Place the butternut squash on a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 5 minutes. This will soften the squash, which will help you cut it. Don’t worry if you can’t fit the whole squash onto one dish; it’s fine if it sticks out.
A simple and safe way to cut butternut squash
FAQ
Can you put a butternut squash in the microwave to soften it before cutting it?
Simply slice off the top and bottom, poke the squash all over with a fork and microwave it on high for about 3 minutes. When it’s cool enough to handle, peel the squash. The softened flesh will make peeling (and slicing) way easier.
How long does butternut squash take to soften when boiled?
Boil the squash for 10-20 minutes until it’s fork-tender. Check the squash by poking a piece or two with a fork after 10 minutes. Keep checking the tenderness every 5 minutes or so and turn off the burner when the fork slides easily into the squash. Don’t worry about overcooking the squash.
Is it better to steam or boil butternut squash?
The squash also retains most of its nutrients when it is steamed and has a wonderfully sweet butternuttiness to it. Steamed butternut can also be used in a variety of ways – added to salads, mashed, puréed or enjoyed as is with a simple seasoning of your choice.