Foods You Didn’t Know You Could Microwave
Quick and easy meals are a must when you just don’t seem to have the time to slave over a hot stove. Fast food is an option, but not really a healthy one and certainly not something you want to eat every day. You can make some really delicious and great dishes in your microwave in the time it takes to strip off your work clothes and get into comfy sweats.
If the only image you have is of a frozen microwave dinner, think outside of that box and think of the possibilities open to you using everyday ingredients and your microwave. Here are 10 foods you didn’t know you could microwave.
1. Eggs
If you’re in a mad rush in the morning, or just want a comforting quick meal at night, go for eggs. You can cook them any way you like – poached, scrambled, sunny side up or even hard boiled, or include them in some protein microwave recipes. Just make sure you don’t try cooking them inside the shell. The beauty is that you can add your seasonings during the cooking process and have delicious eggs ready in a matter of minutes.
2. Steamed Fish
If you love steamed fish but don’t really feel like researching lengthy cooking methods, steam your fish in the microwave. Salmon is a really good fish to steam in the microwave and it’s really easy to do. Put your favorite piece of fish on a plate, add your favorite seasonings like lemon juice, parsley, garlic, etc. then cover the entire plate in cling film and microwave for up to 5 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. Add some vegetables to your plate as well and you have a complete and healthy meal.
3. Corn On The Cob
Who doesn’t love to sink their teeth into a hot cob of corn smothered in butter? Yum, yum! The only trouble is, that cooking corn to perfection can take quite a lot of time in a pot of water or on the indoor grill. Get a whole corn cob and don’t peel off the husk. Keep them under wraps and toss them in the microwave for a few minutes. Then peel and add butter. It’s the easiest and fastest way to enjoy corn on the cob.
4. Mug Cakes
Everyone has faced that late night craving for something sweet, only to find the fridge and pantry devoid of anything to squelch that sugary craving. Mug cakes have been all the rage and can be whipped up in your microwave in a matter of minutes. Recipes for mug cakes are readily available so you can have a hot and sweet dessert ready in a flash. Once you get the batter basics done, your flavor combinations are only limited to your imagination and what you have available.
5. Crispy Bacon
Nothing draws a crowd like the smell of bacon cooking and for most people, the crispier, the better. You can get your bacon super crispy and crunchy in the microwave. Place your bacon in a single layer on a couple of pieces of kitchen paper on a plate. Cover with another layer of kitchen paper and then an upside down plate. Zap in the microwave for 3 to 5 minutes and once it’s crisp to your satisfaction, remove it from the paper towel and enjoy.
6. Pasta
Many students at universities need to get creative with food on a budget and pasta is usually the way to go. Student rooms don’t have space for a full kitchen and most students may only have a microwave for frozen meals or reheating leftovers. Pasta can be cooked from scratch in the microwave. Simply put your pasta in a microwave-safe bowl with a bit of salt and cover with water. Microwave for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the pasta, drain off the liquid and smother in your favorite sauce.
7. Mashed Potatoes
Who doesn’t love a plate of mashed potatoes with lots of cream and butter? It’s the perfect side dish or you can eat it on its own. The old-fashioned method of boiling potatoes and then mashing is fool-proof but if you want this tasty food in a rush, try making them in the microwave. Simply wash your potatoes and peel them if you need to. Place the desired amount in a large, microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 8 to 10 minutes. Once they are fork-tender, transfer them to a large bowl, mash them and add cream or milk with lots of butter. Season to taste and dig in.
8. Nachos
Nachos are the perfect game day snack and if you’ve just been invaded by your friends who are screaming for food get a pile of nachos going in the microwave. Arrange your tortilla chips on a plate and smother with cheese and any other toppings you love. Microwave for a minute or two and silence those rumbling tummies.
9. Roast Nuts
If you love roasted nuts or need them for a recipe, you can do them in minutes in the microwave. Place them in a single layer on a plate and microwave for a minute at a time until they are roasted to perfection. Depending on the nuts, they may even come out tastier than giving them a traditional roasting.
10. Lobster
For a five star dinner, get some lobster tails without the shell and give them a butter bath. Simply place the cleaned lobster tails in a bowl, spread with butter and cover with some cling film. Microwave for 5 or so minutes and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with a fresh salad and enjoy a quick and delicious meal even if you just got home 10 minutes ago.
Low and slow is always a better option when it comes cooking fabulous dishes, but we all have days when we simply don’t have the time to do anything but whip up something fast. Don’t let a lack of time be the excuse for pigging out on burgers and fries when you can do so much better and faster in your microwave.
