Chinese Spaghetti Squash Recipe: Healthy Spaghetti with Low Fat and Carbs
Squash is a commonly used vegetable in Chinese cuisine. You have probably eaten squash in the stir-fried or stewed form. But this version of squash is so refreshing that you will want to make it over and over again. This recipe only uses a total of five ingredients.
You can make the Chinese spaghetti squash recipe very quickly as steaming is the only method of cooking you will use here. Let me tell you more details about this recipe and show the exact steps so that you can make it easily.
Table of Contents
Chinese Spaghetti Squash Overview
Making spaghetti squash is so easy that you might want to make it a routine for your busy days. Here is the recipe overview.
| Cuisine: Chinese | Difficulty: Easy | ||
| Total Time: 15 minutes | |||
| Serving | Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Calories |
| 2 persons | 3 minutes | 12 minutes | 42 kcal |
Ingredients Needed for Chinese Spaghetti Squash
You will need the following items to make Chinese spaghetti squash.
- Squash: One spaghetti squash
- Scallion: 2 tsp, chopped
- Cooking Oil: 1 tbsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Light Soy Sauce: 1 tsp
Could you believe that this dish will be complete with just these ingredients? The following steps of the recipe will make you believe it.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Chinese Spaghetti Squash
The steps were so easy that I was about to merge everything in one paragraph. Still, here are the simplified steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Squash
Wash the spaghetti squash thoroughly and cut it in halves. Use a spoon to dig the seeds out of the squash.
Step 2: Steam the Squash
Put water in a steamer and bring it to a boil. Then, place the squash pieces onto the steamer and close the lid. Steam the squash for about 12 minutes or until they are fork tender.
You Can Also Try Chinese Pork Hash Recipe
Step 3: Scoop Out the Spaghetti Squash
After cooking the squash, the inside will turn into strands like spaghetti. Scoop the strands out of the rind and keep in a bowl.
Step 4: Prepare the Seasoning
For the spaghetti squash seasoning, you will need to heat some oil in a ladle. Take some chopped scallions in a small bowl and pour the hot oil onto it. Add about ½ tsp salt and 1 tsp light soy sauce to the bowl. Mix everything well.
Step 5: Mix and Serve
Pour the seasoning mix on top of the steamed spaghetti squash. Stir well until the seasoning is incorporated into the spaghetti properly. Serve the spaghetti squash hot.
Nutrition Facts of Spaghetti Squash
Each serving (about one cup or 155g) of Chinese spaghetti squash has only 42 calories. It is also low in carbs, so you can easily substitute it for pasta. The estimated nutritional value of the dish is given below.
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 1g
- Total Fat: 0.4g
- Total Dietary Fiber: 2.2g
- Total Sugar: 3.9g
- Sodium: 412mg
- Potassium: 247mg
- Calcium: 64mg
- Iron: 0.3mg
- Manganese: 0.2mg
- Vitamin A: 9.3IU
- Vitamin C: 5.4mg
Chinese Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Wash the spaghetti squash thoroughly and cut it in halves. Use a spoon to dig the seeds out of the squash.
- Put water in a steamer and bring it to a boil. Then, place the squash pieces onto the steamer and close the lid. Steam the squash for about 12 minutes or until they are fork tender.
- After cooking the squash, the inside will turn into strands like spaghetti. Scoop the strands out of the rind and keep in a bowl.
- For the spaghetti squash seasoning, you will need to heat some oil in a ladle. Take some chopped scallions in a small bowl and pour the hot oil onto it. Add about ½ tsp salt and 1 tsp light soy sauce to the bowl. Mix everything well.
- Pour the seasoning mix on top of the steamed spaghetti squash. Stir well until the seasoning is incorporated into the spaghetti properly. Serve the spaghetti squash hot.
FAQs
As spaghetti squash might be less familiar to you compared to regular squash, I answer some relevant questions below. Check them out.
What Chinese-inspired seasonings are used in this dish?
Light soy sauce is the only Chinese-inspired seasoning in this dish. I excluded the salt as it is commonly used in most cuisines for seasoning. Scallions are more of an aromatic ingredient than seasoning.
What are some optional toppings or garnishes to enhance the dish?
You can enhance the dish by topping it with some other steamed or stir-fried vegetables. I recommend topping the dish with steamed corn, carrots, etc., and garnishing it with some chili oil.
Can I add a protein like tofu or chicken to this dish?
Of course. You can increase the nutritional value of this dish by adding some protein to it. Chicken or pork can be great protein options. For vegetarians or vegans, tofu is a good alternative.
Can spaghetti squash be an alternative to gluten-free pasta?
Yes. Spaghetti squash is a healthier alternative to gluten-free pasta. Its fat content is also very low. So, it is beneficial to your health in many ways.
Conclusion
The narrow strands of spaghetti squash are crunchy and refreshing. Another good thing about this dish is its neutral flavor profile. You can add any of your preferred proteins and vegetables to enhance its flavor. If the squash is steamed correctly, it won’t be mushy at all.
I just love the change of flavor in my tastebuds after chewing noodles for a long time. Make this Chinese spaghetti squash recipe to enjoy a less popular yet delicious dish. Bring variations to the recipe to make the dish more suitable for your palette.
