Did you know you can prepare pasta and eggs in the microwave? There are so many surprising time-saving hacks that utilize the microwave and taste just as great.
First, I recommend investing in some of these versatile silicone suction lids.
Silicone Suction Lids and Food Covers – Set of 5 ($17.95, Amazon)
Then, you can get started with these delicious and easy microwave recipes.
1. Tortellini in the microwave
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (refrigerated, not frozen) cheese tortellini (If using frozen allow to defrost before using.)
- ¾ cup tomato sauce of choice
- 2 tablespoons grated cheese of choice (mozzarella or parmesan)
Supplies:
- microwave-safe bowl and cover
Instructions:
Step 1: Pour the tortellini into a microwave-safe bowl.
Step 2: Pour the sauce over the tortellini, and with the spoon toss to coat. Cook on HIGH for 1 minute. Remove carefully, mix around with a spoon, sprinkle with the grated cheese, and continue to cook for 45 seconds, or until cheese is melted.
image: Sarah Caron for Momtastic
2. Steamed veggies (broccoli) in the microwave
Ingredients:
- 1 head broccoli (about 1 lb.)
- 2–3 tablespoons water
Supplies:
- microwave-safe bowl and cover
Instructions:
Step 1: Cut broccoli into florets. Add broccoli florets to your microwave-safe bowl with the water.
Step 2: Microwave on HIGH for 3 minutes. Season to taste.
Image: Oliver Hoffmann / Getty
3. Chocolate-peanut butter mug cake in the microwave
Ingredients:
- 1½ tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1½ tablespoons cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- pinch of salt
Supplies:
- microwave-safe mug and cover
Instructions:
Step 1: Add the butter to the microwave-safe mug and cook until melted, about 10 seconds.
Step 2: Add the rest of the ingredients: milk, peanut butter, flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Using a small whisk, or fork, whisk until smooth. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute 15 seconds. Allow to cool slightly before digging in.
image: Christina Stanley for Momtastic
4. Oatmeal in the microwave
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups water
- choice of toppings
Supplies:
- microwave-safe bowl and cover
Instructions:
Step 1: Combine oats and water in the bowl.
Step 2: Cover and microwave for 1 minute. Remove, stir, and repeat until the oatmeal reaches your preferred consistency (usually about 1 additional minute).
image: Kristen Doyle for Momtastic
5. Chips: (sweet potato, potato, parsnip) in the microwave
Ingredients:
- 1 potato
- 1 sweet potato
- 1 parsnip
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- salt & pepper
Supplies:
- paper towels
- microwave-safe plate
Instructions:
Step 1: Wash and scrub potato, sweet potato, and parsnip. Using a mandolin slicer (or knife), thinly slice into rounds. Dry the rounds.
Step 2: In a bowl, toss the coins with olive oil and season to taste with s&p.
Step 3: Line a microwave-safe plate with 2 paper towels. Place the coins evenly (without overlapping) on the plate. Bake in the microwave on HIGH for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, turn over and bake for another 3 minutes on MED power or until golden brown and crispy. Repeat in batches.
image: Karen Biton-Cohen for Momtastic
6. Scrambled eggs in the microwave
Ingredients:
- oil spray
- 2 eggs
- splash of milk
- s&p
Supplies:
- microwave-safe dish and cover
Instructions:
Step 1: Lightly grease microwave-safe dish with oil spray.
Step 2: Whisk together the eggs, milk, and s&p. Cover and microwave on HIGH for 1 minute. Remove, whisk again, and microwave for an additional 30 seconds. Repeat in 30 second intervals if the eggs aren’t set.
image: Getty / Scott & Zoe
7. Chicken fajitas (yes, chicken too!) in the microwave
Ingredients:
- 1 small yellow onion
- 1½ bell peppers
- 2 tablespoons Southwest seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (divided)
- 5–6 chicken tenders, raw
Supplies:
- microwave-safe dish and cover
Instructions:
Step 1: Thinly slice the onion and bell pepper into strips. Place the onion and pepper strips in the microwave-safe casserole dish. Drizzle ½ tablespoon olive oil over the peppers and onions, along with 1 tablespoon of the Southwest seasoning. Toss to coat.
Step 2: Place the chicken tenders over the seasoned onions and peppers. Drizzle with the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil and ½ tablespoon of seasoning.
Step 3: Cover and microwave on HIGH for 10 minutes. Carefully remove and cut up one piece to make sure it is cooked through.
Step 4: Eat with your choice of toppings (guacamole, cilantro, or cheese) in a tortilla.
image: Getty / bhofack2
8. Baked potato in the microwave
Ingredients:
- 1 large russet potato
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 tablespoons shredded cheese
- s&p
Supplies:
- microwave-safe plate
Instructions:
Step 1: Scrub your potato clean and prick evenly all over.
Step 2: Transfer to a microwave-safe plate and microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes.
image: Getty / Brian Hagiwara
9. Baked apples in the microwave
Ingredients:
- 2 apples
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple-pie spice
- 2 teaspoons butter
Supplies:
- microwave-safe dish and cover
Instructions:
Step 1: Peel and core the apples.
Step 2: Transfer apples to a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle sugar and spices evenly over the tops. Dot the tops with butter.
Step 3: Microwave on HIGH for 3–4 minutes. Serve with your choice of toppings (yogurt, granola, nuts…).
image: Getty / Natalia Lisovskaya
10. Toasted nuts in the microwave
Ingredients:
- choice of nuts
Supplies:
- microwave-safe plate
Instructions:
Step 1: Spread nuts in single layer on a microwave-safe plate.
Step 2: Microwave the nuts on HIGH in 1 minute intervals, stirring in between, until evenly toasted.
image: Getty / Tara Fisher
11. Rice Krispies treats in the microwave
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 20 large marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Supplies:
- microwave-safe bowl and cover
Instructions:
Step 1: Combine the butter and marshmallows in a microwave-safe bowl.
Step 2: Microwave on HIGH for 1½ minutes, stir, and repeat.
Step 3: Mix in the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until well combined.
Step 4: Pour into a lightly greased 13×9 pan. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
image: Getty / Meike Bergmann
12. Tofu teriyaki in the microwave
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. (½ lb.) tofu, cubed
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
- ½ cup broccoli, bok choy, or spinach—your choice of green (optional)
- 1 stalk of scallions, thinly sliced (optional)
Supplies:
- microwave-safe bowl and cover
Instructions:
Step 1: Drain tofu from liquid. Use paper towels to absorb excess liquid, and cut the tofu into ½-inch cubes.
Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, toss tofu with the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and chili flakes. (If you have time, allow the tofu to sit and marinate—this way it will absorb more of the flavors.)
Step 3: Microwave, covered, on HIGH for 3 minutes. Mix around the tofu with a spoon and add your greens (if using broccoli, cut into small florets), cover, and pop back in the microwave for another 1 minute 15 seconds. Sprinkle sliced scallions over the top (optional).
image: Valentina Kenney Wein for Momtastic
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