8 Easy Meals You Can Make in the Microwave
You’re craving something delicious, but standing over the hot stove just doesn’t sound appealing. We’ve all been there. You could order from Seamless… but you’re a bit worried about how well you’ve gotten to know the delivery guy.
Our solution? Microwave meals! There’s no shame in it.
Whether you live in a dorm and have no other way of cooking, or you’re just being lazy like us, the microwave is a great way to fix something yummy in a hurry.
We know and love mug cakes, but turns out there’s a whole world out there for gourmet microwave foods to be made. Here’s a few of our favorite creations you can try at home.
THE BASICS
Start your microwave adventure with something easy to accomplish. We’re talking oat breakfast bowls and baked apples before working your way up to potato chips.
Oats - For quick oats made in the microwave, combine 2 parts liquid to 1 part oats. Add cinnamon, raw agave nectar, nuts, or anything you’d like to jazz it up. Microwave for 2 minutes and enjoy!
Baked Apples - Baked apples are a delicious treat that never should have been left behind in childhood. They make a great quick and healthy dessert. Simply cut up an apple, add raw agave nectar and cinnamon, and microwave until soft.
Potato Chips - Now you’re ready for the next step, potato chips. These can be made with potatoes or sweet potatoes. Simply slice super thin rounds of potato, rinse well and dry thoroughly. Spread on a plate lined in paper towels, brush lightly in oil, and season. Microwave for 3 minutes, flip and microwave until crisp and brown.
THE NEXT WAVE
So you’ve mastered the basics. Now you’re ready for putting together simple meals. In a famished state you’ve probably made a microwave quesadilla (admit it, you loved it!). Why not take them to the next level and make some enchiladas? Then we’re throwing in some more complex mug cakes, and even squash dish.
Enchiladas - Enchiladas are a great way to use leftovers you have sitting around, the microwave only speeds up the process. Take some tortillas and fill them with any proteins and veggies you have lying around. Roll them up and place them in a glass plate or pan lined with some enchilada sauce or salsa. Pour more sauce on top then cover generously with vegan cheese. Microwave until warm and the cheese has melted.
Mug Cake Coffee Cake – This mug cake goes one step further by adding a strudel layer. In a coffee mug combine 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, a pinch of sea salt, 1 Tablespoon organic sugar, 2 Tablespoons non-dairy milk, 2 teaspoons coconut oil, and 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Separately combine 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil, a pinch of sea salt, and a pinch of chopped pecans. Swirl part of the cinnamon mixture into the cake batter then sprinkle the rest on top. Microwave for 1 minute until fully cooked and delicious.
Spaghetti Squash Parm – Large squash like spaghetti, acorn, and butternut squash are perfect for microwave cooking. To cook the squash, cut it in half lengthwise and place cut side down in a glass pan filled with 1/2 inch water. Microwave until you can pierce the skin with a fork. When tender, flip the squash over and add tomato sauce, sea salt, fresh ground pepper, and other spices. Then cover in vegan mozzarella and microwave until the cheese melts.
GOING PRO
Now you’ve reached master level, you’re ready for the big time – risotto and pasta. Very carefully, both risotto and pasta can be made in the microwave. Now, don’t you ever tell an Italian you did this because they’ll probably have a heart attack. But this can actually turn out to be quite delicious.
Risotto – In a small ramekin place 2 teaspoons of vegan margarine and 2 teaspoons chopped shallot. Microwave for 1 minute on high. Add 1/2 teaspoon chopped garlic, 1/4 cup Arborio rice, and 1/2 cup vegetable broth to the ramekin. Microwave on medium for 2 minutes, stir, then microwave for an additional 2 minutes. Add 1 Tablespoon white wine, sea salt, and any small diced vegetables then microwave on medium heat for 2 minutes. Add any additional seasonings and vegan cheese then microwave for 30 seconds.
Mac n’ Cheese – Sometimes you want the simple deliciousness of mac and cheese without all the cooking. Turns out, you can microwave it. Take equal parts water and pasta and microwave on high in 2 minute intervals until the pasta is al dente. Add a splash of non-dairy milk, vegan margarine, and vegan cheese, then microwave until the mixture is melty and delicious.
*Looking for other quick and easy cooking tips? Check out our delicious and super easy Peanut Butter Salted Caramel Nice Cream.
