Butternut squash is an excellent accompaniment for almost any meal. However, likewise myself, you may very well have neglected your oven.
Or perhaps you just may not have sufficient time to roast that hefty yellowish-orange squash you were eyeballing at the supermarket!
This is when the microwave comes in handy. Steaming your squash inside a microwave reduces your workload as well as your precious time. Best of all, there’s no need to send the temperature soaring inside your apartment by using a hot oven!
The microwave is among the fastest and easiest ways to prepare butternut squash. Yet, to fully enjoy it, one needs to learn how to prepare it first.
Particularly at the right temp and with the right resources.
By now, you probably have some unanswered questions…
How long should it cook for?
To peel or not to peel?
Well, I have these answers and more, let’s discuss.
Can You Microwave Butternut Squash?
Yes, you can microwave butternut squash. Preparing to cook butternut squash inside a microwave is absolutely brilliant, and I wholeheartedly suggest giving it a try and seeing whether you enjoy it even more than I do.
They’re plenty of ways to prepare butternut squash inside the microwave.
But microwaving butternut squash in tiny cubes is my preferred choice. You can easily prepare an entire butternut squash in the microwave to then use in various recipes.
Steaming a butternut squash in the microwave is an ideal way to retain its nutrients as well as get the desired crispiness.
How To Microwave Butternut Squash?
Create multiple incisions all around the squash with a sharp knife or fork. It helps the steam to escape. Arrange the squash in a microwavable container and then microwave for about 12 minutes on max strength.
Cautiously take the butternut squash from the microwave and set it aside until cooled for handling.
Divide your squash in two, then scrape out the seeds and pulp from its skin. Otherwise, use a vegetable peeler to peel the skin from your squash carefully, then cut in half, dice, and enjoy.
For the record…
While it’s clear that many individuals fully comprehend how butternut squash is prepared in the oven. Relatively less actually understand how to do so in the microwave.
Last year, I fell short of a burner while preparing Christmas dinner.
What’s a feast without my world-famous Candied Butternut Squash present, right?
Thankfully I recalled this dangling lifeline and like a fish, I was hooked.
It’s super simple to microwave and perhaps superior considering I skipped the hassle of peeling my oversized squash.
It eliminates any need to peel, dice, or chop your raw butternut squash and you can microwave it whole, halved, or in bits.
There is no easier method than this. Brilliant!
How long do you microwave a butternut squash?
Butternut squash diced into small cubes, take only 7 minutes to prepare inside the microwave. This technique results in soft-to-the-bite, steamy butternut squash squares that may be savored for a great evening meal.
Notwithstanding, the heating requirements will vary according to the weight of the squash. Minus the prep time (which was basically non-existent), it took approximately 12 minutes to microwave a three-pound squash I bought.
I started monitoring it around the ten-minute marker and then cooked it for one minute at a time after that. Soon I recognized that once my serrated steak knife sank effortlessly into the butternut squash it was fully cooked.
If there were a contest, microwaving cooking butternut squash would win a medal as one of the fastest possible methods of preparation.
What are the best ways to microwave a Butternut Squash?
If you are into wolfing-down solid butternut squash chunks instead of having squash scraped off the skin or crushed. I suggest using nicely cubed butternut squash for your dishes.
Please note that there is no shame in purchasing squash that was already cut and cubed in advance.
Saving precious time is a definite plus for me!
The most significant disadvantage is the extra time spent peeling and then cubing your squash.
On the flip side, maybe you want to enjoy your butternut squash fully intact, similar to a baked potato. If so, the approach of cutting the squash in half is ideal for you.
Its taste and consistency intensify as the moisture drains from the sliced edges of the squash while heating. This results in sturdier and deeply delicious butternut squash.
Plus the half squash approach requires far less effort.
Keeping your butternut squash whole is an excellent technique for microwave cooking. Overall preparation requires just under a minute and it yields juicy, succulent squash that is ideal for mashing.
If you enjoy butternut squash mashed with a pat of butter, maybe this is your new favorite approach.
Is microwaving Butternut Squash better than boiling?
Microwaving butternut squash is a way better option than boiling it.
Furthermore, microwaving your squash may reduce the formation of hazardous substances found inside specific foods which emerge while exposed to high heat levels.
Another major advantage of microwaving butternut squash is it doesn’t require as much time as other ways of preparation, such as boiling.
Once water is boiled, its temperature increases to 100 °C. By this time, most if not all nutrients have potentially seeped into the hot water. Generally speaking, most people already know that boiling veggies depletes their vital minerals and nutrients.
That’s literally like money swimming down the kitchen sink!
As a result, you end up consuming a butternut squash with little nutritious value.
It is safe to say this is the total opposite of what you intended.
The boiling process also multiplies their chances of becoming waterlogged or squishy.
Yuck, no one wants that!
Butternut squash is loaded with water-soluble vitamins. When it is cooked, vitamins B1, B9, and C are lost since they are water-soluble.
A microwave actually causes molecules to push against one another, creating heat via friction. Therefore, microwaving is beneficial for butternut squash because they are so rich in water.
Tips to microwave vegetables
Here are some handy microwave butternut squash recommendations to help you obtain the best results:
- Butternut squash should be carefully cleaned and washed.
- Cut the butternut squash into consistent cubes or strips to ensure equal cooking.
- To minimize hot or cold patches, you should not detach the rotating tray from inside your microwave.
- Align the pieces close together, albeit with some room between each one.
- Seal the plate securely using plastic wrap and then puncture single or multiple holes in the plastic.
- Microwave in 30 to 45-second burst on maximum.
- During each break, flip the squash.
- Stop the heating cycle well before the butternut squash gets mushy and overdone.
- To avoid bursting while microwaving a whole squash, pierce its skin with something like a fork.
- Seeing as microwaves differ in strength, users might have to slightly change the heating durations specified as needed.
- Since raw butternut squash is thick and challenging to dissect, it’s essential to opt for a sizable, extra sharp cutter instead of a tiny blade such as a paring knife.
- When heating in the microwave, lay the butternut squash on a damp enough cloth to soak the moisture which will spring up.
Final Thoughts
Microwaving butternut squash makes life easier and preserves nutrients better than just about every other traditional style of cooking.
To quickly transform your raw butternut squash, you only need the right temp, duration, and volume of water to be placed in a microwaveable dish.
When you don’t want to peel the squash, this is a terrific technique to choose. It also saves time, which is quite useful when preparing a feast during the festive season.
This is how I frequently prepare my squash, and it is delicious!
Now that you know this… why not give your microwave a try?
Tantalizing butternut squash cooked to perfection in the microwave awaits you.
FAQ
How can I cook butternut squash?
To cook butternut squash, you can roast it in the oven with olive oil until it is fork tender. Alternatively, you can steam it or microwave it in cubes or halves.
What are some delicious butternut squash recipes?
There are many tasty ways to prepare butternut squash! Some popular options include making a creamy butternut squash soup, roasting cubed squash with olive oil and spices, or adding roasted seeds to salads for crunch.
Is microwaving a good way to cook butternut squash?
Microwaving is a quick and easy way to cook small cubes of butternut squash. However, if you want larger pieces or prefer a crispy texture, roasting may be a better option.
Can I eat the seeds from my whole butternut squash?
Yes! Butternut squash seeds are edible and can be roasted for a crunchy snack. Simply remove them from the flesh before cooking your whole or halved squashes.
How do I know when my steamed butternut squash is fork tender?
To check if your steamed butternut squash is fork tender, insert a fork into the flesh. If it goes in easily without resistance, then your dish is ready to enjoy!
How can I prepare medium butternut squash?
To prepare a medium butternut squash, start by cutting the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Then, season with salt and pepper before baking on a baking sheet until cooked. Alternatively, you can steam or microwave the squash halves for an adjusted cooking time.
What are some winter squash varieties that I can use in recipes?
There are many winter squash varieties to choose from when making recipes such as spaghetti squash, butternut squash, and pumpkin seeds. You can also try raw or cooked versions of these squashes depending on your preference.
Can I cook butternut squash in the microwave?
Yes! To cook butternut squash in the microwave, cut it into small pieces or halves and place them on a microwavable dish. Season with salt and pepper before microwaving for several minutes until tender.
What is an easy way to make mashed winter squash?
An easy way to make mashed winter squash is by steaming or boiling it until soft enough to mash. Once cooked, add salt and pepper before mashing with a fork or potato masher.
How do I find new recipes using different types of squashes?
You can find new recipes using different types of squashes by searching online for “squash recipes” or looking through recipe books that feature various types of winter squashes. Additionally, you may want to experiment with different ways of preparing your favorite type of winter squash such as roasting or microwaving it instead of boiling it.