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7 Foods You Had No Idea You Can Make In The Microwave

Eggs poached in the microwave are faster, easier and way less messy than the stovetop version.
Eggs poached in the microwave are faster, easier and way less messy than the stovetop version.

Eggs poached in the microwave are faster, easier and way less messy than the stovetop version.

Microwaved meals are synonymous with doing the bare minimum. If you tell someone that you’re eating a microwaved meal, they are very likely picturing a sad, nutrient-void TV dinner, and they’ll express the sorrow they harbor for your lot in life.

But in reality, the kitchen tool is both underestimated and misunderstood. The truth is that you can use it to make a whole host of delicious foods while still doing thebare minimum. 

This is especially good news if you hate cooking or don’t have access to a full kitchen. Heck, even chefs use the microwave from time to time. Need proof? Here are seven ways to use that good old heated box, straight from professionals who have access to every cooking tool under the sun.

7 Surprising Foods You Can Microwave    

1. Eggs 

Cook This Bookauthor Molly Baz admitted that, like many chefs, she looked down on the microwave for a long time. But when she learned that it could be used to make eggs, she started looking at it in a new way. “I was visiting my parents and I really wanted a poached egg for breakfast. My mom told me that instead of boiling an entire pot of water for one egg, I should just use the microwave,” Baz said. As you can likely guess, she did ― and now she’s a microwave believer. 

To make your own poached egg, fill a small bowl or mug with 8 ounces of water, crack an egg right into the water, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Microwave in 30-second increments until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny, checking after each 30 seconds. (All microwaves emit different levels of heat.)

And you can do more than just poach eggs in the microwave. Tara Ippolito, author of Fast. Simple. Delicious. and a contestant on Netflix’s “Easy Bake Battle,” said she uses the device to make scrambled eggs. “I just crack some eggs, add some cheese and veggies and pop it in the microwave for one minute. It’s so easy,” she said.

2. French Toast   

Eggs aren’t the only breakfast food you can make in the microwave. Ippolito said she also uses it to make French toast. To do so, she said to simply cut up the bread, put the pieces in a microwave-safe container, add your other French toast ingredients (including whisked eggs) and put it in the microwave for between two and five minutes, depending on your microwave. Not only does the French toast come together quicker than when it’s made on the stove, but there will be fewer dishes to clean up, too.

3. Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes are one of those foods that you have to plan for because they can take an hour to make in the oven. Vegan chef and cookbook author Ally Lazare uses the microwave for them, cutting the cooking time down to roughly 10 minutes.

“My favorite hack is using the microwave in place of the stovetop things like potatoes or heavy root vegetables,” she said. “This is particularly helpful in the summer when it’s hot, and you don’t want to have multiple pots and pans boiling away on the stove, or if you’re already cooking multiple things and don’t have any free space on the stove.”

“You can easily ‘roast’ a sweet potato or russet potato by poking the potato a few times with a sharp knife to release steam and then putting them on a glass dish or bowl and microwaving for about 10 minutes,” said chefAmelia Levin. She also cooks spaghetti squash this way, microwaving it for about 15 minutes, depending on the size.   

Forget the air fryer and crisp up some potato chips in the microwave.
Forget the air fryer and crisp up some potato chips in the microwave.

Forget the air fryer and crisp up some potato chips in the microwave.

4. Chips 

You don’t need an air fryer to make chips that are healthier than what you’ll find in the grocery store. They’re yet another food that you can make using the microwave. “Microwave chips are easy and delicious. I like to use potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash and zucchini,” Lazare said.

She added that the key to making the chips nice and crispy is to slice the veggies really thin and salt them before cooking to soak up moisture. “Lay them in a single layer on a sheet of paper towel and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then pat them dry,” she suggested. Now, they’re ready for the microwave. Zap them for between three and six minutes, watching them carefully to make sure they don’t burn.

5. Fried Shallots   

Fried shallots are great to have on hand to add both crunch and flavor to everything from salads to roasted ― or microwaved ― veggies and to sprinkle on soup.

“You can make them in the microwave by placing some sliced shallots or onions in a little oil, covering and zapping them for 30 to 45 seconds. They’ll crisp up just like you fried them,” Levin said. Smart, right? 

6. Bloomed Spices  

What are bloomed spices, you ask? They’re the key to adding more flavor to all your recipes. Heating dried spices with a little bit of fat extracts the essence of the spice, making it more pungent and flavorful. You can do this to ground spices as well as those in seed form, like coriander or mustard seeds.

Levin suggested adding your spice to a small bowl with some olive oil and microwaving it for about 30 seconds. The end result will be an infused oil bursting with flavor and ready to be drizzled over veggies, meat, salads and grain bowls.

Microwaved mug cakes are a quick and easy way to get a single dose of sweets.
Microwaved mug cakes are a quick and easy way to get a single dose of sweets.

Microwaved mug cakes are a quick and easy way to get a single dose of sweets.

7. Cookies, Brownies And Cake 

Have you ever had a craving for something sweet but don’t want to make an entire cake or batch of brownies to satisfy it? That’s where mug cakes, mug brownies and even mug cookies come in. “Microwaves are fantastic for desserts, especially if you’re baking for one or two people,” Lazare said. Just add all the ingredients into a mug, stir them up and cook in the microwave for about two minutes. Google “mug cakes you can make in the microwave” for hundreds of recipes.

Clearly, there’s a whole lot more you can use the microwave for than TV dinners. Your Instant Pot is about to get jealous.

Want to know which everyday tools actual chefs use in their kitchens? Check out the list below.

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Chef'n PalmPeeler
Chef'n PalmPeeler

Amazon

Chef'n PalmPeeler

"This palm peeler is one of my favorite kitchen tools, and one I get asked about very frequently in my videos. The peeler is built for your hand and makes peeling vegetables extremely easy!" — Karen Rosenbloomchef and content creator

$7.95 at Amazon

Benriner mandoline slicer
Benriner mandoline slicer

Amazon

Benriner mandoline slicer

"The Benriner mandoline is so easy to use and great for small spaces." — Emma Hearst, chef, founder and CEO of Forts Ferry Farm

“I love the Benriner mandoline slicer. While I think I have pretty darn good knife skills, my affinity for well-cut veggies leads me to grabbing this thing 2-3 times a week at home. The uniform cuts produce better cooking and looking dishes. Think sandwich toppings or micro-thin sales for tacos. Be careful and use the guard — this thing always wins against your fingers!” — Rodger Bowser, head chef at Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan

$54.99 at Amazon

Microplane professional series ribbon grater
Microplane professional series ribbon grater

Amazon

Microplane professional series ribbon grater

"Of course, a Microplane! My new favorite one is the professional series ribbon grater." — Hearst

$21.99 at Amazon

Prepworks by Progressive flip grater
Prepworks by Progressive flip grater

Amazon

Prepworks by Progressive flip grater

"My husband also got me a folding microplane to keep in my purse… never know when you might need one." — Hearst

$14.99 at Amazon

A Bar Above short cocktail picks
A Bar Above short cocktail picks

Amazon

A Bar Above short cocktail picks

"I also just found a bunch of wonderful stainless steel cocktail picks, [like these], while on an Amazon hunt for props for my cookbook, which we are photographing right now!" — Hearst

$12.99+ at Amazon

Wüsthof classic 8-inch chef's knife
Wüsthof classic 8-inch chef's knife

Amazon

Wüsthof classic 8-inch chef's knife

"Absolutely one of my favorites is the Wüsthof classic chef’s knife. Mine is a 12" and it is my workhorse. My parents bought it for me 20 years ago and it is still my most used knife in my bag. Easy to use, holds a nice edge easily.” — Bob Bennett, head chef at Zingerman’s Roadhouse in Ann Arbor, Michigan

$158.10 at Amazon

Javelin instant read meat thermometer
Javelin instant read meat thermometer

Amazon

Javelin instant read meat thermometer

"Another of my Amazon faves is the Javelin digital thermometer. I have bought this for myself, for my crew and for most folks who cook. It is heavy duty, quick and accurate – everything you need in a busy kitchen.” — Bennett

$26.99 at Amazon

Ideal Gangy can opener
Ideal Gangy can opener

Amazon

Ideal Gangy can opener

"These Japanese can openers are one of the handiest tools to keep in the kitchen. As anyone who has tried to use a hand-held can opener in a professional kitchen knows, the traditional ones last about 3 hours before being broken. These can openers have no moving parts and are extremely durable. I make it a point to keep a few on-hand in every kitchen I occupy, and keep one at home as well. They also make great stocking stuffers for line cooks when the holidays come around!" — Alex Napolitano, executive chef at The Maker in Hudson, New York

$11.98 at Amazon

OXO Good Grips 9-inch whisk
OXO Good Grips 9-inch whisk

Amazon

OXO Good Grips 9-inch whisk

"I saw one of my sous chefs with this little whisk in his kit and I had to have it. It’s adorable, ergonomic and well constructed. I use it everyday to make anything from aioli and vinaigrettes to beurre blanc, sabayon and bernaise." — Jake Leiber, chef-partner at Chez Ma Tante in Brooklyn, New York

$10.95 at Amazon

Maldon sea salt flakes
Maldon sea salt flakes

Amazon

Maldon sea salt flakes

"This salt is amazing! Use it in salads or to finish any dish. Add a perfect crunch and flavor." — Alma Fernanda, a Le Cordon Bleu chef and gastronomic cultural attaché at the Mexican embassy in Washington, D.C.

$32.71 at Amazon

Kuhn Rikon Epicurean garlic press
Kuhn Rikon Epicurean garlic press

Amazon

Kuhn Rikon Epicurean garlic press

"Best garlic press ever! Can even add garlic with the peel." — Fernanda

$44.63 at Amazon

Global two piece knife set
Global two piece knife set

Amazon

Global two piece knife set

"Love this knife set! The only two you will ever need. Very lightweight and perfect size." — Fernanda

$94.49 at Amazon

Zulay Metal 2-In-1 lemon lime squeezer
Zulay Metal 2-In-1 lemon lime squeezer

Amazon

Zulay Metal 2-In-1 lemon lime squeezer

"This lemon squeezer is my favorite tool from Amazon! I used to think it was a 'nice to have' not a 'need to have' because, as we know, we can squeeze lemons by hand. But after getting one from Amazon, I realized how much of a game changer it is!  It obviously speeds up my process in both my home kitchen and commercial kitchen (think about how many lemons we have to squeeze for our lemon cardamom ice cream!), but it also makes use of those hard lemons that seem to have zero juice (turns out they can be just as juicy with a lemon squeezer!). It has ended up being the most 'need to have' tool in my kitchen these days." — Pooja Bavishi, CEO and founder of Malai in Brooklyn, New York, and a home cook

$14.99 at Amazon

JB Prince bowl scraper
JB Prince bowl scraper

Amazon

JB Prince bowl scraper

"My favorite kitchen tool is a plastic bench or bowl scraper from JB Prince! It’s super easy to keep clean! It can be used to scrape all the herbs, garlic or onions off your cutting board. It doubles as a rubber spatula in need. To get the last bit of batter out of a bowl, or moving dough off a wooden board, this is the most essential tool." — Ryan Bartlow, chef and owner at Ernesto's in New York City

$8.76 at Amazon

Deluxe Knifedock in-drawer kitchen knife storage
Deluxe Knifedock in-drawer kitchen knife storage

Amazon

Deluxe Knifedock in-drawer kitchen knife storage

"Great for keeping drawers organized especially if you have expensive Japanese knives that you want to protect from keeping dull and preserving their longevity." — Andrew Quinn, chef/owner of The Noortwyck in New York City

$54.99 at Amazon

A collapsible cooling rack
A collapsible cooling rack

Amazon

A collapsible cooling rack

"Great for creating efficiency of space particularly in tight kitchens.” — Quinn

$32.99 at Amazon

ThermoPro digital meat thermometer
ThermoPro digital meat thermometer

Amazon

ThermoPro digital meat thermometer

"A kitchen thermometer is a crucial tool to have in your culinary arsenal. I use this tool all the time at home and in restaurants, mostly to check the temperatures of proteins to guarantee they are cooked to perfection." — Rosenbloom

$14.99 at Amazon

OXO Good Grips short Pop container set
OXO Good Grips short Pop container set

Amazon

OXO Good Grips short Pop container set

"One of our go to items in our kitchens at Loring Place and Greywind are the OXO Pop Storage containers that we use to store spices, nuts and seeds. These containers come in a variety of sizes and allow us to store ingredients in a very organized manner. They are designed with a push-button top that creates an airtight seal which also helps keep the ingredients fresh. They are also stackable, durable and dishwasher safe.” — Dan Kluger, chef/owner at Greywind in New York City

$32.95 at Amazon

Ateco offset spatula
Ateco offset spatula

Amazon

Ateco offset spatula

"Andy Baraghani might say you don’t need one (don’t get me wrong, I love his book) but for pastry people it’s indispensable. For smoothing the top of cake batter, frosting cakes and cupcakes and myriad other odd jobs like flipping pancakes and crepes and lifting chocolate chip cookies off a tray. My ultimate tool.” — Claire Ptak, chef/owner of Violet Cakes in London and author of "Love Is A Pink Cake"

$5.86 at Amazon

A set of five 8.5-inch silicone spatulas
A set of five 8.5-inch silicone spatulas

Amazon

A set of five 8.5-inch silicone spatulas

"I love these mini spatulas that I buy on Amazon. They are great for getting mis en place out of pints and quart containers and the vita prep to name a few. And they are cute colors!" — Melissa Rodriguez, chef/owner at Al Coro, Mel’s and Discolo in New York City

$14.99 at Amazon

Global 5-inch chef's utility knife
Global 5-inch chef's utility knife

Amazon

Global 5-inch chef's utility knife

"My favorite kitchen tool is my 5 inch Global utility knife. I have had mine for about 10 years and I use it pretty much daily. I love that it holds an edge well, is very durable, and it great for most prep projects.” — Roy Elam, chef at Donna Jean in Los Angeles and San Diego, California

$89.95 at Amazon

ScotchBlue painter's tape
ScotchBlue painter's tape

Amazon

ScotchBlue painter's tape

"The organizational item that we order the most from Amazon would be blue painters tape by far. We use it constantly to label and date everything in the kitchen, which is imperative to our organization, and other types of tape either don’t stick or leave a residue after they get removed.” — Mike Williams, executive chef and culinary director at Juliet, Norah and Margot in Los Angeles, California

$19.10 at Amazon

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