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    Home » Recipes » Main Dish

    Asian Spaghetti Squash

    Published: Mar 1, 2018 · Modified: Sep 15, 2021 by Chellie Schmitz

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    white bowl of low mein using spaghetti squash in place of traditional noodles via @artfrommytable2 picture collage showing before and after of spaghetti squash stir fry. via @artfrommytableasian style spaghetti squash and vegetables mixed together in a white bowl topped with peanuts via @artfrommytable

    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.

    bowl of asian style spaghetti squash and Asian veggies
    Jump to:
    • Why you’ll love this recipe
    • Key Ingredients and Substitutions
    • Cooking the squash
    • Instructions 
    • Chef’s Tips and Variations
    • Common FAQ’s
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storing the Leftovers
    • 📋 Recipe

    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

    • Easy  to find fresh ingredients
    • Unique and flavorful
    • Nothing processed

    Key Ingredients and Substitutions

    ingredients to make asian style spaghetti squash
    • 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. 
    spaghetti squash sliced in half lengthwise cut side down on rimmed baking sheet.
    • 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.
    bowl of asian type sauce just mixed together.

    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.
    4 picture collage describing the steps to making asian spaghetti squash. 1. saute' vegetables; 2. add spaghetti squash noodles; 3. add sauce; 4. toss to coat.

    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

    How many calories are in spaghetti squash?

    When cooked, one cup of this vibrant veggie provides 42 calories and a boatload of nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and manganese. 

    Is it really a low-carb meal? 

    The same cup will give you 10 grams of carbohydrates and 2.2 grams of fiber. This means your net carbs will be 7.8 carbs per small serving. Compare this with traditional spaghetti pasta, which heaps on 41 net carbs per cup!

    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.

    white serving bowl with spaghetti squash and veggies tossed in sauce.

    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.

    Loving spaghetti squash? Don't miss these Loaded Spaghetti Squash Boats or Garlic and Herb Spaghetti Squash.

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    Your shares are how this site grows, and I appreciate each one. Do you know someone who would enjoy this recipe?

    I’d love it if you shared it on your favorite Pinterest board or Facebook! AND…if you like this recipe, please do me a favor and give it a ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ rating! TIA 🥰

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    📋 Recipe

    bowl of asian style spaghetti squash and Asian veggies

    Spaghetti Squash Thai Style

    Spaghetti Squash and fresh vegetables with a thai-peanut sauce. A lovely low carb option
    4.89 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Asian
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    cook time for squash: 50 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 245kcal
    Author: Chellie Schmitz
    Cost: $10
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 medium spaghetti squash
    • 1 red bell pepper sliced thin lengthwise
    • 5 ounces snap peas sliced thin, lengthwise. If you don't have a scale, measure about 1 cup after slicing.
    • 1 carrot sliced thin. can substitute shredded carrots, about ½ cup
    • ¼ cup green onions sliced
    • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    • chopped peanuts optional garnish

    sauce

    • ¼ cup soy sauce I use low sodium
    • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus more for sauteeing.
    • 2 teaspoon rice vinegar
    • ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
    • 2 Tablespoons honey
    • ¼ teaspoons siracha sauce This will be mild, add more if you like it spicy

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 375°
    • Cut the stem off the squash, slice in half lengthwise, remove the seeds. Drizzle the inside with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and place cut side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 50 minutes until fork tender. When cool enough to handle, use a fork or tongs to pull the "noodles" out. Put in a bowl and set aside. See recipe notes for other cooking methods.
    • Slice the vegetables thinly. This will help everything to cook evenly.
    • Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, olive oil, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, garlic and siracha in a bowl. Mix well. Set aside
    • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add vegetables and saute' until crisp tender, about 5 minutes.
    • Add the spaghetti squash, and the sauce, toss to coat. Serve.

    Notes

    • The nutrition calculator for this recipe doesn't accurately calculate the net carbs. It should be around 10g for 1 cup. Let's not get caught up in the numbers.
    • If you don't want to roast the squash, you can use one of these methods:
      • Instant Pot- pierce the squash with a pairing knife, cook on high pressure for 20 minutes, let stand 10 minutes. More details here.
      • Slow Cooker - Cook on high 3-4 hours, or on low 5-6 hours. 
      • Microwave- not recommended, dulls the flavor
    • Please keep in mind that Spaghetti squash doesn’t have the same texture as noodles. This recipe is a low-carb healthy alternative.
    •  cut down on time by cooking the squash, slicing the vegetables and mixing up the sauce up to 24 hours beforehand.
    • The veggies in this dish are sliced thin and uniform in size, this helps everything cook evenly.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Sodium: 631mg | Potassium: 401mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 2811IU | Vitamin C: 44mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!I love to see what's on YOUR table! Mention @artfrommytable or tag #artfrommytable on your favorite social.

    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.

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    about chellie

    ABOUT CHELLIE

    Chellie is the creator of Art From My Table, where her passion for delicious food and gathering with loved ones comes together. She believes anyone can cook a great meal, it doesn't have to be complicated or stressful. Her recipes and food photography have been featured in many publications including Buzzfeed, Southern Living, Today Food, and Fitness magazine. Read more...

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    1. Chellie Schmitz

      August 04, 2022 at 6:57 am

      👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼Thank you so much! Glad you loved it.

    2. Terri Davis

      July 31, 2022 at 10:54 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is absolutely delicious. 10/10 - will make again.

    3. chellie

      June 04, 2018 at 7:35 am

      So glad you enjoyed it! I love that it's low carb and still just as delicious. 🙂

    4. Kristen Chidsey

      June 04, 2018 at 7:32 am

      5 stars
      I have been craving Thai food, and this is the recipe that satisfied. Such a great way to serve up spaghetti squash.

    5. Katherines Corner

      August 04, 2016 at 11:04 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness, I just drooled... I invite you to share your post at my Thursday Link Party ( you can link until Sat midnight) we are celebrating our 250th week. I'm visiting from Karrens blog today. Pinned . Hugs

    6. chellie

      July 29, 2016 at 6:46 pm

      Oh, there's so much you can do with spaghetti squash! Enjoy!!

    7. chellie

      July 29, 2016 at 6:46 pm

      Aww, thanks!! We really enjoyed it!

    8. Sandra

      July 29, 2016 at 11:37 am

      5 stars
      This is a great recipe and your pictures are amazing!

    9. Megan@Left in Knots

      July 28, 2016 at 11:41 pm

      This sounds wonderful! I have a large spaghetti squash that has been sitting on my counter for a while now. I think I will try to make this this weekend, thank you!

    10. chellie

      March 20, 2016 at 7:12 pm

      LOL! It is a different texture than actual spaghetti. Could be a fun April Fools dinner! ha! Let me know if you try it. 🙂

    11. Kathleen

      March 18, 2016 at 10:15 pm

      Interesting. I've never had Spaghetti Squash before. I'm afraid my husband would come unglued. I might have to try it when he's out of town sometime.

    12. Nikki Frank-Hamilton

      March 07, 2016 at 12:57 pm

      5 stars
      Girl, you never fail to surprise me! LOL This looks so good. I've only tried spaghetti squash once, many years ago. When we were still eating gluten and processed food. Some anyway. I want to try this again, and this looks so delish!!! I've pinned, yummed and stumbled. Everyone deserves to spoil their family with good nutrition and great taste!

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