Microwaves are not only limited to reheating as they can also be the most convenient tool for dishing out a variety of preparations. The microwave method of cooking is not only easy but also healthy as it preserves some of the vital nutrients such as vitamin C that often break down in the other methods of cooking. I am one of the avid microwave users who can cook almost anything in it and the results are flawless every time. If you are wondering what foods you can microwave, this post is going to help you for sure.
There are several types of foods that you can microwave such as rice, baked potatoes, steamed vegetables, corn, ramen, pasta, poached eggs, scrambled eggs, bacon, chicken, seafood, oatmeal, brownies – to name a few. Some of these dishes taste better when cooked in a microwave than in the oven.
What foods can you cook in a microwave?
You can microwave many dishes once you know the recipe. From staples like rice, quinoa, and root vegetables to protein-rich main courses with seafood and chicken to desserts such as brownies and pudding – you can prepare a full course meal in a microwave. Here are some foods that you can quickly microwave and enjoy.
- Rice: Put 1 cup rice and 2 cups of cold water in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it uncovered for 10 minutes, take it out, cover it, and microwave again for 4 minutes. Your rice will be done.
- Baked potatoes: Wash the potatoes, poke them with a fork, and microwave for 5 minutes. Your baked potatoes will be ready to serve.
- Steamed vegetables: Put your choice of veggies in a bowl with a little water. Cover the bowl and microwave for 5 minutes.
- Pasta: Put the pasta in a bowl, cover with water, and microwave for 3-4 minutes. You can also microwave the bowl on top of a plate to avoid water spilling over.
- Ramen: Put the ramen with water in a bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes. Add the toppings and herbs of your choice and you’re good to go.
- Bacon: Place 2-3 layers of paper towels in a flat microwave-safe tray. Place the bacon without overlapping and microwave for 4-5 minutes.
- Poached eggs: Crack the eggs into a bowl that’s filled with water. Prick the yolks with a toothpick, cover the bowl, and microwave for 1 minute.
- Baked chicken: Slice the chicken breasts and pound them with a meat tenderizer. Add salt, pepper and microwave it for 5 minutes in a baking tray covered with plastic wrap.
- Garlic prawns: Devein the prawns and put them in a microwave-safe dish. Make a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper and pour it on the prawns. Microwave for 5-6 minutes.
- Brownies: Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, and salt in a mug and then add oil, milk, and vanilla essence. Microwave uncovered for 1 minute and enjoy.
Can I cook anything in a microwave?
You cannot cook anything in a microwave because microwaves aren’t designed to cook certain foods such as whole eggs, grapes and some vegetables. When you put these things inside the oven, they may explode. Also, cooking some foods such as processed meat is considered unhealthy because uneven heating of microwaves may leave some areas of the meat undercooked.
Microwaves can sometimes cook foods quicker than other appliance, which makes them the most convenient option. You can cook all the foods that I have mentioned above in your microwave. However, being said that, I won’t suggest you to cook everything in a microwave. (Recommended article: ‘Can You Microwave an Egg?‘)
What foods can I reheat in a microwave?
Some common leftover foods suitable for microwaving are rice, potatoes, vegetables, milk, cheese, pasta, ramen, pork, chicken, poached eggs, and scrambled eggs. All you need to make sure is that you are using a microwave-safe container to reheat these foods.
All the foods that you can cook in a microwave are safe for microwave reheating. However, you also need to ensure that you do not reheat the foods such as whole eggs, grapes, and sauces that are not suitable for microwaving.
What foods can I make if I only have a microwave?
You can microwave and enjoy a variety of meals including all that I have mentioned above in case you only have a microwave. Cooking these foods in a microwave is not only convenient but also safe. The uneven heating of the microwave will not affect the above foods when it comes to their nutrition values. Besides preserving the nutrients, microwaving will also add to the taste of these foods.
Is microwave food bad for our health?
The World Health Organization says that microwave foods aren’t bad for our health. The microwave method of cooking can be good for the health as it retains some of the vital nutrients in the food, which can be lost in other cooking methods. For this reason, many experts believe that microwave cooking is better than other cooking methods. (Recommended article: ‘Is Microwave Unhealthy?‘)
Is it healthy if I eat microwave meals every day?
There is nothing to worry about your health if you want to eat microwave-cooked meals every day. Many people think that microwave radiations make food unhealthy, which is not true. There is no evidence of side effects from microwave-cooked meals so far. In fact, the World Health Organization approves microwaving as a safe and convenient cooking method.
Related Questions:
Can I microwave food twice?
Yes, you can microwave leftover foods twice or as many times as you want. While some foods can be reheated uncovered, some might need a cover for microwave reheating. However, you may need to make some adjustments to reheat twice, the foods that tend to dry out.
What are some best microwave-ready meals?
Today, there is a huge option when choosing microwave-ready meals. Some great options are risotto, ramens, pasta, grilled chicken, marinated meat, seafood curries, and grilled vegetables. While heating these foods in the microwave, you need to stick to the instructions provided on the label.
Is plastic microwave safe?
Not all plastics are microwave-safe and hence it can be harmful if you microwave something in a plastic container unknowingly. Some plastic containers and wraps are mentioned as microwave safe, which you need to use for microwaves. These plastics are usually BPA and phthalates free, which means that they do not release harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates.
Which containers are suitable for microwaves?
Glass and ceramic containers labeled as microwave safe are the most suitable option for microwaving. Plastic containers that are labeled as microwave safe are also good choices. Any kind of container that has a metal rim is not suitable for microwaves.
Some glass and ceramic containers are not suitable for microwaves and these are not labeled as microwave safe. Hence, it is always a better idea to know what’s written on the label. Using improper utensils for microwaving can cause it to melt or break, which can be very harmful to health.
Which type of container should I prefer for microwaving?
Round and oval-shaped containers are the best options for microwaving because, in these containers, the heat is evenly distributed than the others. In square and rectangular-shaped containers, there is a tendency for the food to get overcooked in some areas, especially at the corners.
Which foods spark in the microwave?
Vegetables such as hot peppers, green peppers, spinach, carrots, and beans can spark in the microwave due to their mineral properties. The spark that you may notice is known as arcing, which is mainly caused due to the high amount of minerals in some foods.
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