15+ Microwave Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals
Microwave recipes offer a quick and easy way to prepare meals at home. These recipes can help you create tasty dishes without spending much time in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and the push of a button, you can enjoy a variety of flavorful meals and snacks.
The microwave is not just for reheating leftovers; it can also be a versatile cooking tool. From savory dishes to sweet treats, the microwave can handle it all. In this article, you will discover a range of recipes designed to make meal prep simple and enjoyable, proving that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated.
1) Microwave Mug Cake
Making a microwave mug cake is quick and easy. You can enjoy a sweet treat in just a few minutes. It’s perfect for when you’re craving dessert but don’t want to bake a whole cake.
To start, grab a large microwave-safe mug. Mix together your ingredients right in the mug for easy clean-up. You can customize it with your favorite flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon of baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons of milk
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Cooking Instructions
- In a large mug, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute (about 1 minute and 30 seconds at 600 watts).
- Let it cool for a minute before enjoying!
2) Eggs in a Cup
Making eggs in a cup is a quick and easy way to enjoy a tasty meal. These microwave recipes are perfect when you’re short on time. You can have fluffy scrambled eggs in just a few minutes.
To start, use a microwave-safe mug. Crack your eggs into the mug and add a splash of milk. Season with salt and pepper, then whisk everything with a fork until mixed well.
Microwave the mug on high for about 1 to 2 minutes. Stop halfway through to stir, ensuring even cooking. The eggs should puff up nicely when done.
Let them cool for a moment, then enjoy your delicious eggs right from the cup!
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Grease a microwave-safe mug.
- Crack the eggs into the mug.
- Add milk, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk the mixture with a fork.
- Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
3) Microwave Mac and Cheese
Making microwave mac and cheese is quick and simple. You can enjoy this comforting dish in just a few minutes.
To start, gather your ingredients. You will need pasta, water, milk, and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of macaroni
- 1 cup of water
- ¼ cup of milk
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
Cooking Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the macaroni and water.
- Microwave on high for 6-8 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Once the pasta is tender, add the milk and cheese.
- Mix well and microwave for another 30-60 seconds until the cheese melts.
- Stir again and enjoy your delicious mac and cheese!
4) Microwave Brownies
Making brownies in the microwave is quick and simple. You can enjoy a warm, gooey treat in just a few minutes. This recipe is perfect when you’re craving something sweet.
To begin, gather your ingredients. You’ll need sugar, cocoa powder, water, oil, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
- In a microwave-safe mug, combine the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Add water, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute (or until done).
- Let it cool for a minute before enjoying your brownie!
5) Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli is an easy and healthy side dish. It takes just a few minutes to prepare in the microwave, making it a great choice for busy days.
To start, chop your broccoli into small florets. This helps it cook evenly and quickly. Place the chopped broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl and add 3 tablespoons of water.
Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for about 4 minutes for tender-crisp broccoli. If you prefer it softer, you can microwave it for up to 6 minutes. Let it sit for 2 minutes after cooking to complete the steaming process.
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli, chopped
- 3 tablespoons water
Cooking Instructions
- Chop the broccoli into small florets.
- Place the florets in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add 3 tablespoons of water.
- Cover with a plate.
- Microwave on high for 4-6 minutes.
- Let sit for 2 minutes before serving.
6) Microwave Quiche
Making a microwave quiche is quick and easy. You can personalize it with your favorite ingredients. This dish is great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
To start, you need a large microwave-safe mug or bowl. This helps to cook the quiche evenly.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk (60 ml)
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
- ¼ cup diced vegetables (like bell peppers or spinach)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In your mug, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Stir in cheese, vegetables, salt, and pepper.
- Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the eggs are set.
- Let it cool slightly before enjoying this tasty meal.
7) Microwave Popcorn
Making microwave popcorn is quick and easy. You can enjoy a tasty snack without much effort. It’s perfect for movie nights or just when you’re hungry.
You will need a microwave popcorn bag. Place it in the center of your microwave. Close the door and set the timer according to the package directions, usually about 2-4 minutes.
Listen for the pops. When they slow down to about 2 seconds between pops, it’s time to stop the microwave. Carefully take out the bag, as it will be hot.
Open the bag slowly to avoid steam burns. Enjoy your popcorn as is, or add flavors like butter or salt if you like.
Ingredients
- 1 bag of microwave popcorn
Cooking Instructions
- Remove the popcorn bag from the packaging.
- Place the bag in the microwave.
- Cook according to package instructions (about 2-4 minutes).
- Listen for the popping sound.
- Stop the microwave when popping slows.
- Carefully remove the bag and open it. Enjoy!
8) Baked Potato
A baked potato is simple and delicious. It’s a great side dish or a filling meal on its own. You can customize it with your favorite toppings.
Start with a medium-sized potato. Wash it well, then poke a few holes in it with a fork. This helps the steam escape while cooking.
Place the potato in your microwave. Heat it on high for 5 to 7 minutes. You can turn it halfway through for even cooking. It’s done when it’s soft.
Let the potato sit for a couple of minutes before cutting it open. Be careful; it will be hot! Add butter, cheese, sour cream, or veggies as toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized potato
- Butter (optional)
- Cheese (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Chives or green onions (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Wash the potato and poke holes in it.
- Microwave on high for 5-7 minutes.
- Let it cool for 2 minutes.
- Cut it open and add your toppings.
9) Microwave Omelette
Making a microwave omelette is a quick and easy breakfast option. You can enjoy it in just a few minutes with minimal cleanup.
You will need a microwave-safe mug or bowl. Crack two eggs into your mug and whisk them well. Add a splash of milk, salt, and pepper to taste.
Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients like cheese, bell peppers, or ham. Cook your omelette in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes. Check it and stir halfway through for even cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: cheese, bell peppers, ham, or other fillings
Cooking Instructions
- Crack the eggs into a mug and whisk.
- Add milk, salt, and pepper, then whisk again.
- Stir in desired fillings.
- Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Enjoy your omelette!
10) Steamed Snap Peas
Steaming snap peas in the microwave is quick and easy. You’ll enjoy their bright color and fresh taste. This simple side dish goes well with many meals.
Start by rinsing your snap peas under cold water. Trim the ends to make them ready for cooking. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl.
Add a splash of water to the bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate. Microwave on high for about 2-3 minutes, or until the peas are tender but still crisp.
Let them sit for a minute before removing the lid. This allows steam to escape safely. Season with salt or your favorite spices before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups snap peas
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse snap peas and trim the ends.
- Place snap peas in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add water to the bowl.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate.
- Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes.
- Let sit for 1 minute before removing the lid.
- Season with salt before serving.
11) Cheesy Nachos
Cheesy nachos are a fun and easy snack you can make in the microwave. They are perfect for movie nights or game days. You will enjoy making and customizing them with your favorite toppings.
Start with a plate of tortilla chips. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Cheddar or Monterey Jack work great.
Add toppings like sliced jalapeños, black olives, or diced tomatoes. For extra flavor, you can add cooked ground beef or beans.
Microwave your nachos for about 1-2 minutes, until the cheese melts. Watch them closely so they don’t burn.
Once done, take them out carefully. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side.
Ingredients
- Tortilla chips
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Optional toppings (jalapeños, olives, tomatoes, ground beef, beans)
Cooking Instructions
- Place tortilla chips on a microwave-safe plate.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Add your favorite toppings.
- Microwave for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve with dips.
12) Microwave Bacon
Cooking bacon in the microwave is quick and easy. You can get crispy bacon in just a few minutes.
To start, lay out your bacon on a microwave-safe plate. Make sure the slices don’t overlap. Cover the bacon with paper towels to absorb the grease.
Microwave the bacon on high for 3 to 4 minutes. If it’s not crispy enough, continue cooking in 30-second bursts until it’s done to your liking.
This method makes bacon with less mess and is perfect for a fast breakfast or as a topping.
Ingredients
- Bacon slices
Cooking Instructions
- Place bacon on a microwave-safe plate without overlapping.
- Cover with paper towels to absorb the grease.
- Microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes (1 minute per slice).
- Check the bacon and cook longer if needed in 30-second bursts.
13) Microwave Quesadilla
Making a microwave quesadilla is quick and easy. You can enjoy a tasty snack or meal in just a few minutes.
Start with a tortilla and add cheese and any other fillings you like. Popular choices include beans, chicken, or veggies.
Place the quesadilla on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for about 30-60 seconds, or until the cheese melts.
Let it cool for a moment, then slice and serve. It’s that simple!
Ingredients
- 1 tortilla
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Optional fillings: cooked chicken, beans, bell peppers, or olives
Cooking Instructions
- Place a tortilla on a microwave-safe plate.
- Sprinkle cheese and any other fillings over half of the tortilla.
- Fold the tortilla in half.
- Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds (until cheese melts).
- Let it cool slightly and slice before serving.
14) Poached Salmon
Poached salmon is a tasty and healthy meal you can make quickly in the microwave. The fish comes out tender and flaky while keeping its flavor. It’s perfect for a busy day when you need something nutritious.
To poach salmon, use a microwave-safe dish. Add a little water or broth to keep the fish moist. Cover it lightly and cook it in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 cup of water or broth
- Lemon slices
- Fresh herbs (like dill or parsley)
- Salt and pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Place the salmon fillets in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add water or broth around the fish.
- Top with lemon slices and herbs.
- Cover the dish loosely.
- Microwave on high for 4-6 minutes (about 180-200°F or 82-93°C).
- Check for doneness, then let it sit for a minute before serving.
15) Microwave French Toast
Making microwave French toast is quick and easy. This recipe gives you a tasty breakfast in just a few minutes. You will enjoy the warm, sweet flavors every time.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bread
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- A dash of vanilla extract
- Butter or cooking spray (for greasing)
Cooking Instructions:
- Grease a microwave-safe dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
- Place the coated bread in the dish.
- Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes (about 800 watts), checking for doneness.
- Let the toast cool for a moment before serving.
Enjoy your breakfast!