Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein

Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein is a delightful twist on a classic dish. This recipe combines the nutty flavor and unique texture of spaghetti squash with vibrant vegetables and savory sauces, making it suitable for any occasion. Enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or serve it impressively at gatherings. Its adaptable nature means you can easily customize it with your choice of proteins or additional veggies, ensuring everyone will love this healthy and flavorful meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Alternative: Spaghetti squash is low in calories and high in fiber, making this chow mein a nutritious option.
• Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 75 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into busy schedules.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily adjust the protein or add more veggies based on your preferences.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and fresh vegetables creates a mouthwatering dish that satisfies cravings.
• Great for Meal Prep: Store leftovers for easy lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Sheet Pan
• Sharp Knife
• Large Skillet
• Medium Bowl
• Fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Sheet Pan: Perfect for roasting the spaghetti squash evenly while allowing it to cook thoroughly.
• Sharp Knife: Ensures safe and easy cutting through the tough skin of the squash.
• Large Skillet: Ideal for sautéing vegetables quickly while providing ample space to mix ingredients.
• Medium Bowl: Great for mixing sauces without making a mess.

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Ingredients

Spaghetti squash sizes will vary and so will cooking times, so adjust accordingly if you’re cooking with anything smaller or larger than 3 pounds. You can add chicken, shrimp, beef or more veggies to this recipe. It’s totally adaptable!

For the Spaghetti Squash

• 1 Spaghetti Squash (@3lbs or 1365g)
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or low sodium soy sauce (use Tamari for gluten free)
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar (or distilled white vinegar)
• 1 Tablespoon oyster sauce or hoisin (for vegetarian)

For the Vegetables

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or grape seed oil)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 red bell pepper (thin sliced)
• 1 cup sliced snow peas (or sugar snap peas)
• 1 large carrot (julienned)

To Taste

• kosher salt (or sea salt)
• fresh cracked black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
• chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or hot sauce (optional)

How to Make Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Oil a sheet pan with olive oil to prepare for roasting the spaghetti squash.

Step 2: Prepare the Spaghetti Squash

Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and connecting strands. Place the cut side down on the prepared sheet pan.

Step 3: Bake the Squash

Bake for 45 minutes, or until the squash flesh becomes tender and separates easily into strands with a fork. Once done, gently loosen and remove the spaghetti strands from the shells. Set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, and oyster sauce (or hoisin for vegetarian). Set aside.

Step 5: Sauté Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic; cook until soft. Then add red bell pepper, snow peas, and carrots. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 2 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Add the spaghetti squash strands along with your prepared sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together until well-coated with sauce. Cook for about another minute until heated through. Be careful not to overcook; you want it firm but warm. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Garnish with cilantro and serve with hot sauce if you like some heat!

How to Serve Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein

Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. You can serve it as a main course or as a side dish. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

As a Main Dish

• Serve it hot straight from the skillet for a comforting and filling meal.
• Pair it with protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for an added boost.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions to add freshness and flavor.
• A sprinkle of sesame seeds can add a nutty crunch.

Accompanied by Sauces

• Offer chili garlic sauce or sriracha on the side for those who enjoy extra spice.
• A drizzle of sesame oil can enhance the overall taste with its rich aroma.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use large leaves of lettuce to wrap the chow mein for a fun, hand-held meal.
• Add additional veggies inside for crunch and texture.

How to Perfect Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein

Making the perfect Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve great results every time.

• Choose the right squash: Select a firm spaghetti squash that feels heavy for its size, ensuring better texture after cooking.
• Don’t overcook: Keep an eye on the cooking time; overcooked squash can become mushy and lose its ‘noodle’ quality.
• Adjust flavors: Taste your sauce before adding it to the squash, allowing you to adjust soy sauce, vinegar, or spices according to your preference.
• Mix well: When combining all ingredients in the skillet, make sure everything is evenly coated with sauce for balanced flavor.
• Add proteins wisely: If using chicken or beef, pre-cook them separately and mix them in at the end to maintain their juiciness.
• Experiment with vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies like broccoli or mushrooms based on what you have available or prefer.

Best Side Dishes for Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein

Pairing your Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition, balancing out the chow mein’s flavors.
2. Crispy Tofu Bites: Seasoned tofu cubes provide protein while offering a delightful contrast in texture.
3. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed in garlic give a refreshing crunch alongside your chow mein.
4. Asian Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar offers a crisp and tangy counterpoint.
5. Sesame Roasted Cauliflower: Roasted cauliflower drizzled with sesame oil enhances depth and earthiness to your plate.
6. Edamame Pods: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes for a healthy finger food option that complements your dish beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein can be simple, but here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Ignoring cooking time: Overcooking spaghetti squash can make it mushy. Keep an eye on the baking time to ensure the squash is just tender.
• Skipping the sauce prep: Failing to prepare your sauce ahead of time can lead to uneven flavor. Mix the ingredients together before cooking the vegetables for a cohesive taste.
• Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning can create a bland dish. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as you go for a flavorful experience.
• Using unripe squash: Choosing an immature spaghetti squash can affect texture and taste. Select squashes that feel heavy and have a hard shell.
• Overloading on toppings: Adding too many additional ingredients can overwhelm the dish. Stick to a few key veggies or proteins to maintain balance.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Portion into single servings for easy reheating later.

Reheating Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-4 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Make Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein?

To make Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein, bake the spaghetti squash until tender, sauté your choice of vegetables, mix them with a flavorful sauce, and combine everything together.

Can I customize my Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein?

Absolutely! You can add chicken, turkey, beef, or more veggies based on your preference. This recipe is highly adaptable!

Is Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein healthy?

Yes! This dish is low in calories and packed with fiber from the veggies and spaghetti squash. It’s a nutritious option for any meal.

What are good serving suggestions with Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein?

Serve this delicious chow mein alongside fresh salads or steamed vegetables. You can also pair it with protein like grilled chicken or tofu for added nutrition.

Can I use other sauces in my Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein?

Definitely! Feel free to use teriyaki sauce or sweet chili sauce instead of oyster or hoisin sauce for different flavors.

Final Thoughts

Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein is not only delightful but also versatile! You can easily customize this recipe with various proteins and vegetables, making it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try today; you won’t be disappointed!