Name: Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 large spaghetti squash; ¼ cup coconut aminos (or tamari if not paleo); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon coconut sugar; 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger; ¼ teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 3 stalks celery, sliced diagonally; 2 cups cole slaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)

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Introduction

Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein is a flavorful, healthy twist on a classic Asian favorite. Using tender spaghetti squash strands instead of noodles makes this dish light yet satisfying, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

The image shows two white bowls filled with a golden-brown mixture of fried shredded vegetables, mainly light yellow and orange strands, with some small bits of green and darker colors mixed in. The front bowl is in focus and full, showing the texture of the cooked vegetables, with the second bowl slightly out of focus in the back. The bowls sit on a wooden surface, and there are chopsticks and a white cloth napkin near the front bowl. In the background, there is a blurred small black container with white and colorful shredded vegetable pieces inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large spaghetti squash
¼ cup coconut aminos, or tamari if not paleo
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon coconut sugar
2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
¼ teaspoon white pepper, or black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 stalks celery, sliced diagonally
2 cups cole slaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the squash halves skin side up in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish and pour about ½ inch of water into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the flesh is very tender.
Step 2: Once baked, use a fork to scrape the flesh of the squash into strands, setting them aside while you prepare the sauce and vegetables.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, minced garlic, coconut sugar, grated ginger, and white pepper. Set this sauce mixture aside.
Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sliced celery, cooking and stirring frequently for 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften.
Step 5: Stir in the cole slaw mix and cook for about 1 minute until heated through.
Step 6: Add the spaghetti squash strands and the sauce mixture to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 7: Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For added protein, toss in cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu when stirring in the squash.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
Using tamari instead of coconut aminos will give a deeper soy flavor but avoid if following a paleo diet.
To make it more colorful, add bell peppers or snap peas along with the cole slaw mix.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking the squash. Avoid microwaving for too long to maintain texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a pile of golden-brown fried shredded noodles mixed with small pieces of vegetables like carrots, onions, and cabbage, showing a slightly crispy texture on top; in the background, a second white bowl holds a similar noodle dish, slightly out of focus, while a dark bowl partially filled with noodles sits to the right, and a small black cup with colorful shredded vegetables is blurred behind them all, resting on a wooden surface with a white cloth and a pair of wooden chopsticks to the left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of coconut aminos?

Yes, regular soy sauce can be used if you are not avoiding gluten or soy. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative. Coconut aminos offer a milder, slightly sweeter flavor perfect for paleo diets.

How can I tell when the spaghetti squash is fully cooked?

The squash is done when the flesh is tender and easily shredded with a fork into noodle-like strands. Baking for 30 to 40 minutes at 400°F usually achieves this.