It’s no secret that acorn squash is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. But did you know that you can cook this tasty vegetable in your microwave? That’s right, with just a few simple steps, you can have delicious acorn squash ready to eat in minutes. Let’s take a look at how it’s done.
How to Cook Acorn Squash in a Microwave? Step by Step Guide!
Step 1: Preparing the Squash
Before you start cooking your acorn squash, there are a few steps you need to take. The first step is to clean your squash by washing it with warm water and a soft brush or cloth. Once the outside of the squash is clean, use a sharp knife to cut it into halves lengthwise. Then use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the seeds and membrane from inside each half of the squash. Finally, poke several holes into each half of the squash using the tip of your knife. This helps steam escape while cooking so that your acorn squash doesn’t become soggy or mushy.
Step 2: Placing the Squash on Your Plate
Now that you’ve prepped your acorn squash, place both halves on an appropriate size plate for microwaving (you may need two plates). Make sure that each half has its cut-side facing down towards the plate and its rounded side facing up so that steam can escape during cooking.
Step 3: Adding Water
To ensure even cooking, add ¼ cup of water per plate before placing them in your microwave oven. Make sure that all surfaces of both halves are exposed to the water which will help them cook faster and more evenly.
Step4: Cooking Your Squash
Once everything is prepared, place both plates in your microwave oven and set it for 8 minutes on high power (1000 watts). Once 8 minutes have elapsed, check if your squash is fully cooked by pressing gently on its skin with tongs or using a fork; if it feels tender then it’s done! Otherwise, set for another 2 minutes before checking again until desired doneness is achieved (most microwaves vary slightly so cooking times may differ).
Step 5: Add Toppings & Serving
After removing from the heat source, let sit for 1 minute before adding desired toppings such as butter or maple syrup and serving! Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks:
- Try adding a bit of salt, pepper and garlic powder before microwaving for added flavor.
- Keep in mind that different varieties of squash may take longer or shorter to cook so adjust cooking time accordingly.
- When scooping out the seeds, try using an ice cream scoop instead of a spoon as it makes it easier.
- To prevent your plate from getting too hot, place a damp paper towel on the bottom before putting your squash halves in.
- When cutting through the squash, make sure to use a sharp knife and go slowly to avoid any mishaps.
- For added crunch, try adding a bit of chopped nuts or seeds to the top of your squash before serving.
- If you don’t feel like having acorn squash as a side dish, try using it as a topping for salads or omelets!
FAQS
1. What is the best way to cook acorn squash?
The best way to cook acorn squash is in the microwave. It makes for a quick and easy side dish that can be done in minutes.
2. How do you soften acorn squash before cutting?
If you are having difficulty cutting through your squash, try microwaving it for a few minutes before. This will help soften the skin so that it is easier to cut.
3. Should I microwave squash before cutting?
Yes, microwaving your squash before cutting will help make it easier to cut and will also give you more even slices when cutting.
4. Can you microwave squash with skin?
Yes, you can microwave squash with the skin still on. Just make sure to poke several holes in the skin before microwaving to allow steam to escape.
Conclusion:
Cooking acorn squash in your microwave might sound intimidating but once you know what steps to follow it’s actually quite simple! All it takes is some basic prep work like cleaning and cutting, followed by adding water and cooking on high power for 8 minutes (plus additional time as needed). And voila! Deliciously cooked acorn squash ready to enjoy with all sorts of amazing toppings—no oven required! So give this method a try next time you’re looking for an easy way to make this tasty vegetable part of any meal!