WATCH HOW TO COOK SPAGHETTI SQUASH:
Going all the way back to the beginning, what the heck is spaghetti squash? It’s an oval-shaped, yellow squash that is available in the fall and winter. Once cooked, the insides can be shredded into long, noodles-like pieces. Hence the name: spaghetti squash. Although it has a slightly more fibrous texture than pasta, it still works quite well in place of traditional spaghetti noodles.
How Do You Cut Spaghetti Squash?
First thing first, before you even get to the cooking part, you have to cut it. I’ll be honest and say I don’t love cutting spaghetti squash, but it’s so much easier if you have a large, sharp knife. We have a Shun chef’s knife that I love. Another option is to poke a couple small holes in the squash using a fork and then microwave the entire squash for about 5 minutes to soften the squash a bit and make the process a little easier. Go slow and be extra careful!
There are two primary methods for cutting spaghetti squash: lengthwise and widthwise. I used to always cut my squash lengthwise, but then I noticed that the spaghetti strands inside the squash run horizontally in circles, so cutting it widthwise into rings produces longer spaghetti strands. Additionally, the rings aid in reducing moisture so that after roasting, the spaghetti squash doesn’t turn watery.
Of course, there are recipes calling for cutting spaghetti squash lengthwise, such as these bowls of lasagna or tuna noodle casserole, but if I’m not making spaghetti squash bowls, I much rather cut it widthwise!
Spaghetti squash is very easy to cook after cutting, and there are a few different ways you can do it!
How to cut spaghetti squash
- With a sturdy, sharp knife, trim off the stem end.
- Take a small slice off bottom end, as well.
- Lay the spaghetti squash, wide cut side down, on the chopping board. Slice the squash lengthwise from top to bottom.
- You will see a hollow full of seeds.
- Scrape out the seeds with a spoon, being cautious not to dig too far into the edible flesh.
- Now you’re ready to cook the squash.
