The situation when after work you open the refrigerator and see only scattered products there is familiar to everyone. There is no time for long cooking, and firing up the oven for just one dish seems pointless. It is at such moments that microwave ovencomes to the rescue, which is capable of turning a set of random ingredients into a full meal in a matter of minutes.
Many underestimate the potential of this device, considering it only suitable for defrosting or heating yesterday's soup. However, modern models allow you to bake, boil and even fry foods using their own moisture and a minimal amount of added oil. The main thing is to understand the principles of how waves work and choose the right dishes.
In this article we will look at how to quickly and tasty feed yourself or your family using only the contents of the refrigerator and microwave oven. You will learn about the intricacies of heat treatment of different groups of products and receive proven recipes that will save you in any situation.
Principles of fast cooking in the microwave
In order for the dish to turn out tasty, and not rubbery or overdried, it is necessary to take into account the physics of the process. Microwaves primarily affect water, fat and sugar molecules, causing them to vibrate and heat up. Therefore uniformity distribution of products in the container is critical for a quality result.
If you are preparing lumpy meat or dense vegetables, they must be cut into approximately the same size. Large pieces may not be baked inside while small pieces are already dry. It is also worth remembering that a microwave oven does not produce the same “crust” that an oven or frying pan creates, so special mixtures of spices or sauces are often used to improve the taste.
⚠️ Attention: Never use metal utensils, plates with gold or silver rims, or tightly closed containers in the microwave. This may cause an electric arc and damage the appliance.
To achieve the best texture of the products, it is recommended to cover the container with a special lid with a valve or use cling film after making holes in it. This creates the effect of a steam bath, preserving the juiciness of the ingredients.
Dishes from eggs and dairy products
Eggs and milk are base, which often remains in the refrigerator. You can make a nutritious breakfast or light dinner from them. Scrambled eggs in a mug take only 2 minutes to cook, but require proper technology so as not to turn into a hard sponge.
Mix two eggs with a spoonful of milk, add finely chopped sausage, cheese or leftover vegetables. Beat the mixture with a fork directly in a microwave-safe mug. Cooking time depends on your power microwaves, but usually 60-90 seconds at maximum power are enough.
Cottage cheese can also be used to create quick desserts or casseroles. By mixing it with egg, semolina and sugar, you will get a healthy dish that tastes like lazy dumplings or soufflé. It is important not to overcook dairy products, as the protein becomes hard when overheated.
- 🥚 Omelet in a mug with cheese and herbs - a classic in 3 minutes.
- 🧀 Processed cheese from leftover hard cheese - melt the scraps with milk.
- 🥛 Yoghurt dessert with fruit - heat gently, without bringing to a boil.
- 🍳 Poached egg in water - cook in a glass with water and vinegar.
Vegetable side dishes and snacks
Vegetables cook in the microwave faster than on the stove and are preserved more vitamins, since cooking occurs in its own juice. Potatoes, which are often in stock, can be baked whole or in slices. To do this, you need to wash it thoroughly, prick it with a fork in several places and grease it with oil.
Zucchini, eggplant and cauliflower also lend themselves well to quick heat treatment. Diced vegetables are placed in a container, a little water and spices are added to the bottom. In 5-7 minutes you will receive a ready-made side dish that can be served with any sauce.
| Vegetable | Preparation | Time (max. power) | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potatoes | Cut into slices | 5-7 minutes | Cover with a lid |
| Broccoli | Disassemble into inflorescences | 3-4 minutes | Add 2 tbsp. l. water |
| Carrots | Cut into circles | 4-5 minutes | Brush with oil |
| Corn on the cob | Without peeling leaves | 5 minutes | Allow to cool in the shell |
Particular attention should be paid to tomatoes. If they are heated, they may burst, so for sauces it is best to pre-blanch them or cook them in a covered container on medium-high. This will preserve the structure and avoid splashing.
☑️ Rules for cooking vegetables
Meat dishes and semi-finished products
Leftover boiled meat, sausage or frankfurters can be easily turned into a hot dish. The main rule is not to dry out the protein. It is better to cook meat products in sauce or under a “coat” of vegetables and cheese. This will create a protective layer and maintain juiciness.
If you have minced meat, you can make meatballs from it. Mix the minced meat with rice (which you can take ready-made or use instant), egg and onion. Form into balls, place in a deep plate, pour in tomato sauce or sour cream and cook for 10-12 minutes.
⚠️ Attention: When reheating or cooking meat products, be sure to make sure they are heated to the center. Insufficient heat treatment can be hazardous to health.
Chicken fillet, cut into thin strips, becomes soft in the microwave in 5-6 minutes. Add soy sauce, ginger and a little starch to it - you get an analogue of an Asian dish. In this case, starch acts as a thickener for the sauce, enveloping the meat.
The secret of juicy meat
To keep the meat juicy in the microwave, marinate it in advance or add fatty ingredients (sour cream, cream, butter) immediately before putting it in the oven.
Garnishes from cereals and pasta
You can cook porridge or pasta in a microwave oven even faster than boiling water in a kettle. The proportions remain classic: for 1 part buckwheat or rice, usually take 2-2.5 parts of water. Pour the cereal into a deep microwave-safe pan, add boiling water (to speed up the process) or cold water and turn on the timer.
Pasta is cooked according to a similar principle. Fill them with water so that it completely covers the products, add salt and a spoonful of oil. Cooking time depends on the type of pasta, but is usually 10-12 minutes on high. The dish should be stirred periodically.
It is important to use a fairly wide and deep bowl, since when boiling, the water can actively rise and run away. If you are cooking rice, let it stand in the switched off oven for another 5-10 minutes after the timer signal - this will allow the grains to reach readiness due to the residual heat.
- 🍚 Rice with vegetables - mix with frozen and cook together.
- 🍝 Navy pasta - use ready-made minced meat and tomato.
- 🥣 Oatmeal - steam the cereal with milk for 2 minutes.
- 🌾 Buckwheat is an ideal side dish that is difficult to digest in the microwave.
Desserts and pastries in 5 minutes
When you want something sweet but are too lazy to go to the store, the microwave works wonders. The classic recipe is a mug cake. Mix 4 tablespoons of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 spoon of cocoa, a pinch of baking powder, 3 tablespoons of milk and 1 spoon of butter in a mug.
Mix the dough thoroughly until smooth and place in the oven for 1.5-2 minutes. The result will surprise you: the inside of the cake will remain moist, and a porous crust will form on top. This is an ideal option for sudden guests or evening tea.
You can also make baked apples. Remove the core, put some honey, nuts or cottage cheese inside. The apples will become soft and caramelized in just 4-5 minutes. This is a healthy alternative to store-bought sweets.
Is it possible to cook eggs in the microwave in their shells?
It is absolutely not possible. The water inside the egg will boil, steam will not be able to escape through the shell, and an explosion will occur, which will contaminate the device chamber and may injure you. Boil eggs only peeled or without shells in water.
Why is food in the center cold and hot at the edges?
This is a feature of the distribution of waves in the chamber. To avoid this, arrange the food in a ring, leaving the center empty, or use a turntable. Interrupting the process for mixing also helps.
What dishes definitely cannot be placed in the microwave?
Any metal containers, foil, crystal (may contain lead), disposable plastic (melts), as well as closed glass jars and eggs in shells are prohibited.
Safe Is it possible to heat food in plastic containers?
Only if there is a special marking on the bottom of the container (usually an image of wavy lines or the inscription “Microwave safe”). Ordinary plastic can release harmful substances when heated.