Asian Spaghetti Squash

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Our Asian spaghetti squash recipe fuses ethnic flavor with a fall veggie staple for a healthy weeknight meal. If you want a unique, nutrient-dense dish that’s easy to put together, this is sure to be a hit!

One of my favorite take-out dishes is chicken lo mein. Those chewy flavorful noodles mixed with the crunch of the cabbage, fused with Asain flavors–YUM!

Since it’s not practical (or healthy) for us to eat take-out all the time, I wanted to create something with a similar flavor, but much more nutritious that we could enjoy more often.

Spaghetti squash to the rescue! Fortunately, this tasty gourd is a great alternative to traditional noodles and can still serve as a hearty base for an easy dinner.

If you love lo mein but need to nix the noodles, or would just like to try a new dish, you’ll really enjoy this spaghetti squash lo mein!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

• Spaghetti squash – This squash is abundant in the fall, and is available year round. Their unique structure causes them to become stringy when baked, which makes for great noodles! Zucchini is also a low-carb option for a noodle base that doesn’t require baking.
  
• Healthy veggies – Red bell peppers, snow peas, and carrots give a healthy crunch to this dish. The bok choy adds a nice leafy green. You can also switch it up by using red cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, or chopped broccoli
  
• Peanut butter – Packed with protein and healthy fats, peanut butter adds nutrition and flavor. Use an organic or natural variety with no sugar to keep it extra clean.
  
• Tasty sauce ingredients – A fusion of eastern and western ingredients come together to make your sauce simple and scrumptious! Spicy sriracha and a touch of honey bring complexity and balance to the flavor. For a truly gluten-free meal, use tamari instead of soy sauce.  

This Asian-style spaghetti squash is an exotic addition to your menu that will become a fast favorite.

With healthy vegetables, far lower carbs than noodles, and no gluten, you’ll know you’re fueling your body with nutrition.

It’s worth mentioning that these noodles have a different texture than regular pasta, so be prepared for a unique, flavorful healthy alternative.

Cooking the squash

There are several ways to prepare spaghetti squash.  I use different methods depending on the results I’m looking for. I’ve noted those below.

• Instant Pot – my preferred method for the least amount of time and effort.  Here’s how to make spaghetti squash in an Instant Pot.
• Slow Cooker – Cook on high 3-4 hours, or on low 5-6 hours. This method gives you a softer texture.
• Oven Roasting – Roasting causes some caramelization which produces a sweeter, nuttier taste and fuller flavor. I tend to use this method when I’m serving it with a milder sauce, or plain.
  • Slice in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, roast cut side down at 375 for 50 minutes.
  • Or, you can slice into rings which results in longer noodles. 

• Microwave  – While it’s possible to steam in the microwave, this isn’t recommended because it tends to dull the flavor.

Instructions 

STEP ONE | COOK THE SQUASH

• Using your preferred method cook the squash. (see above and/or recipe notes)
• When cool enough to handle, remove the noodles and set aside.

STEP TWO | PREP VEGGIES & SAUCE

• While your squash cooks, slice up the vegetables. 
• Combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl, and mix well.

STEP THREE | SAUTE’

• Heat olive oil on medium heat in a large skillet.
• Add the veggies and cook for about 5 minutes, they should be crisp-tender.
• Add the spaghetti squash noodles to the skillet followed by the sauce and toss until everything is mixed well and the sauce coats everything.
• Garnish with additional sliced green onions, Sriracha sauce, and chopped peanuts if desired.

Healthy meals don’t have to be boring! This noodle alternative is a great conduit for rich flavor and matches perfectly with the savory, spicy, and slightly sweet elements in the sauce.

You’ll be surprised how tasty this can be with such simple ingredients and easy steps.

Chef’s Tips and Variations

• Please keep in mind that Spaghetti squash doesn’t have the same texture as noodles. This recipe is a low carb healthy alternative, not a copycat. 
• You can cut down on time by cooking the squash, slicing the vegetables and mixing up the sauce up to 24 hours beforehand.  This will make your actual cook time under 15 minutes!
• Another short cut is to use shredded carrots that you can find in the produce section instead of cutting it yourself. Use about one half cup. 
• The veggies in this dish are sliced thin and uniform in size, this helps everything cook evenly.
• Don’t overcook. The veggies are meant to be sauteed until crisp tender. This gives the dish a crunchy, lighter element.

Common FAQ’s

Keep in mind, carbs aren’t bad, they give you energy. But there are different types of carbs that have different effects on your body. This dish is full of non-starchy carbs and will leave you feeling well and satisfied.

Serving Suggestions

• Add some protein: Chicken, shrimp, or pork pair well with this. Or, serve the squash alongside these Sesame Chicken Drumsticks to satisfy bigger appetites
• Add more warm veggies: Include a green vegetable like these Garlic Roasted Green Beans
• Pair with a sweet salad: Balance it out with some fruit and keep it light with our Fall Salad with fresh pears.

Storing the Leftovers

If you have any left, it can be covered and put in the fridge for a day or two. The sauce and noodles can be reheated nicely in a skillet or frying pan. 

The sliced vegetables won’t have the same crunch as the first time around, but are still just as tasty!

While it’s possible to freeze leftovers for later, this dish is best eaten fresh. After being frozen and thawed,  the vegetables tend to be too mushy and watery.

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Update Notes: This post was originally published in March of 2018. In September of 2021, I tweaked the recipe, added step-by-step instructions, new photos, and updated cooking methods.