Easy Meals in the Microwave for One
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20 Easy Microwave Meals and Snacks That Are Budget Friendly, Too
Surprise! Who knew you could make risotto in the microwave?!
Microwaves are often just as thoroughly used in kitchens as hot ovens and stove-tops, if not more; yet, many home cooks (even experts!) are afraid of using the microwave beyond heating leftovers or frozen ready-to-eat meals. The truth is that many delicious items can be perfectly steamed or "baked" in a microwave if you should find yourself in a pinch. Maybe it's just because you forgot to defrost your meats, have discovered you are missing a key ingredient, or don't have time to preheat the oven, but you don't have to reach for a takeout menu if you have a microwave at home. And even if you just don't feel like making too much of a mess or a fuss (we've all been there), your microwave can help you get something on the table, fast.
It's hard to make an extravagant meal using your microwave alone, but there are many lightning-fast staples you can enjoy for breakfast, a quick lunch, or a simple dinner on the fly. And dessert lovers will be very pleased to hear there are a few ways to create ooey, gooey cake without even touching your oven dial. Raw meat may be too intimidating to tackle in a microwave given its complex texture and flavor profile, but you can actually get a good steam on seafood. Steaming is also a boon for fresh vegetables you might have in your crisper as well as those extra eggs as well.
Worried about making your snack or quick bite "radioactive," so to speak? Don't be! Microwaves don't use gamma rays or x-rays to cook food, and when they are used according to instructions, there isn't evidence that suggests they pose any risk to your health, according to the American Cancer Society. You should actually feel better about whipping up a quick meal with your microwave because the following recipes tend to be quite straightforward; minimal ingredients translate to less of a blowback on your diet compared to fast-food options if you decide to hit a drive-thru instead. Here, we're sharing the best microwave meals and snacks to try this week.
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Easy Poached and Scrambled Eggs
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Spaghetti Squash and Pasta Sauce
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Spaghetti Squash Alfredo
After you've mastered the quicker microwave method, try upgrading a classic spaghetti squash boat with a quick creamy pan Alfredo sauce. The oven is entirely optional, but a nice broil for the top layer of cheese really seals the deal (maybe a job for your toaster oven?).
Get the recipe for Spaghetti Squash Alfredo »
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Ginger-Soy Steamed Cod
Don't flinch away from microwaved fish! Creating a delicate fish dish (rather one that stinks up your entire house) requires you to prepare your vegetables, dressings, and aromatics first. You'll only need to steam your fish in the microwave for 4 minutes, the very last step in this delectable dinner.
Get the recipe for Ginger-Soy Steamed Cod »
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Steamed String Beans
Like frozen varieties in the supermarket, the key to cooking tender string beans in the microwave is to steam them in a covered casserole container. You'll learn how to steam a pound of green beans in the microwave with handy Thanksgiving shortcut tips below.
Learn how to steam string beans in the microwave »
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Vegan Banana Bread in a Mug
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Shrimp Tacos
Since shrimp are so delicate and light in the first place, they only need a few minutes to steam perfectly (even in a microwave!). You'll layer these plump nuggets of protein among fresh chopped vegetables and a quick salsa, which can also be swapped out for your favorite store-bought variety instead.
Get the recipe for Shrimp Tacos »
RELATED: 21 Easy Recipes for the Perfect Taco Party
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Gourmet Microwave Popcorn
We know, we know — why would you want to DIY a snack that is also made in microwave-friendly packets?! Popcorn lovers in the know swear by popping their own kernels so they can customize just how salty, buttery, or otherwise flavorful their better-for-you bowl of popcorn ends up being. And the best part? Kernels are very affordable!
Get the recipe for Homemade Microwave Popcorn »
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Soft Polenta
You can dress up this bowl of soft, hearty bowl of polenta in a myriad of ways: Add fresh or frozen veggies, for one, or even leftover roasts or saved fish from your last formal dinner. The cornmeal and milk combine into a creamy base that's ready in just 12 minutes.
Get the recipe for Microwave Polenta »
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2-Minute Microwave Oatmeal
You can make delicious oatmeal instantly without having to turn to instant oatmeal at all. We love how Lee Funke of Fit Foodie Finds uses rolled oats to create a naturally sweet oatmeal bowl that tastes just like cookie dough (seriously!).
Get the recipe from Fit Foodie Finds »
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Egg and Veggies Scramble With Avocado Toast
Hello, no-cook brunch! Gracie Gordon over at the Hungry Blonde had the ingenious idea of steaming broccoli and spinach in the microwave before whisking in two eggs to create an effortless scramble. Paired with avocado toast, this is one hearty breakfast that feels much more sophisticated than it actually is!
Get the recipe from the Hungry Blonde »
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Micro-Poached Salmon
When paired with lemon slices, herbs, and wine or broth in place of water, this salmon will only smell of delicious aromatics. You can add these silky, tender bites of salmon into a quick salad or even atop cold noodles. Got 8 minutes? You have perfectly poached salmon!
Get the recipe for Micro-Poached Salmon »
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Pizza In a Mug
Yes, really! Blogger Gemma Stafford discovered a way to make a pillowy dough base in a mug that's topped with a bit of tomato sauce and your favorite cheeses and toppings. It eats more like a casserole than a real piece of pizza, but it certainly is more manageable than making an entire pie.
Get the recipe from Country Living »
RELATED: Our Easiest Homemade Pizza Recipe, Ever
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Single-Serve Chocolate Mug Cake
Maple syrup, milk, eggs, baking powder and cocoa powder make for a dense base for this 7-minute mug cake. You'll love that each mugful caps off at 295 calories and 30g of mostly natural carbohydrates, with 10g of protein hidden inside as well.
Get the recipe from Fit Foodie Finds »
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Quick Poached Pears With Ruby-Red Raspberry Sauce
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Microwave Mug Chocolate Cake
Only the nicest things come in our favorite coffee mugs, and this soul-warming chocolate cake is no exception! You'll use cocoa powder to create the base of this rich cake that's finished with a dollop of sweet cream. This ultra-satisfying dessert is ready in 8 minutes flat.
Get the recipe from Woman's Day »
Zee Krstic Health Editor Zee Krstic is the health editor for GoodHousekeeping.com, where he covers health and nutrition news, decodes diet and fitness trends, and reviews the best products in the wellness aisle.
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Source: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/g33484904/microwave-recipes/
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