Cooking Eggs in the Microwave: A Step-by-Step Guide, Healthy Recipes, and Comparison
Eggs are a staple food in almost every household, thanks to their versatility and nutritional value. However, cooking them to perfection can be tricky, especially when we’re short on time or don’t want to dirty too many dishes. That’s where the microwave comes in handy. Yes, you can cook eggs in the microwave, and the results are surprisingly good! In this article, we’ll show you how to cook different types of eggs in the microwave, share some healthy recipes, breakfast sandwich ideas, and compare this method with others. Let’s get started!
How to Cook Eggs in the Microwave
Before we start, make sure you have the following materials ready:
- A microwave-safe bowl or dish
- A fork or whisk
- Cooking spray or butter/oil
- Salt and pepper (optional)
Now, let’s see how to cook your favorite type of egg in the microwave.
Scrambled Eggs
Crack one or two eggs into a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of milk or water, and whisk until combined. You can also add salt, pepper, herbs, or cheese if you like. Microwave on high power for 30 seconds, then take out and stir with a fork. Put it back in the microwave and repeat the process in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until the eggs are cooked to your liking. It should take 1-2 minutes in total. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll become rubbery.
Fried Eggs
Spray a microwave-safe dish with cooking spray or butter/oil, crack an egg into it, and pierce the yolk with a fork. Microwave on high power for 45-60 seconds, or until the whites are set and the yolk is runny or cooked to your preference. If you like your egg sunny-side-up, cover the dish with a paper towel or microwave-safe lid before cooking. If you prefer an egg over-easy or over-medium, flip it carefully using a spatula and microwave for an additional 10-15 seconds. Serve on toast, rice, or salad.
Poached Eggs
Fill a microwave-safe dish with about 1/2 cup of water and a splash of vinegar (optional). Crack an egg into the water, cover the dish with a paper towel, and microwave on high power for 60-90 seconds, or until the whites are set and the yolk is still runny. Use a slotted spoon to remove the egg from the water, and dab it with a paper towel to absorb excess liquid. Repeat the process for more eggs. Poached eggs are great in salads, soups, and bowls.
Boiled Eggs
Place one or two eggs in a microwave-safe bowl, cover them with water, and microwave on high power for 4-6 minutes, depending on your microwave wattage and how soft or hard you want the yolks to be. Let them stand for a minute before peeling them under cold running water. Voila! You have perfectly boiled eggs without a stove-top mess. Store them in the fridge for later use or use them in salads, sandwiches, or as a snack.
Tips for Perfect Results
Every microwave is different, so you may need to adjust the cooking times accordingly. As a general rule, start with a shorter time and check the eggs frequently to avoid overcooking. Use medium or low power if you have that option. Cover the dish with a paper towel or microwave-safe lid to prevent splatters. Don’t forget to pierce or break the yolk if you’re frying or poaching the egg. And most importantly, be careful when taking the dish out of the microwave as it will be hot.
Benefits of Cooking Eggs in the Microwave
Now that you know how to cook eggs in the microwave let’s see why you should try it:
Time-saving
Microwave eggs take a fraction of the time compared to stove-top cooking, which means you can enjoy your breakfast, snack, or meal in minutes. You no longer have to wait for the pot to boil or the pan to heat up. Plus, you can cook as many eggs as you want at once, depending on the size of your microwave-safe dish.
Easy Clean-up
Microwave cooking is mess-free since you only need one dish or bowl, which can be easily washed or put in the dishwasher. No more scrubbing greasy pans or pots! Also, if you cover the dish with a paper towel, you can avoid any splatters or spills.
Saves Energy Compared to Stove-top Cooking
Microwave cooking uses less energy than traditional cooking methods, making it more environmentally friendly and cost-effective. You don’t have to wait for the stove to heat up, and you can turn off the microwave as soon as the eggs are cooked.
Healthy Egg Recipe Roundup
Cooking eggs in the microwave doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste or nutrition. Here are some healthy egg recipes to try:
Scrambled Eggs with Vegetables
Whisk two eggs, a splash of milk, and chopped veggies (such as spinach, kale, bell peppers, or mushrooms) in a microwave-safe bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs (such as thyme, basil, or oregano). Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked and the veggies are tender. Serve with whole-grain toast or wrap.
Baked Eggs with Spinach and Feta
Grease a ramekin or muffin cup with cooking spray or butter/oil. Beat one egg with a tablespoon of milk or cream, and pour it into the cup. Add a handful of chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese on top. Microwave on high power for 45-60 seconds, or until the egg is set and the cheese is melted. Repeat for more eggs. Serve with a side salad or as a snack.
Egg Frittata with Mixed Herbs
Whisk two eggs, a splash of milk, and chopped herbs (such as parsley, cilantro, dill, or chives) in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high power for 2-3 minutes, or until the eggs are set and puffy. Slice into wedges and serve with a drizzle of olive oil and cherry tomatoes on top.
Egg Muffins with Bacon and Cheese
Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with paper cups. Beat four eggs with a quarter-cup of milk or cream, and pour the mixture into the cups. Add cooked and chopped bacon, shredded cheese, and any veggies you like. Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked and the cheese is melted. Serve warm or chilled for breakfast or as a snack.
How to Make a Quick and Easy Breakfast Sandwich
Who doesn’t love a breakfast sandwich? You can make a delicious and filling one using microwaved eggs. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- One or two eggs (cooked as preferred)
- One English muffin (or any bread of your choice, toasted)
- One slice of cheese (such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss)
- Optional toppings and add-ons (such as bacon, ham, avocado, tomato, onion, pesto, or hot sauce)
Instructions:
- Toast the English muffin or bread in the toaster or microwave.
- Spread the toppings or add-ons you like (such as bacon, ham, or avocado) on one half of the muffin.
- Place the microwaved egg on the other half of the muffin, followed by the slice of cheese.
- Microwave the sandwich on high power for 30-45 seconds, or until the cheese is melted and the muffin is warm.
- Close the sandwich and enjoy!
You can also customize your sandwich by using different cheeses, bread, meats, veggies, or sauces. The possibilities are endless!
Pros and Cons of Cooking Eggs in the Microwave
Despite all the benefits, there are some potential drawbacks when it comes to cooking eggs in the microwave. Let’s weigh the pros and cons:
Advantages:
- Fast cooking times
- Easy clean-up
- Saves energy
- Consistent results
- Versatile recipes
Disadvantages:
- May result in uneven or overcooked eggs
- Some recipes (such as poached eggs) may be tricky to master
- Limited space in the microwave
- May cause splatters or spills if not covered properly
- Lack of crispy texture or browning (if desired)
Overall, cooking eggs in the microwave is a convenient and healthy option if you’re short on time or want a quick and easy meal or snack. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely worth a try. As long as you follow the tips we gave you, experiment with different recipes, and adjust the cooking times to your own microwave, you’ll be able to cook eggs in the microwave like a pro. Happy cooking!
Conclusion
In this article, we showed you how to cook eggs in the microwave step-by-step, highlighted the benefits of this method, shared some healthy recipes, breakfast sandwich ideas, and compared it with other cooking methods. We hope you found this article informative and useful. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different egg dishes, toppings, and seasonings or ask your family and friends to join in the fun. Cooking eggs in the microwave may become your new favorite way of enjoying this nutritious and delicious food.
