HOW TO MICROWAVE BUTTERNUT SQUASH
Microwaving butternut squash can help you save time when creating more complex dishes, like a plate of savory butternut squash ravioli or rustic soup layered with warm flavors. Discover how to prepare this fall-time vegetable and tips for cooking butternut squash in the microwave.
CAN YOU MICROWAVE BUTTERNUT SQUASH?
When you want to forgo preheating the oven, cooking butternut squash in the microwave is a viable option. To microwave butternut squash, begin by preparing the squash. Before cooking, peel the squash, then halve or quarter it for more even cooking.
Be sure to scoop out the seeds. Then put the squash in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a little water and cover the squash with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving room for venting before microwaving. You may need to adjust your microwave’s power levels and settings when cooking the squash to help it soften completely.
TIPS FOR MICROWAVING BUTTERNUT SQUASH
Depending on the type of microwave you have and the size of the butternut squash, you may need to adjust power levels and cook times.
Adding vent holes in the microwave-safe plastic wrap used to cover your squash can help steam escape while it’s cooking.
Adding water before microwaving can help steam the squash in the microwave.
- Cut the squash in quarters instead of peeling and cubing it to help cut down on prep work. Note that this might require extending the squash's cooking time in the microwave.
CAN YOU COOK A WHOLE BUTTERNUT SQUASH IN THE MICROWAVE?
It might be possible to utilize the microwave to help soften a whole butternut squash, which could help you skip peeling and dicing. However, for optimal results, it's recommended to peel the squash and slice it into halves or quarters prior to steaming. If you decide to experiment with microwaving it whole, add multiple holes to the skin of the squash to allow steam to escape while it cooks. If the skin is too hard to pierce the raw squash with a fork, simply use a paring knife to add slits to the squash.
HOW LONG DO YOU STEAM BUTTERNUT SQUASH IN THE MICROWAVE?
The amount of time it takes to steam butternut squash in the microwave depends on the amount of squash you’re using, how it’s prepared and your microwave’s settings. Generally, a halved butternut squash will take around 10 minutes to cook in the microwave.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH RECIPE
Leverage the convenience of the microwave to free up time for more detailed tasks, such as dicing veggies or arranging a decorative tablescape. Explore this method below for cooking butternut squash in your microwave.
YIELDS
4 servings
INGREDIENTS
Butternut squash (2-3 lbs)
TOOLS
- A microwave, like this model from KitchenAid brand
Fork or paring knife
- Microwave-safe serving dishes
- Microwave-safe plastic wrap
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOK TIME
10 minutes
TOTAL TIME
15 minutes
STEP 1: PREPARE THE SQUASH
Begin by peeling the squash. Then, cut the top and bottom of the squash to remove the stem before cleaning out the seeds. Halve the squash, then quarter it, or chop it into bite-sized cubes.
STEP 2: PLACE ON A MICROWAVE-SAFE DISH
Place the squash cut side down on microwave-safe servingware—either a bowl or a dish. Cover the squash with microwave-safe plastic wrap before poking slits to allow steam to escape.
STEP 3: MICROWAVE THE SQUASH
For a standard 1000-watt microwave, heat the squash on high for about 9-12 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. Consult your owner’s manual for proper cook times and power levels, as they may need to be adjusted depending on your microwave make and model. If needed, continue to microwave the squash for short intervals until the squash is soft and tender.
STEP 4: LET THE SQUASH COOL
Once the squash is done, take it out of the microwave and allow it to cool. Be careful when handling, as the squash may be hot.
STEP 5: SEASON AND SERVE
How you season and serve the butternut squash is up to your taste and preferences. Allow the squash’s nutty flavor to take center stage by seasoning with light salt, pepper and a pat of butter. Or, mix it with potato and garlic to make delicate butternut squash gnocchi.
SHOP KITCHENAID® MICROWAVES FOR MAKING BUTTERNUT SQUASH
SHOP KITCHENAID® MICROWAVES
KitchenAid® microwaves come with an array of features that can help you make everyday ingredients more exciting. Select models feature Air Fry Mode to help you crisp and brown food with less oil1 and without having to preheat. Other select models feature a Broil Element that combines the high power and even coverage needed to achieve results similar to outdoor grilling.
1When compared to deep frying.
