water, and microwave for about 10-15 minutes or until tender.
Will butternut squash soften in the oven?
Yes, butternut squash will soften in the oven. Roasting at a moderate temperature allows the squash’s flesh to become tender and sweet, typically achieved in about 30 to 40 minutes depending on the size of the pieces.
Is it better to steam or boil butternut squash?
Steaming butternut squash is generally better than boiling as it preserves more nutrients and flavor. Steaming is also quicker and uses less water, making it a more efficient cooking method that keeps the squash’s texture intact.
How do you know when butternut squash is done in the oven?
You can tell butternut squash is done when it’s tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork or knife, and the edges are caramelized. This typically occurs after roasting at 400°F for about 25 to 30 minutes.
