How To Cook Gem Squash In The Microwave

You can cook gem squash in the microwave in about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on its size and wattage.
 
It’s honestly one of the easiest ways to prepare this delicious little squash, and you don’t even need to peel it first.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to cook gem squash in the microwave without turning your kitchen into a sauna, you’re in the right place.
 
The microwave method steams the squash from the inside out, giving you tender, sweet flesh with almost zero effort.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to cook gem squash in the microwave, plus tips for flavoring it and avoiding common mistakes.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Cook Gem Squash in the Microwave

Cooking gem squash in the microwave is quick, simple, and practically foolproof when you follow a few key steps.
 
Here’s the whole process broken down.
 

1. Wash and Pierce the Squash

Start by rinsing your gem squash under running water to remove any dirt from the skin.
 
Then, use a sharp knife to pierce the squash a few times all around.
 
This step matters because it lets steam escape while the gem squash cooks in the microwave.
 
Skip it, and you risk the squash bursting open inside your microwave, which is a mess nobody wants to clean up.
 

2. Microwave on High Power

Place the pierced gem squash on a microwave-safe plate and cook it on high for 5 minutes.
 
After that, flip it over gently using tongs and microwave it for another 5 minutes.
 
A medium gem squash usually takes around 10 to 12 minutes total to cook in the microwave.
 
If yours is on the larger side, you may need closer to 15 minutes.
 

3. Check for Doneness

You’ll know your gem squash is done when the skin feels soft and a knife slides through it easily.
 
You can also squeeze it lightly with tongs to check for tenderness.
 
If it still feels firm, microwave it in 2-minute bursts until it’s fully cooked.
 

4. Let It Cool and Cut It Open

Once your gem squash is cooked, let it rest for about 5 minutes before handling it.
 
It’ll be extremely hot, so give it time to cool down a bit.
 
Then, cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
 
The flesh should be soft, golden, and ready to eat straight from the shell.
 

How to Flavor Gem Squash After Microwaving

Plain gem squash tastes mildly sweet and slightly nutty, but it really shines once you add a little something to it.
 
Here are some simple ways to season your gem squash after cooking it in the microwave.
 

1. Butter and Salt

A pat of butter and a pinch of salt is the classic way to enjoy gem squash.
 
The butter melts right into the warm flesh, and the salt brings out its natural sweetness.
 

2. Garlic and Herbs

Sauté a little minced garlic in butter and spoon it over your gem squash halves.
 
Add chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a savory twist that pairs well with any main dish.
 

3. Cheese Please

Sprinkle grated cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella over the squash and microwave it for another 30 seconds.
 
The cheese melts into a gooey topping that turns your gem squash into pure comfort food.
 

4. A Squeeze of Lemon

A little lemon juice brightens up the flavor of gem squash and cuts through the richness of butter or cheese.
 

Tips for the Best Microwave Gem Squash

Getting your gem squash perfect in the microwave comes down to a few small details.
 
Here’s what to keep in mind.
 

1. Size Matters

Smaller gem squash cook faster, so adjust your microwave time based on size.
 
A tiny one might be ready in 6 to 8 minutes, while a big one could take up to 15.
 

2. Don’t Skip the Resting Time

Letting the gem squash sit for a few minutes after microwaving allows the heat to distribute evenly.
 
This makes the flesh softer and easier to scoop.
 

3. Use a Microwave-Safe Cover

If you want extra steam, place a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel over the plate.
 
This helps the gem squash cook more evenly and keeps your microwave clean.
 

4. Watch Your Wattage

Every microwave is different, so start with less time and add more as needed.
 
An 800-watt microwave will need more time than a 1200-watt one.
 

So, Can You Cook Gem Squash in the Microwave?

You can absolutely cook gem squash in the microwave, and it’s one of the fastest ways to get tender, flavorful squash on your plate.
 
Just wash it, pierce it, microwave it in bursts, and let it rest before cutting it open.
 
From there, you can keep it simple with butter and salt or get creative with garlic, herbs, or melted cheese.
 
Cooking gem squash in the microwave saves time, saves energy, and delivers delicious results every single time.
 
Now go grab a gem squash and give this method a try tonight.