I’m the first one to admit that it’s not always easy to make time for cooking. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try, but if you foresee a given week being so crazy and stressful that cooking is just out of the question, you need to admit defeat and make sure you have alternate options.
The following meals are examples of dinners you can throw together in minutes using the microwave as the only cooking method. And that hardly counts as cooking, right? Easier and faster than fast food — and exponentially healthier! Plus, no dishes to wash afterward except your plate.
The secret to these microwave meals is what I call pre-cooked proteins — proteins that only need to be heated up quickly before eating. So make sure you scout some pre-cooked proteins at your local grocery store! Vegetarians, any of these meals can be adapted by subbing in a meatless burger instead of the one listed.
Total meal prep time: 10-12 minutes
Directions: First, start boiling the water for the rice. After it boils (in around 5-7 minutes), everything else can start cooking. Put the rice in the water to boil. Place a few handfuls of raw baby spinach and a salmon burger on a plate. Add a pat of real butter to the spinach along with some salt and pepper. Microwave until the spinach is wilted and the salmon patty is hot (3-5 minutes). Voila! Dinner is served.
Total prep time: 10-12 minutes
Directions: Make several slits in the potato with a knife or fork. Put it on a plate in the microwave and set the clock for 12 minutes. After about 6 minutes, add the frozen broccoli and chicken sausage. Continue cooking until everything is warm (about another 5-6 minutes). When it comes out of the microwave, soak up any excess water from the broccoli with a paper towel. Add a pat of butter to the potato, some salt and pepper to the broccoli, and you’re good to go.
Total prep time: 12-14 minutes
Again, pierce 3-4 small redskin potatoes with a fork or knife. Put them on a plate in the microwave with the clock set to 12 minutes. After 5-6 minutes, add the green beans and chicken burger. Continue cooking until everything is warm (another 5-8 minutes). Soak up excess water with a paper towel and don’t forget to add your fat! This time, try making an easy dressing for the green beans with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt/pepper. Done and done.
I’m the first one to admit that it’s not always easy to make time for cooking. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try, but if you foresee a given week being so crazy and stressful that cooking is just out of the question, you need to admit defeat and make sure you have alternate options.
The following meals are examples of dinners you can throw together in minutes using the microwave as the only cooking method. And that hardly counts as cooking, right? Easier and faster than fast food — and exponentially healthier! Plus, no dishes to wash afterward except your plate.
The secret to these microwave meals is what I call pre-cooked proteins — proteins that only need to be heated up quickly before eating. So make sure you scout some pre-cooked proteins at your local grocery store! Vegetarians, any of these meals can be adapted by subbing in a meatless burger instead of the one listed.
Total meal prep time: 10-12 minutes
Directions: First, start boiling the water for the rice. After it boils (in around 5-7 minutes), everything else can start cooking. Put the rice in the water to boil. Place a few handfuls of raw baby spinach and a salmon burger on a plate. Add a pat of real butter to the spinach along with some salt and pepper. Microwave until the spinach is wilted and the salmon patty is hot (3-5 minutes). Voila! Dinner is served.
Total prep time: 10-12 minutes
Directions: Make several slits in the potato with a knife or fork. Put it on a plate in the microwave and set the clock for 12 minutes. After about 6 minutes, add the frozen broccoli and chicken sausage. Continue cooking until everything is warm (about another 5-6 minutes). When it comes out of the microwave, soak up any excess water from the broccoli with a paper towel. Add a pat of butter to the potato, some salt and pepper to the broccoli, and you’re good to go.
Total prep time: 12-14 minutes
Again, pierce 3-4 small redskin potatoes with a fork or knife. Put them on a plate in the microwave with the clock set to 12 minutes. After 5-6 minutes, add the green beans and chicken burger. Continue cooking until everything is warm (another 5-8 minutes). Soak up excess water with a paper towel and don’t forget to add your fat! This time, try making an easy dressing for the green beans with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt/pepper. Done and done.