Making Simple Meals in the Microwave
On days when standing in front of the gas stove feels like too much effort, the microwave becomes more than a reheating machine; it becomes a proper cooking tool. Because microwaves heat food by directly vibrating the moisture inside it, you can make steamed dishes, egg dishes, and even porridge as long as you manage the moisture well. The key is choosing the right container and heating in shorter intervals.
| Section | Key summary |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Main context in brief |
| Basic rules for containers and timing | Short key point |
| Making it more filling | Pour beaten egg over a bowl of rice and microwave them together to make a soft egg rice bowl |
Basic Rules for Containers and Timing
Use heat-resistant glass or dedicated silicone containers, and avoid bowls with metallic rims or direct contact with ordinary plastic wrap. Instead of heating for a long time at once, heat in 1 minute 30 second intervals and stir once in the middle to prevent only the edges from cooking while the center stays cold.
| Food | Power | Standard time (700W) |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating 1 bowl of cold rice | High | 1 minute 30 seconds |
| 5 frozen dumplings | High | 2 minutes 30 seconds |
| 1 serving steamed egg | Medium | 3 minutes (in 1-minute intervals) |
| Blanching 100g vegetables | High | 2 minutes |
If your microwave has a higher output of 1000W, reduce the times above by about 30%. The table is based on 700W, and if the amount of food doubles, it is safer to increase the time to about 1.8 times.
Making It More Filling
- Pour beaten egg over a bowl of rice and microwave them together to make a soft egg rice bowl.
- Place a slice of cheese on top and melt it during the final 30 seconds for a richer flavor.
- Using anchovy and kelp broth instead of water takes the savoriness up a level.
- Adding a handful of frozen mixed vegetables gives you both nutrition and color.
Before eating heated food, check that steam is rising from the center. This is especially important for porridge or thick foods, which may be hot only on the surface while still lukewarm inside, so stir once to even out the temperature. Since the container can become very hot, use a dish towel or gloves when taking it out if possible, and be careful of steam burns when opening the lid.