In many kitchens, the microwave is only used to defrost or reheat food. What if there was a way to use it to make delicious food that tastes like it came from a slow cooker? Here are some great recipes that take a limited number of ingredients and very little time in the microwave, perfect for those on the go.
Breakfast
1. Scrambled Eggs
Place scramble eggs in a bowl in the microwave in increments of 30 seconds, stirring each time until cooked through. Adding in sliced veggies will make a filling breakfast.
2. French Toast in a Cup
Two minutes in the microwave is all this takes! Mix torn bread with whisked eggs, add in a dash of cinnamon and some vanilla extract to make the taste authentic.
3. Poached Eggs
In a microwave-safe dish, add hot water, salt, vinegar, and an egg. Just 2-3 minutes in the microwave will make this egg perfect on its own or as a breakfast sandwich topper.
4. Chocolate Chip, Banana, Peanut Butter Breakfast Cookie
Mixing up 1 egg white, 1/3 C oats, 1T peanut butter, 1t vanilla, 1/4t baking powder, 1T chocolate chips, a dash of cinnamon, and a banana will make this cookie that tastes like dessert for breakfast. Approximately 2 minutes in the microwave will bring satisfaction to a sweet tooth in the morning.
5. Quiche in a Mug
Unlike a traditional quiche, this version uses torn bread for the crust. Top this with the desired mixture of eggs, vegetables, butter, and milk. This recipe takes 1 minute, and remains versatile and perfect every time.
Snacks
6. Popcorn
This is actually cheaper than store-bought microwave popcorn. All that is needed is a paper bag, corn kernels, and some tape. Microwave for 1 minute and 45 seconds. Great for a last-minute movie night.
7. Potato Chips
This is a real thing! Microwaved chips have way less oil than those that are store bought, and they are very simple. Just don’t overcook them – they continue crisping as they cool off. If you don’t have a mandolin to thinly slice them, 1/8-inch thickness is okay. Toss with oil and salt, and microwave 2 to 3 minutes at a time. Check frequently to prevent over cooking.
8. Toasted Coconut
Shredded coconut in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time will render perfectly toasted coconut flakes in less than 10 minutes. Don’t forget to stir in between cooking.
9. Toasted Nuts
This will not change the color of the nuts like the traditional oven roasting method, but it will give them the same crunch and taste when the oils are released. Cook nuts at 1 minute intervals.
Lunch and Dinner
10. Steamed Vegetables
All that is needed is a microwave safe container that has a cover, and vegetables. The great thing about cooking vegetables in the microwave is that they may better retain the nutritional value because of the short cooking time. Cook each side for 1 minute.
11. Corn on the Cob
This can be made in just 4 minutes. The trick to this is to cook the corn with the husks still on. Not only is this easier than the stove top method, it also leaves less of a mess.
12. Meatloaf in a Mug
A handful of ground beef mixed with onion soup, or any kind of seasoning mix, will make a hearty dish in a snap. Total time equates to 15 minutes. Serve this with a salad to make a complete meal.
13. Egg-Stuffed Pepper
Hollow out a bell pepper, fill it with eggs and spices, and pop it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. The iron in the eggs should be accompanied by vitamin C in order to be absorbed properly, this solves that problem in a snap.
14. Quick Polenta
So easy to make in the microwave, this comfort food can be paired with greens to make an easy meal that has so much flavor that you’ll forget that it was made in the microwave. 1 C water added to ¼ C polenta and a pinch of salt. 2.5 minutes in the microwave, followed by a bit of milk or cream and a few more minutes will render perfect polenta.
15. Coffee Cup Chilaquiles
Tortilla chips, salsa, egg, and cheese are all it takes to make this recipe that is part quesadilla, part nacho. Leftover chicken or beef can be added to ramp up the protein. Total time equates to 1 minute and 10 seconds.
Desserts
16. Microwave Cheesecake (1-Minute)
This simple dessert is made with 2 oz. cream cheese, 2T sour cream, egg, 1/2t lemon juice, 1/4t vanilla, and 2 to 4T of the sweetener of choice. Top this with fresh fruit for a filling fix for a sweet tooth.
17. Single Serve Brownie Cake
Made easily with 3T cocoa powder, 1/4C unsweetened applesauce, 1/4t baking powder, pinch of salt, 1t vanilla, and 1t maple syrup for added sweetness. This cake is vegan, gluten free, low fat, sugar free, and grain free. 1 minute cook time.
18. Coffee Cake in a Cup
1T Butter softened at the bottom of a cup then mixed with 2T sugar to make the crumbles. Adding an egg will make it more like a cake, but it is optional. 2T Sour cream, a few drops of vanilla, 1/4C flour and 1/8t baking powder will make the cake portion. For more crumb topping, 1T butter, 2T flour, 1T brown sugar, and 1t cinnamon mixture can be added on top of this. 4-5 minutes in the microwave will make a sweet coffee cake.
19. Vegan Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie
Unbelievably easy! A ripe banana, 3T almond milk, 3T rolled oats, 2T pumpkin, 1T nut butter, 3T raisins, 2t ground flaxseed, 1/2t pumpkin pie spice, and 1/4t cinnamon get mixed all together to make this cookie in just 5 minutes in the microwave.
20. Oatmeal Cookie Dough Mug Cake
2T Coconut flour, 2T quick oats, ¼t baking powder, 2t brown sugar, 1/4C almond milk, one egg, and 1T chocolate chips or raisins make up this single serving cake. Cook time: 5 minutes.
The best part about these recipes is that the majority of the cleanup only involves wiping out the microwave when you’re done. Most of the ingredients can be found already in the pantry and the recipes don’t require an entire day dedicated to baking just to get a tasty meal. Plus, any combination of these can be put together for an entire filling meal.
