How to Cook Sautéed Yellow Squash on the Stove Recipe (2024)

By: Author Wendi Spraker

Posted on - Last updated:

107 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe


Life’s simplest pleasures are the best. That definitely applies to this classic recipe too so let me show you this how to cook sautéed yellow squash on the stove recipe!

This is absolutely the best yellow squash recipe. You can make it with either grocery store or garden fresh yellow squash.

How to Cook Sautéed Yellow Squash on the Stove Recipe (1)

Simply add a few fresh herbs. It’s really that easy!

This simple side dish will quickly become one of your favorite recipes! It’s an easy side dish made with simple ingredients and is perfect any time of year.

Pick up these fresh vegetables at the farmers market or grocery store and you’l be eating sauteed yellow squash cooked your favorite way in minutes!

When you use these squash in your next squash casserole, you’ll need to know How to Freeze Yellow Squash Casserole (Easy Best Way)!

Since you are trying out squash recipes, here’s my favorite one! Best Southern Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe

Here’s What You’ll Need for Sautéed Squash

Contents show

  • Squash from the store or your own garden or the farmer’s market
  • A little butter or oil
  • A little bit of salt and pepper
  • Some fresh herbs (I recommend Thyme)

Here’s What You Do

  1. Wash the squash.
  2. Remove the stem and blossom end.
  3. There’s no need to remove the skin or seeds.
  4. Cut into 1/2″ disks and then halve or quarter to make bite sized.
  5. Saute in oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and then add seasonings.

(Pick a fresh yellow squash like this and then give it a good bath in the kitchen sink!)

How to Cook Sautéed Yellow Squash on the Stove Recipe (2)

Get Extra Flavor from Your Sautéed Squash

  • Use a sprinkle of parmesan cheese
  • Check for freshness by looking for soft spots
  • Use a squeeze of lemon juice to keep from browning and to add some acid
  • Cook in a cast iron skillet.
  • Cook in bacon grease over medium heat!
  • Flavor with a pinch of fresh thyme, sweet onions, bacon fat or black pepper
  • Caramelize the onions in the pan first by adding a bit of sugar and cook them low and slow before heating up the pan to quickly cook the squash.
How to Cook Sautéed Yellow Squash on the Stove Recipe (3)

Expert Tips for how to cook sautéed yellow squash on the stove recipe

Yellow Squash is a Summer Squash. These yellow crookneck squash and all yellow summer squash have a mild flavor and are a delicious summer side dish.

  1. While yellow squash usually have a mild flavor, you’ll sometimes find that they are a bit bitter. To address any bitter flavors, add salt!
  2. Squash have a lot of water! They are absolutely full of it. You can’t see it, but it’s there. So, as you cook them, the water comes out. Just ignore it is my motto.
  3. Squash have a natural sweetness and you can make the most of this as well as give a golden brown color by adding a pinch of sugar!
  4. To store leftover squash, place in an airtight container once they are cooled!
  5. Choose smaller squash for your sautéed squash recipe, they have the best and freshest flavor.
  6. You’ll have the most success if you cut the squash into 1/2″ coins and quarters.
  7. Allow the iron skillet to become VERY HOT before adding the squash. This allows for a nice crust to develop on the outside of the squash.

(Cut your squash into disks [coins] like this, make sure they are bite size. If they are still too big once cut into coins, then quarter them to be bite sized)

How to Cook Sautéed Yellow Squash on the Stove Recipe (4)

Tips and Tricks for Sautéed Squash

  • If you want to make more servings then cook more squash – 1/2 – 1 squash per person is usually enough, it depends on how much your family likes squash.
  • If you like your onions cooked a little more, you can put them in the pan before the squash. Same goes for the garlic. I put mine in together – but really, it is up to you.
  • Someone asked, so I’m adding it here, yes, please cook your squash in a little bit of oil/butter – it is in the recipe, but just want you to know.
  • The recipe is at the end of the post.
  • Squash in peak season are the freshest and taste the best.
  • If your squash taste too bitter when you are done, add salt.
  • If you finish cooking and there is too much water left in the pan either cook the squash more to evaporate the water (this will make the squash more mushy) or use a slotted spoon to scoop them out of the pan.
  • When choosing your squash, pick the smaller squash. The smaller ones have a lighter taste.
  • Figure one small squash per person or if the squash is larger then one squash per two people.
  • If you like for your onions to be more done, then put those in before you put the squash in the pan.
  • Make sure to cut your squash into bite sized pieces. Sometimes that is a disk shape and sometimes you must half for quarter the disk

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Freeze These Squash?

Yes, once they are cooked, you can freeze these squash, but they won’t have the same consistency when you thaw them. They will be more mushy. It’s best to just eat them fresh.

How Long Does This Last?

Once cooked, this dish will keep in the fridge for about 5 days if kept covered.

Can I Cook This in the Airfyer?

Yes, you can, spray with a bit of cooking spray and airfry at 400 for 3 minutes.

How to Cook Sautéed Yellow Squash on the Stove Recipe (5)

Watch Me Make This Dish

Ya’ll Help Me Out, OK?

I need your5 STAR COMMENTS BELOW🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟!Please scroll down and leave me a5 STAR COMMENT🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟because that lets the rest of the internet know thatTHISis a great place for yummy recipes! You know you can always email me with questions too!

How to Cook Sautéed Yellow Squash on the Stove Recipe (6)

Easy Yellow Squash Recipe

A simple way to prepare yellow squash on the stove top

5 from 34 votes

Print PinSave Rate

Course: Side

Cuisine: American

Keyword: how to cook squash, cooked squash

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 133kcal

Author: Wendi Spraker

Ingredients

  • 2 medium-size yellow squash
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp unsalted sweet cream butter
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  • Cut the squash into disks that are about ½ inch thick. If the disks are larger than mouth size, then cut them into quarters.

  • Give the onion a rough chop.

  • Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet on medium heat on the stovetop until the butter is melted and the oil/butter starts to glisten.

  • Add the squash, onion, garlic to the oil and cook until the squash becomes soft enough for your tastes (for me – that is about 5-6 minutes).

  • Add salt and pepper to taste and then sprinkle with the fresh thyme- serve hot and with salt and pepper offered on the table.

Notes

  1. If your squash taste too bitter when you are done, add salt.
  2. If you finish cooking and there is too much water left in the pan either cook the squash more to evaporate the water (this will make the squash more mushy) or use a slotted spoon to scoop them out of the pan.
  3. When choosing your squash, pick the smaller squash. The smaller ones have a lighter taste.
  4. Figure one small squash per person or if the squash is larger then one squash per two people.
  5. If you like for your onions to be more done, then put those in before you put the squash in the pan.
  6. Make sure to cut your squash into bite sized pieces. Sometimes that is a disk shape and sometimes you must half for quarter the disk.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Easy Yellow Squash Recipe

Amount Per Serving (0.5 squash)

Calories 133Calories from Fat 81

% Daily Value*

Fat 9g14%

Saturated Fat 7g35%

Cholesterol 5mg2%

Sodium 6mg0%

Potassium 593mg17%

Carbohydrates 12g4%

Fiber 3g12%

Sugar 6g7%

Protein 3g6%

Vitamin A 455IU9%

Vitamin C 37.9mg46%

Calcium 42mg4%

Iron 0.8mg4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Tried this recipe?Mention @loavesanddishes or tag #loavesanddishes!

This recipe originally appeared on these pages on April 20, 2018 and has been updated with new photos, new sections, more tips and tricks, expert tips, nutrition information, equipment information, video and more!

As I consider the things I’m thankful for today, I’m thankful for polite people. Thank you Lord.

Luke 6:31

And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

You May Also Love:

  • Best Southern Yellow Squash Casserole Recipe
  • Best Southern Oxtail Stew Recipe (Pressure Cooker)
  • How to Make Packet Gravy Better
  • How To Pressure Cook Chicken

Wendi Spraker

Wendi is the writer, CEO and dishwasher at Loaves and Dishes! When not in the kitchen or behind the computer, you can find Wendi serving on International Food Conference Boards, Speaking at various conferences, Leading and Cooking for the local Arts Council's "Taste of Stokes" events or donating home cooked goodies to various local non profits such as the Danbury Songwriters and Stokes Partnership for Children. Wendi is also a Registered Nurse with a Master's Degree and serves on her town's board of councilmen.

How to Cook Sautéed Yellow Squash on the Stove Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you cook squash so it doesn't get soggy? ›

The secret to zucchini with the best flavor and texture is roasting it in a 450°F oven. Roasting zucchini at a high temperature instead of baking or sautéing helps develop browning and a slight char on the outside, which keeps it from getting soggy.

How do you give squash more flavor? ›

As far as flavorings a lot of the time I'll just add some olive oil and cracked black pepper when roasting, then add butter just before I eat it. I also really like adding maple syrup or brown sugar and butter when roasting them.

Should you salt yellow squash before cooking? ›

To prevent the squash from being soggy, score its flesh, salt it, and let it stand for at least 15 minutes to draw water out, then pat it dry with paper towels. Scoring its flesh helps the salt penetrate it. Salting draws excess water out.

Should you cook squash cut side up or down? ›

Scoop the seeds out, place it cut side down on a pan with sides that has been oiled and cook until tender - a knife inserts through the skin and easily into the flesh. It doesn't matter as far as the cooking goes. The squash doesn't know the difference. Up and down is the only way to do it correctly.

How do you know when squash is done? ›

To check your squash for ripeness, press your thumbnail against the rind. If your thumbnail easily pokes through then the squash is not fully ripe yet. If your thumbnail cannot break through the rind and leaves only a dent at the most, then it is ready to harvest and to eat or put into storage.

How do you get moisture out of yellow squash? ›

Squash contains a lot of water, so you need to do a little prep work to mitigate for that. After slicing the squash, salt the slices and place them on a paper-towel lined baking sheet. Let it sit for 30 minutes so that the salt can draw out some of its water.

How long does it take for squash to get soft? ›

Combine sliced squash & chopped onion in a wire steamer basket, place over gently boiling water. Cover, & let steam. 10-12 minutes, until squash is fork-tender. Remove squash and onion to a large serving dish.

Why is my yellow squash so hard? ›

Dark yellow or yellow-orange squash with a firm rind is over-mature. Remove it from the plant and discard it. If over-mature fruits are not removed, the plant will stop yielding.

What season is the best for squash? ›

In temperate climates, sow seeds during the warmer months. In tropical zones, while squash can be grown all year round, it's best to sow during the cooler months. Sowing during the dry season will help reduce fungal problems in hot, humid weather.

What is the best season for squash? ›

Summer squash is one of the most prolific types of produce in summer, with zucchini, yellow squash, and pattypan squash bursting into harvest and flooding the markets throughout the season. You'll find baskets full of these summer squash varieties at your local farmers' market.

Why does my squash have no flavor? ›

If it's underripe, the squash won't have developed its signature taste. If it's overripe, it may be dry, mushy or flavorless. Follow these tips the next time you're at the grocery store or farmers market to find the perfect recipe-ready butternut squash.

Are you supposed to eat the skin of yellow squash? ›

The peel is edible and mild. Squash can be eaten raw or cooked. Try yellow squash: Baked into your favorite desserts for extra moisture.

Are you supposed to eat the seeds in yellow squash? ›

The seeds and skin are soft and fully edible. They are sometimes referred to as “soft shell squash” and as such, can be cooked or eaten raw. The entire squash is edible, versus the winter squash's hard seeds and shell that needs to be removed. The most common summer squash are yellow squash and zucchini.

Why did my yellow squash turn green when cooked? ›

its a reaction with sulfur + copper which can naturally occur in foods. It's cucumber mosaic virus. It is still edible, just makes the food look less desirable and therefore not as marketable.

How do you cut and cook squash? ›

Slice the butternut squash in half lengthwise, then place the halves side by side in the pressure cooker, and pour in 1 cup of water. Cook on high pressure (manual mode) for 12 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release, followed by a quick release. Sautéed butternut squash: Cut the squash into 1/2-inch cubes.

Is there a difference between roasting and baking squash? ›

Most recipes say to either bake or roast butternut squash—but what's the difference? While both cooking methods will turn the tough, raw gourd into a soft, sweet ingredient, roasting butternut squash is the more common process for achieving browned, crispy edges and a creamy interior.

How did natives cook squash? ›

Mature squash were often baked whole in the coals of a fire, or sliced and boiled. Strips of squash were laid in the sun to dry and then stored for use in winter.

Does squash need to be cooked? ›

As a certified executive chef, Tiner says the short answer is simple: Yes, you can. "You can eat raw squash, however, the taste may not be to everyone's liking," Tiner notes. "Squash contains a toxin known as Cucurbitacin E, which can give the squash a bitter taste.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Last Updated:

Views: 6242

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Birthday: 1992-02-16

Address: Suite 851 78549 Lubowitz Well, Wardside, TX 98080-8615

Phone: +67618977178100

Job: Manufacturing Director

Hobby: Running, Mountaineering, Inline skating, Writing, Baton twirling, Computer programming, Stone skipping

Introduction: My name is Wyatt Volkman LLD, I am a handsome, rich, comfortable, lively, zealous, graceful, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.