The microwave has long been treated like the kitchen’s lazy cousin – good for leftovers, bad for real cooking. But that reputation is wildly unfair. Used properly, a microwave can cook meals from scratch that are quick, economical and genuinely tasty, without a mountain of dishes or a hot kitchen.
From a proper breakfast to satisfying lunches and easy dinners, here are five meals that prove your microwave is more capable than you think.
Microwave Veggie & Feta Omelette (Breakfast)
Serves: 1
Time: 3–4 minutes
Ingredients
2 eggs
1 tablespoon milk or water
2 tablespoons chopped spinach
2 tablespoons diced capsicum or tomato
1 tablespoon crumbled feta
Salt and pepper
Method
Whisk eggs, milk, salt and pepper in a microwave-safe bowl.
Stir through vegetables and feta.
Microwave uncovered on high for 1 minute.
Stir gently, then microwave for another 30–60 seconds until just set.
Rest for 30 seconds before eating.
Why it works: Gentle cooking keeps it fluffy, not rubbery.
Microwave Creamy Porridge with Apple & Cinnamon (Breakfast)
Serves: 1
Time: 4 minutes
Ingredients
½ cup rolled oats
1 cup milk (or plant milk)
½ apple, finely chopped
Pinch cinnamon
Honey or maple syrup, to taste
Method
Combine oats, milk, apple and cinnamon in a large bowl (it will bubble up).
Microwave on high for 2 minutes.
Stir, then microwave for another 1–2 minutes until creamy.
Sweeten to taste.
Tip: Let it stand for a minute to thicken.
Microwave Mug Chicken Fried Rice (Lunch)
Serves: 1
Time: 5–6 minutes
Ingredients
½ cup cooked rice (cold is best)
1 egg
¼ cup cooked chicken, chopped
2 tablespoons frozen peas
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Method
Beat egg in a large microwave-safe mug or bowl.
Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then another 20 seconds until softly set.
Add rice, chicken, peas, soy sauce and sesame oil.
Microwave for 1½–2 minutes, stirring halfway, until hot.
Why it works: Everything heats evenly without drying out.
Microwave Baked Sweet Potato with Toppings (Lunch or Dinner)
Serves: 1
Time: 7–8 minutes
Ingredients
1 medium sweet potato
Butter or olive oil
Toppings: grated cheese, sour cream, chopped spring onion, beans or tuna
Method
Prick sweet potato all over with a fork.
Microwave on high for 5 minutes, turn, then another 2–3 minutes until soft.
Split open, add butter or oil and your toppings.
Microwave for 30–60 seconds to melt and heat.
Bonus: Surprisingly fluffy inside, crispy-ish skin.
Microwave Lemon Garlic Salmon (Dinner)
Serves: 1
Time: 4–5 minutes
Ingredients
1 salmon fillet
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon minced garlic
Salt and pepper
Method
Place salmon in a microwave-safe dish.
Drizzle with oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper.
Cover loosely with a lid or plate.
Microwave on medium-high for 3–4 minutes, checking at 3 minutes.
Rest for 1 minute before serving.
Serve with: Steamed greens or microwave rice.