If you’re short on time or just prefer using the microwave, cooking acorn squash in this convenient appliance is a great option. Acorn squash is a small winter squash with a distinct sweet and nutty flavor. It’s rich in vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber. Microwaving acorn squash is quick and easy, taking a fraction of the time compared to traditional oven cooking methods.

To cook acorn squash in the microwave, start by cutting it in half lengthwise and removing the seeds. Place the squash halves face down in a microwave-safe dish with a bit of water and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Cooking times will vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, but typically, it takes about 10-15 minutes on high power to cook acorn squash.

Make sure to check the squash for doneness by piercing it with a fork or knife. The flesh should be tender and easily pierced. If it’s not fully cooked, continue microwaving in 2-minute intervals until it reaches the desired consistency.

Preparation and cooking time

To prepare and cook acorn squash in the microwave, you will need approximately 20 minutes.

Preparation

Before cooking the acorn squash, wash the squash thoroughly under running water. Then, cut the squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and fibrous strings using a spoon.

Next, place the squash halves in a microwave-safe dish, cut side down.

Cooking

Cook the squash in the microwave on high power for 10 minutes. Check the tenderness of the squash by piercing it with a fork or sharp knife. If it is not yet tender, continue cooking in 2 to 3-minute increments until the desired tenderness is achieved.

Once the squash is cooked, carefully remove it from the microwave, using oven mitts or a towel, as it will be hot. Let it cool for a few minutes before handling.

The cooked acorn squash can be served as a side dish or used as a base for various recipes, such as stuffing or purees. Enjoy!

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Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need:

1 acorn squash
2 tablespoons of butter, melted
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure you have all these ingredients handy before you start cooking.

Step-by-step instructions

To cook acorn squash in the microwave, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Prep the squash

Start by carefully cutting the acorn squash in half using a sharp knife. Next, remove the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of each half using a spoon.

Step 2: Season the squash

Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the cut sides of the squash halves. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. Rub the oil and seasonings evenly over the flesh of the squash.

Step 3: Microwave the squash

Place each squash half, cut side up, on a microwave-safe dish or plate. Cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high for about 8-10 minutes, or until the flesh of the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Let it cool and enjoy

After microwaving, carefully remove the plastic wrap (be cautious of the hot steam) and let the squash cool for a few minutes before handling. Use a fork to gently scrape the flesh away from the skin, or scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Serve the cooked acorn squash as a side dish or incorporate it into your favorite recipes.

Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and wattage of your microwave. It’s best to check for doneness periodically and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Tips for cooking acorn squash in the microwave

1. Choose a ripe acorn squash

Before you cook acorn squash in the microwave, make sure it is ripe. Look for a squash that is heavy for its size and has a hard, dark green skin. Avoid squash with soft spots or blemishes.

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2. Prepare the squash

Wash the acorn squash thoroughly and cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from each half using a spoon or an ice cream scoop. You can also peel the skin off if desired, although it’s not necessary.

3. Season the squash

Brush the cut sides of the squash with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like cinnamon, nutmeg, or brown sugar for a sweeter flavor.

4. Cook in the microwave

Place the acorn squash halves, cut side down, on a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high for 8-10 minutes, or until the squash flesh is tender when pierced with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the size and power of your microwave.

5. Let it cool

Once cooked, carefully remove the squash from the microwave using oven mitts or a dish towel, as it will be hot. Let it cool for a few minutes before handling.

You can now enjoy your delicious and perfectly cooked acorn squash straight from the microwave!

Serving suggestions

Once your acorn squash is cooked to perfection in the microwave, it’s time to think about how to serve it. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

  • Drizzle the cooked acorn squash with a little bit of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
  • Sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the squash for added flavor.
  • Top the cooked squash with a dollop of butter or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for richness.
  • For a hearty meal, stuff the acorn squash with a filling of your choice, such as quinoa, mushrooms, or ground turkey.
  • Add cooked acorn squash to a salad for a healthy and filling lunch or dinner option.
  • Blend the cooked squash with broth and spices to make a creamy and comforting soup.
  • Serve the squash as a side dish alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak.
  • For a delicious breakfast, top the cooked acorn squash with Greek yogurt, granola, and a drizzle of honey.
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With these serving suggestions, you can enjoy the delicious and nutritious acorn squash that you cooked in just a few minutes in the microwave.

Questions and answers

How long should I cook acorn squash in the microwave?

It typically takes about 10-12 minutes to cook acorn squash in the microwave.

Can I cook acorn squash in the microwave?

Yes, you can cook acorn squash in the microwave. It is a quick and easy way to prepare it.

What is the best way to cook acorn squash in the microwave?

The best way to cook acorn squash in the microwave is to first cut it in half and remove the seeds. Then, place the halves in a microwave-safe dish with a little bit of water and cook for about 10-12 minutes.

Can I cook acorn squash in the microwave without cutting it in half?

Yes, you can cook acorn squash in the microwave without cutting it in half, but you will need to pierce the skin of the squash with a fork to allow steam to escape. Cook it on high for about 10-12 minutes.

Is it necessary to wrap the acorn squash in plastic wrap before microwaving?

No, it is not necessary to wrap the acorn squash in plastic wrap before microwaving. You can simply place it in a microwave-safe dish with a little bit of water and cook it as directed.

How long should I cook acorn squash in the microwave?

You can cook acorn squash in the microwave for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size and power of your microwave. Poke it with a fork to check for tenderness before removing it.