There are plenty of meals to make in your microwave if you’ve got a decent recipe book. Here are four healthy ones you can consider making in your free time.
If you’re in a hurry, many delectable dishes can be wonderfully steamed or baked in the microwave. You don’t have to order takeout just because you forgot to defrost your meats, discovered you’re missing a critical ingredient, or don’t have time to preheat the oven if you have a microwave at home.
Even if you don’t want to make a big fuss, your microwave can assist you in getting something on the table quickly.
Although it’s difficult to prepare a lavish meal just using your microwave, there are plenty of quick breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
Because of its complex texture and flavor profile, raw meat may be too scary to tackle in the microwave, but seafood may be steam-cooked successfully.
Steaming is also a great way to use up any leftover fresh vegetables or eggs in your crisper.
If you are concerned that your snack or fast nibble will become radioactive, there is no need to worry.
According to the ACS (American Cancer Society), microwaves don’t employ gamma rays or x-rays to cook food, and there’s no evidence that they pose a health danger when used as directed.
Because the following recipes are simple, you should feel better about whipping up a quick supper in the microwave; fewer ingredients mean less of a dietary impact than fast-food options.
Going handmade is an easy solution. The good news is that preparing a well-balanced dinner does not take long. No stove or oven is required. You can get a long way with just a few ingredients and a microwave.
If you’re short on time, want to make a hot lunch at work, or simply don’t want to bother with a stovetop, here’s a list of seven delicious microwave meals. The best microwave meals and snacks to try when you have time on your hands are listed below.
1. Quesadilla with chicken
Time to prepare: 4 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 medium flour tortillas
- 12 cup cooked chicken strip or shredded chicken
- 12 cup sliced bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 14 cup shredded cheddar cheese
How to Prepare:
- On a dish, microwave the tortillas until slightly crisp. As they cool, they will dry out a little.
- In a mixing dish, combine the chicken, peppers, and taco seasoning, then heat for 1-2 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
- Spread the mixture evenly on one tortilla, then top with the cheese and the second tortilla.
- Cook for 25 seconds to one minute more, then slice and serve.
2. Baked potato with Toppings
It takes 10 minutes to prepare
Ingredients:
- Russet potato, cleaned and scrubbed
- To serve: sour cream
- To serve: fresh chive
How To Prepare
- Use a fork to poke holes in the potato, then massage it with oil and salt.
- Microwave the potato and bacon pieces together for 7-9 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the potato is soft. Take care not to burn the bacon.
- When the bacon is cool enough to handle, crumble it.
- Half the potato and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Top with cheese and microwave for 30 seconds more.
3. Meatballs and spaghetti squash
It takes 20 minutes to prepare this meal.
Ingredients:
- 12 thoroughly cooked meatballs
- 2 cups pasta sauce
- One spaghetti squash
- One tablespoon oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Serve with grated parmesan cheese
- Serve with chopped fresh parsley
How To Prepare:
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half and set it aside. If you’re having trouble, use a knife to make some holes and then microwave for 5 minutes.
- Remove the seeds and innards with a knife or spoon, then coat the surface with oil, salt, and pepper.
- Microwave the squash for ten to twenty minutes, or until it is soft and easily pulls away from the skin.
- Shred the squash into noodle-like strands using a fork.
- Microwave the meatballs and pasta sauce and cover it for 2 minutes or until the meatballs are well warm.
- Top each spaghetti squash half with meatballs and sauce, then sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley.
4. ‘Fried’ rice with eggs
This meal takes ten minutes to make.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup rice
- 1 cup of liquid
- 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame seed oil
- 12 cup frozen pea and carrots 2 slices bacon, diced
- 2 eggs fresh scallion to garnish salt to taste
How To Prepare:
- Mix the water, rice and soy sauce, sesame oil, and bacon in a big bowl. Stir the mixture very well then microwave for 5 to 10minutes, covered, until rice is fully cooked.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen peas and carrots.
- Whisk the eggs with the salt in a microwave-safe cup.
- Put the eggs and rice on a plate and microwave it for another two to three minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Cut the egg into tiny bits and add it to the rice.
- Serve garnished with scallions.
Final Thoughts
The most nutrient-dense cooking method is one that cooks quickly, heats food rapidly, and uses as little liquid as possible. These requirements are met by microwaving.
Microwaving food with a little water steams it from the inside out. This retains more vitamins and minerals than practically any other form of cooking, demonstrating that microwaved food can be nutritious.
But don’t get too wrapped up in the specifics. Vegetables are healthy in almost any form, and the majority of us don’t consume enough of them. The microwave is a technological marvel and also very convenient. You will enjoy it.
If you don’t have the appliance or you want to replace your old one, check out some efficient high-quality microwaves here.
