I remember the first time I tried to blanch squash in the microwave. It was a disaster. The squash came out mushy and overcooked, and I was left wondering what went wrong. But after some trial and error, I finally figured out the secret to perfectly blanched squash in the microwave. Today, I am going to share my quick and easy guide on how to blanch squash in the microwave.
Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment
Before we dive into the blanching process, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients and equipment at hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A squash of your choice (zucchini, yellow squash, etc.)
- A microwave-safe dish with a lid
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- Tongs or a fork for handling hot squash
- Cold water
- Ice cubes or ice water
Step 1: Prepare the Squash
Start by washing the squash under cool running water. Pat it dry with a clean towel. Then, using a sharp knife and cutting board, remove the ends of the squash and slice it into uniform pieces. You can choose to either slice it into rounds or cut it into strips, depending on your preference.
Step 2: Microwaving the Squash
Place the sliced squash into a microwave-safe dish. Make sure that the dish is large enough to hold all the pieces in a single layer. Add a small amount of water to the dish – about 1/4 cup should be enough. This helps to create steam, which will blanch the squash.
Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. This prevents the squash from becoming too watery and ensures that it cooks evenly.
Step 3: Microwave on High
Now it’s time to microwave the squash. Set your microwave to high power and cook the squash for about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slices. Start with 3 minutes and check for doneness. The squash should be tender but still have a slight crunch to it. If it’s not cooked to your liking, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until it reaches the desired texture.
Step 4: Stop the Cooking Process
Once the squash is blanched to perfection, it’s crucial to stop the cooking process to prevent it from becoming mushy. Carefully remove the dish from the microwave using tongs or a fork to avoid burning yourself. Place the dish on a heat-resistant surface and let it sit for a minute or two.
Ice Bath: The Secret to Crunchy Squash
To retain the vibrant color and crunchy texture of blanched squash, we need to cool it down quickly. This is where an ice bath comes in handy.
Step 5: Prepare an Ice Bath
While the squash is cooling down, fill a large bowl or basin with cold water and add ice cubes. If you don’t have ice cubes available, you can also use ice-cold water from your refrigerator. The key is to make it as cold as possible.
Step 6: Transfer the Squash to the Ice Bath
Using tongs or a fork, carefully transfer the blanched squash from the microwave-safe dish into the ice bath. Submerge it completely and let it sit for about two minutes. This process quickly cools down the squash, ensuring that it retains its vibrant color and crunchy texture.
Step 7: Drain and Serve
After the squash has cooled down in the ice bath, drain it well using a colander or a slotted spoon. Give it a gentle shake to remove any excess water. Your perfectly blanched, vibrant, and crunchy squash is now ready to be served!
Final Thoughts
Blanching squash in the microwave is indeed a quick and easy process that yields delicious results. By following these simple steps to prepare and cook the squash, and then using an ice bath to halt the cooking process, you’ll achieve a perfectly blanched squash every time.
Whether you’re planning to use it in a salad, stir-fry, or as a healthy side dish, blanched squash adds a vibrant touch to any meal. So, why not give it a try and enjoy the taste and texture of perfectly blanched squash in the comfort of your own kitchen?