5 surprising foods you can cook in the microwave

Cooking in the microwave has revolutionized the way we prepare meals. Gone are the days when microwaves were solely used for reheating leftovers, TV dinners, or popping popcorn. Today, microwaves offer a surprising range of cooking possibilities that can save time, effort, and even expand our culinary repertoire. From quick breakfast options to delectable desserts, the microwave has become a versatile tool in the kitchen. The convenience and speed of microwave cooking allows you to whip up a delicious meal without the need for multiple pots, pans, or extensive preparation.  

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Scrambled eggs

Cooking scrambled eggs in the microwave is incredibly easy and takes just a few minutes. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Crack the desired number of eggs into a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Beat the eggs well using a fork or whisk until the yolks and whites are thoroughly combined.
3. Place the bowl in the microwave and cover it with a microwave-safe plate or microwave-safe plastic wrap.
4. Microwave on high power for 30 seconds, then carefully remove the bowl and give the eggs a good stir with a fork.
5. Return the bowl to the microwave and continue cooking in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval.
6. Keep a close eye on the eggs during the last few intervals to prevent overcooking. The eggs should be slightly runny when you remove them from the microwave, as they will continue to cook and firm up as they sit.
7. Once cooked to your liking, remove the bowl from the microwave, give the eggs a final gentle stir, and let them rest for a minute or two to finish setting.
8. Serve your fluffy scrambled eggs on their own, or you can get creative by adding toppings such as grated cheese, herbs, diced vegetables, or cooked bacon. You can also use the eggs as a filling for breakfast sandwiches or wraps.

Risotto

Risotto, a classic dish known for its creamy texture and rich flavors, may seem like a challenging dish to prepare. However, with the help of your microwave, you can achieve a delicious and satisfying risotto in a fraction of the time it takes to make it on the stovetop. The microwave method offers a convenient and hands-off approach to cooking this traditional dish.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make microwave risotto:

1. Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need Arborio or another short-grain rice variety, vegetable or chicken broth, diced onions, minced garlic, butter, white wine (optional), grated Parmesan cheese, and any additional ingredients such as vegetables or cooked proteins.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt a tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, then microwave on high for about 2 minutes or until the onions are translucent. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
3. Add the uncooked rice to the bowl and stir it into the buttery onion mixture until all the grains are coated.
4. If desired, pour in a splash of white wine and stir it into the rice mixture. The wine adds depth of flavor to the risotto.
5. Slowly add the vegetable or chicken broth to the bowl, one cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. Make sure the broth covers the rice completely.
6. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. This helps trap moisture, allowing the rice to cook evenly and absorb the flavors.
7. Microwave the risotto on medium-high power for 5 minutes. Then, give it a good stir to distribute the heat and promote even cooking.
8. Continue microwaving the risotto on medium-high power in 5-minute intervals, stirring after each interval. Repeat this process until the rice is cooked and has reached the desired creamy consistency. It typically takes around 20-25 minutes in total, but the cooking time may vary depending on your microwave’s power.

Bacon

You can cook crispy and delicious bacon in the microwave without the hassle of dealing with grease splatters or the need for a stovetop. Microwave cooking provides a convenient and mess-free way to enjoy this beloved breakfast staple. Here’s how to cook bacon in the microwave:

1. Start by selecting bacon that is thicker and has less fat, which helps it cook evenly in the microwave.
2. Take a microwave-safe plate or a microwave bacon tray and line it with a few layers of paper towels. The paper towels absorb excess grease, making the bacon crispier.
3. Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the paper towels, making sure they don’t overlap. If you’re using a bacon tray, place the bacon on the elevated ridges.
4. Cover the bacon with another layer of paper towels to prevent grease splatters in the microwave.
5. Microwave the bacon on high power for about 4-6 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon and your desired level of crispness. It’s best to start with a shorter cooking time and then add increments of 30 seconds if needed until the bacon reaches your preferred doneness.
6. Carefully remove the plate or tray from the microwave using oven mitts or a kitchen towel, as it will be hot. Take caution as the bacon and plate may release hot steam.
7. Allow the bacon to cool for a minute or two on the paper towels to further crisp up and absorb any remaining grease.
8. Transfer the bacon to a serving plate lined with fresh paper towels to blot off any additional grease before serving.

Steamed vegetables

Steamed vegetables are a nutritious addition to any meal, and the microwave provides a quick and efficient way to cook veggies without sacrificing their color, texture, or nutrients. Microwave steaming retains the natural flavors and colors of the vegetables. Here’s how to steam vegetables in the microwave:

1. Start by selecting your desired vegetables. Popular options for steaming include broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts. Wash the vegetables thoroughly and trim them into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. Place the prepared vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl or dish. For best results, add a small amount of water, about 2-3 tablespoons, to the bowl. The water will create steam and help cook the vegetables.
3. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. This allows the vegetables to steam while retaining moisture.
4. Microwave the vegetables on high power for 2-4 minutes, depending on the type and quantity of vegetables and your desired level of tenderness. Start with the lower end of the time range and add increments of 30 seconds if needed until the vegetables are cooked to your liking. It’s important not to overcook them to maintain their crispness and nutrients.
5. Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave, as it will be hot. Use oven mitts or a kitchen towel to protect your hands.
6. Gently uncover the bowl, taking caution to avoid the hot steam. Stir the vegetables to ensure even cooking and to coat them with any remaining moisture in the bowl.
7. Let the vegetables rest for a minute or two to finish cooking and to allow the steam to disperse.

Chocolate mug cake

Craving a sweet treat but don’t want to spend hours baking? Look no further than the microwave for a quick and indulgent dessert solution—a chocolate mug cake. With just a few ingredients and a microwave-safe mug, you can whip up a moist and fluffy single-serving cake in a matter of minutes. Here’s how to make a delectable chocolate mug cake:

1. Gather your ingredients. You’ll need all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, a pinch of salt, milk (dairy or plant-based), vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. You can also add optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra indulgence.
2. In a microwave-safe mug, whisk together 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Ensure the dry ingredients are well combined.
3. Add 3 tablespoons of milk, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mug. Stir well until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Incorporate any optional mix-ins at this stage.
4. Microwave the mug on high power for around 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on your microwave’s wattage, so start with the lower end and adjust as needed. The cake will rise and may slightly overflow the mug but will settle as it cools.
5. Keep a close eye on the cake while microwaving to prevent it from overflowing or becoming overcooked. You want the center to be slightly gooey but not raw.
6. Once the cake is cooked to your liking, carefully remove the mug from the microwave using oven mitts or a kitchen towel, as it will be hot.

More information

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