Peeling butternut squash without a knife: the easy trick (2 min)
Quick answer: To peel a butternut squash without a knife, prick it in several places with a fork, then microwave it for two minutes. The skin will soften and peel off easily with a peeler or by hand 🥳. No more hassle with stewed fingers!
Frequently asked questions about peeling butternut squash ❓
Why is the skin of butternut squash so tough? 🦾
Butternut squash has a thick skin to protect itself from cold and dryness. As a result, raw squash is one of the most difficult to peel. But don't worry, the microwave trick softens the skin without altering the flavor or texture of the flesh.
Can you eat the skin of the butternut squash? 🥗
Yes, the skin of the butternut squash is edible if it's organic and well-washed. But even when cooked, it can remain a little fibrous. For soups or stews, no problem! For gratins or roasted cubes, most people prefer to remove it for a more tender texture.
Does this trick work with other squash? 🍠
Absolutely! This technique also works with pumpkin, butternut squash, and even pumpkin. It's handy if you want to compare with pumpkin or try other varieties!
How to peel butternut squash without a microwave? 🔪
If you don't have a microwave, cut the squash in half, place it in the oven for a few minutes (180°C), or immerse it in boiling water for 3 minutes. The skin will be more tender and you can remove it with a peeler without forcing it.
What tools should you use to peel butternut squash? 🥄
A quality peeler works wonders on softened skin. For cutting raw squash, a large, sturdy chef's knife and a stable cutting board are essential. But honestly, with the microwave technique, all you need is your fork, a peeler, and two minutes!
Delicious ideas for cooking your butternut squash 🍲🧑🍳
- Oven -roasted in cubes with olive oil, thyme, smoked paprika, and pumpkin seeds. Perfect as a side dish or in a warm salad 🥗.
- In a velvety soup with coconut milk, curry and ginger for a very soft and fragrant result!
- Butternut squash puree , excellent as a replacement for potatoes: a real treat with fish or grilled chicken.
- Butternut and cheese gratin , for an ultra-melting version, to serve with roast meat or as a veggie dish.
- Stuffed Butternut Squash : hollow out the squash, fill with sautéed vegetables, quinoa, feta, walnuts… and bake! 😍
Need some air fryer inspiration? Butternut squash is delicious roasted like crispy fries!
Useful links and products 🛒
- Neary Butternut Slice
- Lorraine Pumpkin
- Best air fryer for roasting squash
- How to Cut All Squash (Chef's Knives)
Article written on June 10, 2024 – Last updated: October 10, 2025
The microwave trick for peeling butternut squash without a knife 🔥
Want to cook a butternut squash without ending up with a soggy arm? Good news: there's a super-simple and quick way to remove the tough skin from the butternut squash, without getting out a big knife or risking an accident! 🥳
This technique also works to make cutting easier. Perfect if your butternut squash is huge or very hard in the winter! 🥒
For more details, discover the complete explanation on Couteauxduchef .