Yellow squash is a versatile and delicious summer vegetable that can be cooked in various ways to bring out its unique flavor and texture. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook yellow squash properly at home and share with you tips on select the best squash.

1. How To Select Best Yellow Squash?

Size & Appearance: Choose yellow squash that is medium-sized, bright, and vibrant yellow color. Avoid squash that has dull or discolored skin, as it may indicate that it’s past its prime.

Weight: Yellow squash should feel relatively heavy for their size. Avoid squash that feels excessively light, as it may indicate that it’s dehydrated or has lost its freshness.

Stem: Check the stem end of the squash. It should be fresh, green, and intact. Avoid squash with dried or shriveled stems.

2. How To Cook Yellow Squash in Oven (Baked Recipe)

Ingredients

  • 4 yellow squash
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Wash the yellow squash thoroughly under cold water. Trim off the ends, and slice the squash into ½-inch thick rounds. Try to make the rounds as uniform as possible.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a seasoned mixture.

Add the sliced squash rounds to the bowl with the seasoned mixture. Toss gently until the squash is evenly coated.

Arrange the coated squash rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they do not overlap to promote even cooking.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the Parmesan coating turns golden brown.

Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the squash rounds cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.

Serve the oven-baked yellow squash rounds as a delicious side dish. They pair well with baked chicken breast, or as a vegetarian option with a salad.

3. How To Cook Yellow Squash on Stove (Sauteed Recipe)

Ingredients

  • 2 yellow squash
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil for added flavor

Instructions

Wash the yellow squash and zucchini under cold water. Trim off the ends, and slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds. You can also cut them into half-moons if you prefer.

Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil or butter and allow it to melt or heat up.

Once the oil or butter is heated, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Add the sliced yellow squash to the skillet. Stir them gently to coat them with the oil or butter and garlic. Spread them out evenly in the skillet.

Sprinkle yellow squash with salt and black pepper to taste. You can also add herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil for added flavor. Stir well to distribute the seasonings.

Cook the squash for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and lightly browned. Be careful not to overcook them, as you want to maintain their crispness.

Before removing the skillet from the heat, taste the sautéed vegetables and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference.

Once the squash and zucchini are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the sautéed yellow squash to a serving dish. They can be enjoyed as a side dish or served alongside baked chicken, fish, or pasta.

4. How To Cook Yellow Squash in Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 2 yellow squash
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: other seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder, paprika, or herbs like thyme or rosemary

Instructions

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature works well for cooking yellow squash.

Wash the yellow squash thoroughly under cold water. Trim off the ends, and slice the squash into ½-inch thick rounds or cubes, depending on your preference.

In a mixing bowl, drizzle the squash rounds or sticks with olive oil. Toss them gently to coat them evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you desire. Mix well to distribute the seasoning.

Place the seasoned yellow squash rounds or sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s essential not to overcrowd the basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.

Slide the basket into the preheated air fryer and cook the yellow squash for about 8-10 minutes, shaking or flipping them halfway through the cooking time. This will ensure that all sides cook evenly and become crispy.

After 8 minutes, check the squash for doneness. The slices or sticks should be tender on the inside and golden brown and crispy on the outside. If needed, you can cook them for a few more minutes until they reach your desired level of crispness.

Once the yellow squash is cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. They can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or a healthy snack.

5. How To Cook Yellow Squash in Microwave

Ingredients

  • 2 yellow squash
  • Water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: butter or olive oil, herbs, or other seasonings

Instructions

Wash the yellow squash under cold water. Trim off the ends, and cut them into slices or cubes, depending on your preference.

Place the yellow squash in a microwave-safe dish. Add a small amount of water to the dish, about 2-3 tablespoons. The water will create steam to cook the squash.

Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.

Microwave the squash on high power for about 4-6 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the squash pieces. Start with 4 minutes and check for doneness. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the squash is tender.

Carefully remove the dish from the microwave using oven mitts or kitchen towels, as it will be hot. Lift the lid or plastic wrap away from you to avoid the steam.

Drain any excess water from the dish. Be cautious as the steam and dish will be hot.

Season the cooked yellow squash with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. You can also add a pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.

Gently toss the squash to evenly distribute the seasonings. Allow it to sit for a minute or two to absorb the flavors.

Serve the steamed yellow squash as a side dish or use it as an ingredient in other recipes.

Yellow squash is a healthy and flavorful vegetable that can be cooked in numerous ways to suit your taste buds. By following the guides discussed in this article, you can prepare yellow squash in various ways that bring out its unique flavor and texture.

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Julia Jane is a home cook inspired by her mother's cooking. With the desire to share my cooking experiences with everyone, she created this website

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