This simple Steamed Butternut Squash makes the perfect healthy side dish for so many mains!
While I was visiting a friend once, I noticed she had a butternut squash on her kitchen table, much like the one that had been in my kitchen for the past two months. I asked her how long she’s had it, and we both laughed. Butternut squash is not only one of the most picturesque pieces of produce out there, but it has quite the shelf life. If it’s stored in a dark pantry, a whole butternut squash will stay good for two to three months. If you time it right, this beautiful squash can be the centerpiece of your autumn table decor for the whole season.
But alas, even the great butternut squash does not last forever. The time will come when you must do something with it. This squash is a versatile cucurbit with a slightly nutty flavor and a creamy texture, so it makes a great soup—which is how most folks encounter it cooked. While soup is an excellent option, there are so many ways to prepare a butternut squash!
This steamed butternut squash recipe is a great way to cook up this vegetable, even if you aren’t quite sure what you want to do with it yet. Once it’s steamed, the texture will be perfectly dense and creamy, and you can make any number of side dishes with it. Or, just enjoy the simple flavor of steamed butternut squash as a side dish on its own.
Is Steamed Butternut Squash Healthy?
Yes! Steaming vegetables is one of the healthiest ways to cook them, and steamed butternut squash is no different. The only ingredient in this recipe is butternut squash, which is naturally low in calories and fat. It’s high in potassium, fiber, and vitamin A, with moderate doses of vitamin C and calcium as well. This squash is filling and satisfying. It’s also vegan and gluten-free, so it’s suitable for many different types of diets.
Things To Do With Steamed Butternut Squash
While you can absolutely eat steamed butternut squash on its own, I like to think of this recipe as the first step of a greater plan. Here are a few things I do with my steamed butternut squash.
- Make Mashed Butternut Squash. This recipe calls for oven-roasted squash, but you can just as easily make it with steamed squash, especially if you’re pressed for time!
- Make Instant-Pot Butternut Squash Soup. Simply store the steamed squash in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to make it into a soup! The squash will already be cooked, so there’s no need to cook it again in the Instant Pot. Just add it to the blender with the other ingredients in step three.
- Sauté it for a crisp finish. Let the cooked squash air-dry on a layer of paper towels for 10-15 minutes. Spray the steamed squash with nonstick spray, and heat a shallow skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the squash, stirring every now and then, to brown all sides. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Steamed butternut squash can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze the cooked squash in freezer-safe Ziploc bags (squeeze as much air out as possible) for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Steamed butternut squash is an excellent side when topped with a bit of feta cheese (or other salty cheese) and some salt and pepper. I specifically love pairing it with salty mains, such as these Air-Fryer Brats or other types of sausage, because the sweeter flavor of the squash is a perfect complement. Of course, the main dish doesn’t have to be salty to work well with steamed butternut squash. You can pair it with any favorite protein. Try it with Crispy Breaded Chicken In The Air Fryer, Pan-Fried Boneless Pork Chops, or even as a holiday side along with a Thanksgiving Salad and some Air-Fryer Turkey Breast.
Ingredients
- Water for steaming
- 1 medium butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
Instructions
- Fill a pot with about 2 inches of water and bring to a boil.
- Place the butternut squash cubes into a steamer basket and lower into the pot, ensuring the water does not touch the bottom of the basket.
- Cover the pot with a lid and steam the squash for about 15 minutes, or until the cubes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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