In fact, microwave ovens have been taking undeserved criticism for way too long: They’re called ovens for a reason, and they can create meals equal to anything from a standard oven.
Skeptical? We’ve put together a list of absolutely delicious meals — breakfast, snacks, dinner, and dessert — that will quickly make you forget all the disappointing, soggy pizza and rubbery leftover meat of the past.
Miracle Poached Eggs
Ah, poached eggs. We love them, but we’d never make them at home. The traditional method requires boiling water, using just enough salt and vinegar, keeping the water swirling at the right speed, and cracking the egg the right way.
It’s easy to screw up. But the trusty microwave can change all that: All you need is a microwave-safe bowl, hot water, and a little salt and vinegar (and an egg, of course). A short zap later, you’ll have the perfect topper for any healthier breakfast sandwich.
Microwave Sweet Potato Chips
A mandoline(no, not the musical instrument, the slicer) is the key to getting super-thin chips to crisp up in the microwave. Topped with rosemary and sea salt, these look totally pro. And they’re a great excuse to whip up some healthy dips.
Microwave Potato Chips
Few people would put “crispy” and “microwave” in the same sentence, but crispy nuked potato chips are A Thing, and they use far less oil than a package of Lay’s. These are surprisingly simple to make, and they’ll continue to crisp as they cool.
Toasted Nuts
Toasting nuts release their oils, giving them that oh-so-fragrant scent. But heating up the whole oven for a pan of nuts isn’t necessary.
Microwaving nuts won’t give them the same dark color as using the oven, but it will give them a crunch and taste nearly identical to traditionally oven-toasted nuts.
Microwave pickles
This recipe blows our minds. Pickles in minutes? We thought they had to cure for months. This blogger throws her pickling spices in a bowl with vinegar, sugar, cucumbers, and onion, and microwaves for about 8 minutes.
And they’re ready for eating. Nothing sour about that.
Banana bread in a mug
Single-serve meals to the rescue. Quick bread, like banana or zucchini, can be made quickly in a microwave. Simply pour the ingredients into the mug, stir, and microwave for a couple of minutes, and you’ve got a no-mess afternoon snack for one.
Frothed Milk
Cafe-quality cappuccinos have been at our fingertips this whole time, and we didn’t even know it — until now.
All you need is a jar, a microwave, and some milk. Shake up the milk, heat for a few seconds, and you’re ready to practice your latte art. Cinnamon optional!
Toasted Coconut
Whether you use it to top a dessert or nosh on it plain (we won’t tell), toasting coconut has never been so easy. Simply microwaving for 30-second bursts and stirring regularly results in picture-perfect toasted coconut in less than 10 minutes.
90- Second English Muffin
Whether you’re eating gluten-free, avoiding grains, or just love almond flour (this recipe calls it an almond meal), these yeast-free English muffins are a terrific addition to a healthy breakfast. Paleo McMuffins, anyone?
Steamed Broccoli with Lemon and Garlic
No need for a steamer here. All you need is a microwave-safe bowl with a cover. Don’t be shy — it turns out that cooking vegetables in the microwave may help them retain their nutrients because of the shorter cooking time. Trusted Source
One- bowl mac and cheese
No more boxed macaroni with that mysterious orange “cheese” powder. This version is about as wholesome as mac and cheese get and nearly as easy.
You’ll need only water, macaroni, and your favorite blend of cheeses — but we suggest adding a few broccoli florets or a handful of spinach. And some black pepper. Yum.
Chicken Fajitas
Super easy, fast, and delicious, this Tex-Mex favorite can be a good source of vegetables. Made with a simple mixture of onions, peppers, and chicken, it can be enjoyed on its own or wrapped in tortillas with cheese (and a dollop of Greek yogurt).
Microwave Potato Soup in a Mug
Quick soups don’t always have to come in a can or packet. This easy potato soup is made completely in the microwave and topped with bacon, cheese, and sour cream.
Use a large mug since the water in the soup will bubble up as it cooks.
Microwave Roasted Garlic
This garlic winds up more steamed than roasted since the microwave is basically steaming it. The flavor isn’t quite as mellow, but it cooks super quickly, and the flavor is so delicious that the difference is barely noticeable.
Remember to keep the microwave at 50 percent power for this recipe.
South Indian Eggplant Curry
Eggplant is delish, but roasting it takes forever, and sautéing can require more oil than we want to consume. Fret no more — it turns out the humble microwave can cook it in about 15 minutes.
This recipe mixes in spices, chickpeas, coconut, and cilantro for an Indian-inspired dish.
Chocolate chip pecan Mug cake
In less than 5 minutes, you can have healthy (sub in a different flour to make it gluten-free) cake in your belly — and with this single-serving recipe, there’s no chance of overeating.
This version uses chocolate chips and pecans, but you can swap in your favorite nuts or toppings.