How to Microwave Acorn Squash

//cookanyday.com/cdn/shop/files/Anyday_Photos_Basics_AcornKabochaSquash_Hero_360x.webp?v=1722354381 Acorn Squash cooked in the glass Anyday dish. Tender, perfectly cooked squash, ideal for a variety of dishes.
PT5M PT6M

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

6-7 mins

Free 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.

acorn squash, Anyday Basics, Anyday Basics, gourd, kabocha, pumpkin Anyday Basics

What You’ll Need

What You’ll Need

The Medium Deep Dish

The best dish for 1-2 portions of grains, veggies, mac and cheese, ramen, and more.

The Medium Shallow Dish

Look no further for making poached eggs, desserts, dips, and small portions of meat or fish.

The Anyhand Mitts

Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!
Try Anyday

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

14 oz (400g) acorn - about half medium size

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

Microwave oven by power - 1100w
1100w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • 14 oz (400g) acorn squash, cut into wedges
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil, optional

Preparation

  1. Cut the squash into wedges and remove the seeds and stem. 
  2. Place the cut squash, water, and salt to taste into the Anyday.
  3. Cover with lid (knob lifted) and cook for 6-7 minutes or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork
  4. 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
*Includes preheat time

Step by Step: Microwaving Acorn Squash

Cut the squash into wedges.

Cover with the lid (knob lifted).

Cook in the microwave.

Squash is done when fork tender.

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
14 oz (400g) acorn squash 1 teaspoon 6-7 mins
28 oz (800g) acorn squash 2 teaspoons 8-9 mins
42 oz (1200g) acorn squash 1 tablespoon 15-16 mins
Cook time calculated for 1100w microwave

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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