How to Steam Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot
Do you want to learn how to steam spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot? Look no further. This method is so easy, you don’t even have to cut the spaghetti squash prior to cooking, simply prick multiple times with a fork.
Is Spaghetti Squash Low Carb?
Spaghetti squash is one of the star ingredients in low carb cooking. At only 5g Net carbs per 1 cup, this is an excellent choice for adding to casseroles, as a pasta replacement, for roasting, and for so many recipes.
For THM friends, this is an (FP)
Some Common Objectives to eating Spaghetti Squash
Some reasons people avoid spaghetti squash include:
- It is hard or time-consuming to prepare.
- It has too much excess water.
- It is hard to cut.
Once you learn how to steam your spaghetti squash, check out our Spaghetti Squash Hash Browns! You’ll be adding this to your weekly breakfast line up.
When preparing spaghetti squash, it doesn’t have to be hard. If you have a vegetable basket in your instant pot (or simply the metal rack that comes with the instant pot) you’re halfway there. Simply take a fork and prick the spaghetti squash all over (about 12 pokes). Make sure that you dig the fork in enough for steam to escape. That is why we prick it, to prevent the spaghetti squash from exploding.
I use an 8qt Instant Pot to steam spaghetti squash because it is larger. A 6qt should be fine.
Why Steam Spaghetti Squash?
By steaming the spaghetti squash without cutting into it, this allows for the natural moisture in the spaghetti squash to steam the strands of squash. If you cut into it, water from steam will mix in with the squash, making it too watery
How to Steam the Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot
Time needed: 30 minutes
How to steam a spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot:
- Prepare your spaghetti squash
Thoroughly wash your spaghetti squash.
Prick your spaghetti squash all around (12 times is good).
This allows for steam to escape.
- Set up your Instant Pot
Put 1 cup of water in the bottom of your Instant Pot pan.
Place your steamer basket or metal tray inside the instant pot.
Put the spaghetti squash in the steamer basket. - Cooking
Close the lid on the Instant Pot. Set the sealing valve to close.
Steam on high for 13 minutes (If your spaghetti squash is larger add 2+ minutes).
Allow the steam to naturally release or flip the release valve.
- Cool
If you have time, allow the spaghetti squash to cool for easier handling.
- Prepare cooked spaghetti squash
Carefully open your Instant Pot (open the lid AWAY from your face).
Using oven gloves remove the spaghetti squash. On a cutting board slice the spaghetti squash in half across the middle.
Scoop out the seeds and strings and discard.
Take a fork and gently scrape the spaghetti squash to fluff the squash into a spaghetti-like texture.
Your spaghetti squash should be ready for use in a recipe now!
Spaghetti Squash Recipes to try!
Spaghetti Squash Hash Browns
Vodka Pasta Sauce with Spaghetti Squash
More Recipes to Try
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
Instant Pot Pumpkin Soup
The Best Keto Instant Pot Ribs
Connect with Yellow Glass Dish
Did you make this recipe? Make sure to join the @yellowglassdish community on
You can also join the YGD Facebook community! Also, get awesome low carb recipe inspiration on Pinterest.
Pin It!
I have cooked spaghetti squash in the oven and in the microwave. This looks like a much better option. Thank you for the instructions!
Hi Jeannette, sure thing! I hope this method works well for you. I also tried many methods before landing on this one.
Cheers!
Thanks for the instructions and pics. I was wondering how to cook this safely!
Hi Sarah! You’re so welcome, I hope you find this information helpful!
I eat the seeds. They are much like pumpkin. They will be slippery because of being a moist environment. You could put them in the oven to slow roast them. I don’t I don’t like double cooked seeds.
Hi Edwina! That is a great idea! Thank you for sharing!