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Easy Microwave Recipes

Updated: October 24, 2014
In most kitchens, the microwave is a reheater and a defroster. But there are ways to coax out delicious flavors and textures that you'd swear came from an old-fashioned, slow-cook oven.
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Microwave Magic

Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Microwave Sweet Potato Chips

We had a thousand-watt mission to demonstrate that cooks who use microwave ovens only to reheat coffee or to thaw and heat frozen foods are missing a fundamental point: The microwave can actually cook food.

By "cook" we mean deliver crisp textures and complex flavors associated with the dry heat of the much slower regular oven. We wanted a quick, moist meat loaf, for example, or a genuinely creamy risotto that takes half the stovetop time and requires half the amount of stirring.

First, you won't want to miss these Microwave Sweet Potato Chips. You'll need a mandoline to slice the potato thin enough to crisp. The results are delicious and easy, sans the hassle of the oven.

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Cod with Fennel and Orange

Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Cod with Fennel and Orange

This entrée cooks in 7 minutes, with very little cleanup. The bags we used (Ziploc) are dioxin-free and food-safe in the microwave.

 

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Almond Brittle

Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Almond Brittle

Substitute pecans, walnuts, peanuts, or pine nuts for almonds, if you prefer.

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Asparagus and Lemon Risotto

Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Asparagus and Lemon Risotto

This risotto is not covered while microwaving. Be sure you are using at least a 2-quart bowl to allow plenty of room for the liquid to boil.

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Everyday Meat Loaf

Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Everyday Meat Loaf

The meat loaf cooks in the microwave for just 8 minutes, a fraction of the time it takes for traditionally baked meat loaf. Broiling the cheese on top of the cooked meat loaf until it's brown and bubbly lends the dish a pleasing, oven-baked look.

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Quick Breakfast Tostada

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Quick Breakfast Tostada

This hearty dish, with eggs, beans, and cheese, is good for any meal. Add a little cooked chicken or ground beef for a filling breakfast-for-dinner option, or cook the eggs ahead and pack each ingredient separately for an assemble-at-work lunch. It's also good for kids to make themselves, as everything cooks quickly in the microwave, no stove necessary.

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Microwave Smashed Potatoes

Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Microwave Smashed Potatoes

If you’ve maxed out your oven and cooktop, let your microwave do the heavy lifting for smashed potatoes.

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Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Fudge

Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Fudge

Make the combination of peanut butter and chocolate even better by stirring in instant coffee granules and topping the fudge with chopped peanuts.

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Caramelized Onion-Stuffed Baked Potato

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Caramelized Onion-Stuffed Baked Potato

Baking the potato in the microwave makes this dish a snap to prepare. Fontina, mozzarella, or even Parmesan would work in this dish. Serve with filet mignon, flank steak, or a seasonal green salad.

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Soft Chicken Tacos

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Soft Chicken Tacos

Everyone loves tacos. These easy-to-make soft tacos can be spicy or mild, depending on the type of salsa you choose. Serve with a tomato-and-onion salad.

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Ham and Cheese Hash Browns

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Ham and Cheese Hash Browns

This recipe resembles a hearty potato hash and is a great use for leftover ham. Cooked entirely in the microwave, it's ready to eat in less than 15 minutes, so pair it with fresh fruit or a salad for a truly effortless dinner.

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Braided Salmon

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Braided Salmon

For an even shorter prep time, omit the braiding step. Cut salmon fillet into four (six-ounce) pieces, and cook as directed in braided method.

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Microwave Bacon Brittle

Photo: Ryan Liebe
View Recipe: Microwave Bacon Brittle

Making brittle doesn't get much easier than this! Forget the stovetop and candy thermometer, this microwave masterpiece is ready in under an hour.

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