How to Microwave Acorn Squash
Prep Time
5 minsCook Time
9 minsFree Time
to carve a gourd
Enjoy the sweet, nutty flavors and velvety texture of acorn squash in mere minutes by cooking it in the microwave. This method retains the squash's bright color, rich taste, and nutritional benefits. Acorn squash, with its exceptional flavor, becomes more accessible and convenient than ever when you cook in the microwave, allowing you to incorporate it into your fall dishes without all the hassle.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Deep Dish
The Medium Shallow Dish
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 14 oz (400g) acorn squash, cut into wedges
- 1 teaspoon water
- salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon olive oil, optional
Preparation
- Cut the squash into wedges and remove the seeds and stem.
- Place the cut squash, water, and salt to taste into the Anyday.
- Cover with lid (knob lifted) and cook for 9 minutes or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork
- Drizzle some olive oil if desired or use for other recipes.
Serving suggestions & tips
- This recipe can be used for easy and healthy baby purees and mashes.
- Mix in some miso and sesame seeds for a delicious and simple side dish.
- Blend the cooked squash into a thick puree to use as a spread, dip, or garnish.
- Cook the squash in dashi, chicken or beef broth, or vegetable stock for extra flavor.
Recipe notes
- The winter squash can be cooked peeled or skin on for the same amount of time.
- This recipe works for Kabocha squashes and pumpkins, too.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Microwave Match Up: Acorn Squash
See for yourself— microwaving acorn squash is simply faster, start to finish.
| Appliance | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Microwave in an Anyday dish | 7-8 mins |
| Oven* | 45-50 mins |
| Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* | 25 mins |
| Stovetop* | 20-30 mins |
Step by Step: Microwaving Acorn Squash
All You Need to Know About Microwaving Acorn Squash
How long does a winter squash take to cook in the microwave?
| Ingredient | Water | Cook Time | 19-20 mins |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 oz (400g) acorn squash | 1 teaspoon | 9 mins | |
| 28 oz (800g) acorn squash | 2 teaspoons | 11-12 mins | |
| 42 oz (1200g) acorn squash | 1 tablespoon |
Winter squash such as kabocha, acorn, and even pumpkins take about 7-8 minutes to cook in the microwave. Cook times can also depend on the size and starch levels of the squash. When cooking larger chunks, consider adding more time or poking the surface with a fork to better distribute heat.
How to tell when winter squash is cooked through?
All winter squashes are typically ready when a fork easily pierces the surface of the squash. If there is no resistance, the squash should be cooked through. If it’s difficult to pierce with a fork, continue to cook in the microwave for an additional 2-3 minutes.
How to freeze a microwaved acorn or kabocha squash?
Like most frozen vegetables, winter squash needs to be cooked before freezing. Once cooked, allow them to cool, then pop them on a tray into the freezer, and when solid (about 6-8 hours later), transfer to a freezer-safe storage bag. Pop in the freezer and store for 1-2 months.
How to reheat a microwaved acorn or kabocha squash?
To reheat, simply place the chunks back in the Anyday and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.
What’s the healthiest way to cook butternut squash?
Steaming is the healthiest way to cook winter squash. Steaming it in the microwave cooks squash quickly and easily, with no pot of water to boil or pan to clean up later. By steaming the squash in its moisture, you’re keeping more nutrients inside of the vegetable.
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