So what do you do when you have very little time yet you want something quick to eat? You make use of the microwave! It’s quick, easy and often times taken for granted. Well, not anymore with these 12 easy (and healthy) recipes.
Who says you can only use your microwave to heat up your instant noodles? The microwave is also good for making cheap and quick eats not only for breakfast, lunch, dinner but also desserts!
Breakfast
A good breakfast is crucial in our everyday lives. It could make or break your day. Though a plate of roti canai is good every now and then, a healthy breakfast will surely prepare you for the rest of the day. These recipes are guaranteed to keep you energised and the best part is, they don’t take long to prepare. Say goodbye to your Monday blues!
1. Gula Melaka Oats with Sago And Desiccated Coconut
Oats and breakfast go hand in hand together. It is the perfect meal to fill you up until lunch time comes. If you don’t have enough time to prepare, you can always turn it into overnight oats. But if you’re in a bit of hurry, the microwave is always there to help you out! This recipe is also vegan and gluten-free!
Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons of sago
- 2 tablespoons of gula Melaka, grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Some water, if needed
- Desiccated coconut, for garnish
Method
- Mix rolled oats, sago, gula Melaka, salt and coconut milk in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave for 3 minutes on high setting, stirring well after each minute. Microwave until the sago and oats have absorbed all the liquid. Add some water if needed. The mixture is done once the sago has turned clear and transparent.
- Top with milk of your choice, preferably coconut milk for extra creaminess!
- Add a bit more gula Melaka and salt according to your preference.
- Garnish with some desiccated coconut.
Extra Tips
- Be sure to keep an eye on your oats when it is in the microwave so it does not boil over. Microwaving the oats for 3 minutes straight may cause a mess!
- If the coconut water is too thick, you can always add some water so the ratio of liquid and oats are equal. Plus, cooking sago also requires some liquid!
Even though oatmeal is a healthy breakfast, the best part about eating it that you get to customize it according to your preference! With this recipe, we tried to make it as Malaysian as possible. The flavours and texture will remind you of your favorite sago dessert. Doesn’t that sound enticing?
2. Otak-otak Scrambled Eggs
When you’re getting tired of the boring salmon scrambled eggs, we suggest you spice up your mornings with our delicious otak-otak scrambled eggs. They’re hearty, spicy, and they’ll haunt you for the rest of your day. That’s why all-day breakfasts are invented because the dish is way too good to only eat it once. This otak-otak scrambled eggs is one of them.
Ingredients
- 150g pre-made otak-otak
- 1 egg, beaten lightly
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- Chives, thinly sliced
- Dill, thinly sliced
Method
- Crack an egg in a microwave-safe bowl and whisk until the egg yolk and white is mixed together. Do not add salt and black pepper yet.
- Put it in the microwave for 30 seconds and stir.
- Microwave for another 30 seconds and stir once again. Add salt and black pepper.
- Add in otak-otak and stir to combine so that it is well-mixed.
- Repeat the process until the egg is scrambled according to your preference.
- Once cooked, add in chives and dill.
Though this recipe requires a bit of extra ingredient which is otak-otak, it sure will elevate your plain, everyday scrambled egg to another level! You can always get frozen, ready-made otak-otak from any local grocery store or if you ever have leftover otak-otak then you can definitely eat it as breakfast. Try out otak-otak scrambled egg recipe on a piece of toast and prepare to have your otak blown away.
3. Rice Porridge
When you feel absolutely lazy to cook anything at all, then by all means, cook this. This rice porridge is the easiest you will ever find. Even when you are not feeling too well, this is definitely for you to prepare and eat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup chicken stock
- Groundnuts, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon of light soy sauce, for garnish
- Deep fried anchovies, for garnish
Method
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, mix rice, water and chicken stock.
- Cover the bowl with a lid (you can use a plate) and heat in the microwave on high for 15 minutes.
- Keep an eye on the porridge to avoid it from bubbling over.
- Garnish with light soy sauce, green onion, groundnuts and anchovies.
Since this porridge is so simple, feel free to customize your own by adding your own toppings. We like ours with some green onions, groundnuts, anchovies with an addition of a dash of soy sauce. If you want to turn this porridge into a more wholesome meal, then you can add half-boiled eggs and some shredded chicken. Be creative with it! You are an artist and this rice porridge is your canvas.
Lunch
If you ever have one of those days in the offices when you don’t feel like going to lunch but you still want to eat a healthy-ish meal, then your best bet is to cook with the microwave in your office. You get to save time and eat healthy! It’s a meal minus the extra effort.
1. Egg Fried Rice
Lunch is usually when you need an extra boost to get yourself throughout the rest of the day. This egg fried rice is exactly what you need. Though it might take you awhile to cook the rice in the microwave, it is not exactly an impossible task. It will definitely save you more time then to cook in a rice cooker or to buy it elsewhere. It’ll only take you 10 minutes tops and the wait will be worth it!
Ingredients
- ½ cup rice
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 2 eggs
- Frozen vegetables (optional)
Method
- In a microwave-safe bowl, mix rice and water together.
- Add in soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Cover the bowl with a lid (you can use a plate) and heat the rice in the microwave for 6-8 minutes.
- Stir the rice to fluff it up and add in frozen vegetables. Mix well.
- Crack 2 eggs in a microwave-safe mug. Add salt and stir the eggs.
- Put the eggs and the rice in the microwave for 1 minute.
- Once the eggs are cooked, scramble it and add it in the rice.
This microwave fried rice is simple and you can always customize it according to your preference. You can add some tofu, edamame and some fried onion if you please! Whether you are feeling creative or plain, this fried rice is for you.
2. Kerabu Quinoa
Sometimes you want to eat healthy but you just don’t have the time so you tend to grab an unhealthy meal that is filled with trans fat and simple carbs. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Healthy food can also be fast, quick and simple. This kerabu quinoa is packed with protein and fibre. If you ever crave for nasi ulam minus the simple carbohydrate, then this dish is definitely yours.
Ingredients
- ½ cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 cup water
- 5 pieces dried shrimps
- 2 pieces four angled beans, sliced thinly
- 1 piece green bean, sliced
- ½ cup white cabbage, sliced thinly
- Half red onion
- ½ stalk lemongrass
- 2 pieces bird’s eye chili (optional)
- ½ cup grated coconut
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Lime wedge
Method
- Rinse quinoa under warm water to remove residue.
- Then, place the quinoa in a microwave-safe bowl and add in water.
- Cover the bowl with a lid (you can use a plate) and cook the quinoa for 6 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, crush the dried shrimps in a pestle and mortar.
- Next, add in sliced onions, bird’s eye chilies, salt and pound until a paste is formed.
- Remove the quinoa from the microwave and give it a stir.
- Place the quinoa back into the microwave for about 2 more minutes.
- Then, let the quinoa sit covered for an additional 5-10 minutes until all the water is absorbed.
- Once cooked, add in the vegetables and kerabu paste.
- Lastly, add the grated coconut and mix well.
- Give the lime a squeeze.
This kerabu quinoa recipe is zesty with a bit of kick to it. It will definitely guarantee to give you a boost in the afternoon. Though it requires a bit of effort to prep but it sure is healthy. Don’t worry about the ulam! You can eat it as is and it’s real good.
3. 10-Minute Eggplant
You know how simple things are much better than complicated ones? This quick eggplant recipe is one of them. It is comforting and will definitely fill you up until dinner. We can guarantee you that this is by far, the easiest way for you to cook your eggplant.
Ingredients
- 1 medium sized eggplant
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or any neutral oil)
- ½ tablespoon of soy sauce
- Green onions, for garnish
- 1 toothpick
Method
- Pierce the eggplant several times at several places with the toothpick to release some of the steam while in the microwave.
- Place the whole eggplant on a plate and microwave for 7 minutes on high heat. The eggplant will start to soften after 7 minutes.
- Flip the eggplant and microwave for another 3 minutes.
- Once the eggplant is done, let it cool. Cut off the stem and cut the eggplant lengthwise in half.
- Add the olive oil, soy sauce and lemon juice. Sprinkle with some salt and pepper and garnish with green onions.
This eggplant is best served on a bed of warm rice. If you like a bit of a kick, you can always add some chili oil or sprinkle some pepper flakes. Though we must admit, the eggplant is good as is. It is quick to prepare and you can also cook your rice in the microwave. What could we better than that?
Dinner
Though having take-out for dinner sounds very appealing, is it really what your body needs? Not only is it a bit more expensive but take-out meals usually contain more sodium than what you usually cook at home. Not to mention, they might cost more than home-cooked meals. We can guarantee you that it takes lesser preparation time too.
1. Wasabi Soy Salmon Rice Bowl
This honey soy salmon recipe is the answer to your Japanese food cravings. Not only is it quick and easy, it beats queuing up at the Japanese restaurant. When a recipe is this easy, you wouldn’t even think twice about dining in or out. Do your wallet a favor and try out this simple recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 17g salmon fillet
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoon of light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of wasabi powder or paste
- ½ teaspoon of dark sesame oil
Method
- Combine soy sauce, wasabi and sesame oil in a plastic bag or bowl and add the salmon fillet.
- Marinate for at least 5 minutes or more, turning occasionally to coat.
- Arrange the salmon fillets in a microwave-safe dish, skin down.
- Brush the olive oil evenly over the salmon and sprinkle with garlic.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the salmon with parchment paper and microwave on high 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add remaining marinade and cook for another 2 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.
- Let sit for 1 to 2 minutes before serving.
- Serve with pickled ginger, and brown rice and vegetables.
For dinner, you’d probably crave for something comforting that requires minimal effort. This recipe is definitely it. You can also cook the brown rice and the veggies in the microwave! No fuss, no muss. It is so simple and yet it tastes like you were hustling for hours in the kitchen.
2. Quick Ayam Masak Kicap
Have you ever craved for ayam masak kicap but you’re too lazy to cook it? Well, believe it or not, you can actually make them using a microwave. And it’s easy too! Though some people are scared of cooking meat in the microwave, we can assure you that there is nothing wrong with it as long as your power setting is set to high and you chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces. Smaller surface area ensures shorter cooking time. Just make sure your chicken pieces are no longer and it is safe to eat.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup of soy sauce
- 4 teaspoons of sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 3 slices fresh ginger root
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
Method
- Combine soy sauce, oil, honey, ginger root and garlic in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat the sauce in the microwave on medium for 1 minute and stir. Heat again for 30 seconds to avoid the sauce from boiling over.
- Place the chicken breasts in a plate. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and set aside to marinate for at least 5 minutes.
- Place the chicken in the microwave and cook for 5 to 8 minutes until the chicken is opaque in the center and no longer pink.
Though this recipe is not really an authentic ayam masak kicap, it is an easy and quick recipe that you can do when you want the real thing but you just don’t have the time. It is so good, it almost feels like you’re cheating!
3. Sweet And Sour Fish
For the lazy fish eaters out there, this recipe is perfectly made for you. It is so quick and you probably already have all the ingredients in your fridge! All that is left to do is for you to heat everything up in the microwave.
Ingredients
- 150g dory fish fillets, cubed
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- ¼ red onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons of chili sauce
- ½ tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons of water
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of sugar
- ¼ red and green capsicums, diced
- ½ tomato, diced
- A knob of ginger
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 2 pieces bird’s eye chilies (optional)
Method
- Mix all the ingredients (except for fish fillets) in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 2 minutes.
- Add in fish fillets in the bowl and mix in with the sweet and sour sauce.
- Cover the bowl with a lid (you can use a plate) and heat in the microwave for 5 to 8 minutes.
- Keep an eye on the bowl to avoid spillage. You can stop every 3 minutes to stir the fish.
This recipe is sweet, tangy, zesty and perfect when you want to spice up your dinner. You can eat it rice, quinoa or just on its own. It is also good with a bowl salad if you’re watching your health!
Desserts
No matter how full we are, there is no denying that there is always some room for desserts. So to be safe, here are some fool-proof dessert recipes that are so easy you might never want to turn on your oven ever again. If you are too impatient to wait for more than 30 minutes for a cake to bake, then look no further. These recipes are here to the rescue.
1. Brownie Mug
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 2 tablespoons of water or milk or chocolate milk
- ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of white sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 4 tablespoons of flour
Method
- In a coffee mug, add water/milk, melted butter, salt and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Sift in the cocoa powder and mix well.
- Add sugar and flour and whisk well.
- Microwave the batter for 60 seconds until the center is slightly molten. (Do not overcook as the cake will become rubbery)
2. Bread Pudding
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons of milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of raisins (optional)
- 1 slice of bread, buttered
Method
- In a microwavable mug, mix together milk, egg, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla until combined.
- Cut the bread into cubes, bite-sized pieces.
- Add the bread and raisins into the mug to absorb the liquid. Let the mixture for at least 5 minutes to soak up the custard.
- Microwave for roughly 1 to 1 ½ minutes on high. Keep an eye on the bread pudding after 1 minute.
3. Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake
Ingredients
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon of baking powder
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- ¼ tablespoon of ground cinnamon
Method
- Grease the cup with some butter and then mix together flour, baking powder, milk, honey, vanilla and vegetable oil.
- Add more milk, if needed. The batter must be thick, but not dry.
- In another bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the top of the mixture in mug. Use the tip of a knife to swirl the cinnamon mix into the top of the batter.
- Microwave on high for about 1 minute and 25 seconds. Take it out of the microwave and if desired transfer muffin to a plate. Enjoy!
Heat up That Microwave
What could be better than instant yet fulfilling meal? Whenever you feel like eating a wholesome meal but you just don’t have the energy to prepare them, these 12 recipes are here to save you for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert! Get with the microwave!
