Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

To save space, I tried going without a microwave for a few years.

My kitchen isn’t very big, and it’s not designed for a microwave over the range.

I made room for a microwave.

Microwave Oyakodon and Rice in a Small Plate Surrounded by a Table Setting with a Spoon, a Table Napkin, and a Small Plate with Kimchi

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

For many, microwave ovens are an essential piece of kitchen equipment.

These 24 recipes show you just versatile the oft-overlooked microwave can be.

When it’s cooked, cut the bottom off and the husk slips right off.

A plate of microwave corn on the cob set on a cutting board and topped with butter.

Eliezer Martinez

It has a larger surface area and will cook the tomato mixture and eggs more evenly.

This method works with jasmine, basmati, or plain old long-grain white rice as well as sushi rice.

Place rinsed rice and water in a microwave safe bowl.

Microwave Shakshuka in a Circular Pyrex Dish on a Circular Tray Surrounded by Slices of Bread on the Counter, a Small Bowl of Cracked Pepper, and a Glass of Water

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Cook uncovered, and then covered, and then let it rest till it gets fluffy.

Microwave Bacon

Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

Yes, you could cook CRISPY bacon in the microwave.

The trick is placing the slices between paper towels to soak up the grease as they cook.

Microwave Rice in a Bowl on a Kitchen Towel with a Wooden Spoon

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Rather, you microwave them in oil to extract their flavor.

The addition of Dijon, vinegar, salt, and pepper finishes off this hard-to-resist salad dressing.

First, cook an aromatic oil mixture in the microwave.

Plate of Microwave Bacon with Sunny Side Eggs and Slices of Buttered Toast

Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

Top with salmon, cover with plastic wrap, and cook.

Microwave BBQ Chicken Wings

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

Really?

Wings in the microwave?

salad dressing in a jar next to microwave

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

I’ll be honest here.

They won’t be as crispy as they would be if they were fried.

But they will be fast and deliciously sweet, with much less cleaning up when you’re done.

Microwave Red Curry Poached Salmon Topped with Cilantro and Lime Wedges in a Microwavable Glass Bowl

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

In 10 minutes, this side dish will be ready for yoursteak,pork chops, orvegetarian meatloafdinner.

Serve it as a side, or use it as the base forchorizo stuffed sweet potatoes.

Top it with cheese, sour cream, and chives.

Platter of Microwave BBQ Chicken Wings

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

Serve them with rice and kimchi for a meal you might pull together on the fly.

How to Steam Broccoli in the Microwave

Need a quick, healthy, simple side dish for dinner?

Steamed broccoli is the answer.

microwave creamed spinach in a white bowl

Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

This easy method takes just 10 minutes, including cutting up the fresh broccoli.

Add grated cheese and finely chopped red pepper and chives for extra flavor.

It’s served alongside the oyakodon, a filling and simple Japanese dish of chicken and eggs.

Plate with Microwave Sweet Potatoes Split in Half and Topped with a Slab of Butter and Salt

Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

You scoop the soft, custardy, savory eggs over the rice and dig in.

Chocolate chips don’t always melt as smoothly as chocolate bars.

Bowl of Microwave Broccoli with Sesame Dressing with Utensils, Next to a Table Napkin, a Glass of Water, and a Bowl with More Sesame Seeds

Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

Microwave Baked Potato Topped with Sour Cream, Cheddar, and Chives on a Plate with a Fork

Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

Korean steamed eggs in blue bowl.

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Microwave Broccoli with Sesame Dressing

Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

microwave omelette with easy omelette recipe

Elise Bauer and Guy Michelier

Microwave Oyakodon (Japanese Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl) in a Microwavable Dish, and in the Background, a Small Plate With Cooked Rice and a Small Plate of Kimchi

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

A platter of homemade chips and salsa.

Sally Vargas

Microwave Arroz Verde on a Plate with a Fork and Surrounded by Lime Wheels, a Bowl of Course Salt, and a Table Napkin

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe