This Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein is just my latest tribute to a long-time love: the versatile, delicious, easy-going spaghetti squash. Once I tried cooking spaghetti squash in the microwave, it opened up a whole new world and I’ve never looked back.
If you’re looking for more spaghetti squash goodness, see my Spicy Spaghetti Squash Beef Bowl, One-Pan Spaghetti Squash Chicken Chorizo Skillet, or even my Simple Spiced Spaghetti Squash for an easy side dish.
So when I saw Little Bits Of’s recipe on Pinterest (I love getting inspiration for meals on Pinterest! Do you? Follow along.) I knew I had to make my own version. I also have a bit of a thing for one-pan meals, specifically skillet meals, so when that concept is combined with spaghetti squash, I can’t resist.
Regarding the best pan for this Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein, I used a big cast-iron skillet. However, I’ve been reading this article/thread over on Serious Eats (huge Serious Eats fan here) and cannot wait to add a wok to my collection of kitchenware. I’ve recommended the one I have my eye on below the recipe, give it a look.
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One-Pan Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced thin
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cabbage, sliced thin
- 2 small carrots, shredded
- 1 2-lb spaghetti squash
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp fish sauce
- 1-inch worth of freshly-grated ginger
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 lb shrimp (peeled and de-veined)
- 5 oz cooked chicken (~1 large breast/thigh) chopped or sliced thin
- Green onions, spring onions, or chives
Instructions
- In a large wok or skillet, heat the coconut oil and sesame oil over medium-low heat. Cook the onions in the oil until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds, until fragrant, then add the sliced cabbage and shredded carrots. Cook for 10 minutes, until the vegetables are soft while you prepare the spaghetti squash.
- Carefully pierce the spaghetti squash rind several times at various places with a sharp knife. Microwave for 6 minutes on high, then turn the squash over and cook for an additional 6 minutes. Remove from the microwave, and split open from end to end, being careful of escaping steam. Let sit to cool while you prepare the sauce.
- Mix together the coconut aminos, honey, fish sauce, grated ginger, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove the seeds from the center of the spaghetti squash and scrape the spaghetti squash strands into the veggies in the wok or skillet. Stir together, then add the sauce, shrimp, and add the cooked chicken. Heat until the shrimp are pink and cooked, then taste for seasoning and add more salt, chili flakes, grated ginger, fish sauce, etc. if desired.
- Top with green onions, spring onions, or chives (snipped thin), and serve warm.
The Comments
Kelsey Preciado
Love this rendition!! That shrimp looks incredible!!
Grok Grub
Kelsey PreciadoOh, hai! 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration. <3
Cindy Saeger
Oh wow this looks amazing! I will definitely be saving this to make very soon!
candy
Love cooking with spaghetti squash, very versatile and filling. Like you added shrimp.
Grok Grub
candyShrimp is so easy and tasty, been loving cooking with it recently…
Madeline
I’ve only had spaghetti squash once but I loved it!! Love how you made chow mein out of this too. Delicious and healthy!
Grok Grub
MadelineYou should try it again! Life is too short to only eat spaghetti squash once. 🙂
Loren
OH! I will have to try this recipe. I am a beginner at squash spaghetti, but am getting the hang of it! 🙂 Looks yummy!
xo Loren
http://www.thinkelysian.com
Grok Grub
LorenTry cooking it in the microwave, that makes a difference!
Kristen
I LOVE spaghetti squash. I just started experimenting with it and this is such a great recipe to try! Thanks for sharing! I love everything chinese food 🙂
★★★★★
Klauss
This is exactly what you need, when you come home from work or a stroll in the park or culinary courses or holiday arrivals or thoughtfully leads to the home of beautiful strangers, and you need to quickly prepare dinner 🙂
★★★★★
Grok Grub
KlaussYes, haha exactly in those scenarios. 😉
Kate
I’ve always wanted to try spaghetti squash, this recipe looks great. I’m gluten free, this is a great option for chow mein, I miss my Chinese food!
Grok Grub
KateI know, Chinese food broke my heart when I converted to a healthier diet…
Debs
Love this idea. I’ve prepared Spaghetti squash with Italian type sauces but never Asian-inspired sauces.
Ruthie Ridley
Just what the dr. ordered!! I LOVE spaghetti squash!! xo
Julie Bonner
This looks so good! Pinning to save for later.
★★★★★
Grok Grub
Julie Bonner<3<3<3
Heather with WELLFITandFED
PALEO!!! I love it. This looks so good. Thank you for sharing. I have to cook for a bunch on Memorial day. Getting added to the list and pinned.
★★★★★
Marlynn @ UrbanBlissLife
This looks SO good! I’ve never tried to use spaghetti squash in this way. Love it!
Grok Grub
Marlynn @ UrbanBlissLifeDoing the Asian thing with it is a fun spin, I think. 🙂
Heather Davis
This looks absolutely amazing!
Bella B (xoxoBella)
I love that this uses spagetti squash. I am pinning this to make soon. Yum!
Lindsay Satmary
This sounds and looks quite delicious! We’re going to add this to our menu for next month. Thanks for sharing!
Jean Choi
This looks amazing and I’m salivating. Saving it to make soon. Love me some Asian flavors!
Grok Grub
Jean ChoiOh, hi! Ha, yes Asian flavors are one of my favorites, too!
Dawn
Wow! This looks crazy good! I’m soooo making this 🙂
★★★★★
Grok Grub
DawnDid you?! How’d it turn out?
Paleo Chinese Recipes
[…] One-Pan Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein (Grain-Free) […]
Lori
Had this tonight and followed the recipe exactly except didn’t add any salt. This was excellent!! My husband and I thought it was delicious and will be a repeater in our home! We had a delicious wine and enjoyed our dinner! Thank you1
PS I never write comments online…..
★★★★★
Fresh Planet Flavor
LoriThank you, Lori. I’m honored that you took the time to stop by and let me know how it went!
Adam
Can you cook the spaghetti squash without microwaving it and still get the same results? I saw that you said microwaving it makes a difference.
Fresh Planet Flavor
AdamI’ve found that cooking spaghetti squash in the oven results in a wetter result. Microwaving seems to keep the strands dryer, but cook them until soft at the same time.