23 Microwave Recipes for When You’re Too Tired to Cook During the Holiday Rush

Your next meal is only a few beeps away!

By
Theodora Kaloudis
Theodora Kaloudis
Theodora Kaloudis
Theodora's passion for cooking began early on as a young girl, working in the kitchen at her father's Greek diner in Brooklyn, NY. Her recipes have appeared on Delish, Spruce Eats, Today.com, Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon, Dinnerly, Simply Recipes, and in various cookbooks.
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Published December 09, 2025
Theodora Kaloudis
Microwave Red Curry Poached Salmon Topped with Cilantro and Lime Wedges in a Microwavable Glass Bowl

Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

There are times when we all need an extra hand—the busy holiday season being one of those times. The microwave, designed for more than just reheating, has a lot to offer. I often use it to “steam” veggies and even poach eggs, but there’s so much more that can be done. Like making a vibrant Shakshuka, a flavorful Red Curry Poached Salmon, or even a show-stopping 3-Layer Cake! It may sound unbelievable, but I promise you, this is no joke.

We’ve pulled together a list of recipes that will make your next meal time a bit easier, ranging from breakfast to dessert—and organized them in that order, so be sure to keep scrolling to reach the 3-Layer Cake and other mouthwatering desserts, like Molten Peanut Butter Chocolate Mug Cake. Not only does the microwave significantly cut down on cooking time, but cleanup is a breeze. Whatever the case may be, get ready to unlock your microwave’s full potential.

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  • Microwave Shakshuka

    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

    It’s best to use a microwave-safe deep-dish pie plate for this recipe. The larger surface area is better for cooking the ingredients evenly. Also, positioning the eggs toward the center is best, as this ensures the yolks don’t overcook before the egg whites set up.

  • Omelette in a Mug

    microwave omelette with easy omelette recipe
    Elise Bauer and Guy Michelier

    “I make this almost every day. But I do add ham or sausage to the mix. I use Canadian bacon or precooked sausage. I also use the prechopped peppers, onions, and tomatoes that I get from the store.” —Tammy, Reader

  • The Best Microwave Oatmeal Ever

    Two jars of overnight oats topped with fresh fruits and nuts
    Emma Christensen

    “This recipe makes one single serving. You can prepare several single-serving batches in canning jars and refrigerate them for quick breakfasts throughout the week. The oats soaking in their liquid will keep for up to five days, refrigerated.” —Emma Christensen, former General Manager

  • Microwave Poached Eggs

    Two poached eggs on top of two pieces of stacked toast. One egg has a slightly runny yolk. Salt and pepper are sprinkled on the eggs, toast and black plate.
    Alison Bickel

    “A small glass measuring cup (8-ounce capacity) is handy because you can measure the water and then poach the egg right in the cup. If you are using a mug, you want it to be sturdy and dense. The generic mugs you find in gift shops often work well.” —Simply Recipes Team

    Continue to 5 of 23 below

  • Microwave Bacon

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

    Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

    While the microwave might not be the absolute very best way to cook bacon, it’s quick, needs no special equipment, cleanup is easy, and it’s ideal when you need just a few slices or something to crumble over a salad.

  • Microwave Red Curry Poached Salmon

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

    Simply Recipes / Tara Omidvar

    If you like your salmon well-done, place the filets along the edges of the pie plate, where it gets hotter. For medium-rare filets, place them in the center, where it doesn’t get as hot.

  • Microwave BBQ Chicken Wings

    Platter of Microwave BBQ Chicken Wings

    Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

    This recipe works best with chicken flats or wingettes. The skin on the flats is tight and thinner, so even though the skin doesn’t crisp up, it’s not too chewy.

  • Gyeran Jjim (Korean Steamed Eggs)

    Korean steamed eggs in blue bowl.

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

    “Do not step away from the microwave when cooking your gyeran jjim. For evenly cooked eggs, take them out periodically and gently scrape around the edges with a fork to combine the mixture.” —Joy Cho, Recipe Developer

    Continue to 9 of 23 below

  • Microwave Oyakodon (Japanese Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl)

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

    Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

    “Don’t have an 8x8-inch glass baking dish? Use a microwave-safe deep pie plate or casserole dish holding at least 2 1/2 quarts. Avoid using a deep bowl for cooking chicken in the microwave.” —Myo Quinn, former Associate Editorial Director

  • Microwave Broccoli With Sesame Dressing

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

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

    “Really simple. I like how the oil is flavored with garlic. Such a smart method.” —Emily, Reader

  • Microwave Baked Potato

    Microwave Baked Potatoes Topped with Butter on a Plate

    Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

    “You can microwave up to four potatoes at a time if your microwave is big enough. Ensure potatoes lie flat with space between them. Add an extra minute for each additional potato.” —Nick Evans, Recipe Developer

  • Microwave Garlicky Creamed Spinach

    microwave creamed spinach in a white bowl

    Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

    “Use fresh baby spinach—the smaller, tender leaves steam more quickly in the microwave.” —Julie & Amy Luxemberg, Recipe Developers

    Continue to 13 of 23 below

  • Microwave Arroz Verde

    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

    Make sure to rinse the rice until the water runs clear, this will help to prevent the rice from clumping and ensure that the herb mixture adheres properly.

  • 2-Minute Salad Dressing

    salad dressing in a jar next to microwave

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

    “You need a finely minced shallot so it breaks down quickly as it poaches in the olive oil. Red onion is a good substitute.” —Jennifer Zyman, Recipe Developer

  • Microwave Steamed Broccoli

    Microwave Broccoli with Sesame Dressing

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

    “Microwaving broccoli keeps it bright and tender. I used to use plastic wrap, but a dish works better and keeps the broccoli warm at the table.” —Bruce T, Reader

  • Microwave Rice

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

    Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

    “Super easy and really works. Nice option when my small saucepan is already in use.” —Annie R, Reader

    Continue to 17 of 23 below

  • Molten Peanut Butter Chocolate Mug Cake

    Two mugs of chocolate cake with peanut butter drizzle and two spoons on the side

    Simply Recipes / Alexandra Shytsman

    “This cake is delicious and perfect when you need cake but don’t want to bake a whole cake.” —Haley S, Reader

  • Banana Bread Chocolate Chunk Mug Cake

    Mug of Banana Bread Chocolate Chunk Mug Cake Topped with a Dollop of Ice Cream and Spoonful of Cake Resting on a Saucer (Mug on the Saucer Next to the Spoon)

    Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

    “Make this fluffy banana bread mug cake by not overmixing. Use a fork and mix in a bowl before pouring into the mug.” —Annika Panikker, Recipe Developer

  • Microwave Strawberry Jam

    Microwave Strawberry Jam
    Elise Bauer

    “The best strawberries are firm—not soft, overly ripe, or too sweet.” —Elise Bauer, Founder

  • Brownie in a Mug

    Overhead view of a brownie in a white mug topped with ice cream.
    Annika Panikker

    “A lifesaver midnight snack! I added a little baking powder to make it rise—moist and gooey in the middle!” —Rebekah, Reader

    Continue to 21 of 23 below

  • 3-Layer Cake In the Microwave

    How to Make Microwave Cake

    Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

    “The cake is done when no wet batter remains and it springs back when gently poked. The toothpick test works too.” —Mark Beahm, Recipe Developer

  • Microwave Applesauce

    close up of small bowls of Microwave Applesauce

    Simply Recipes / Jazzmin Kaita

    “Use a wide, shallow microwave-safe dish so the apples can submerge and poach evenly.” —Alison Spiegel, Recipe Developer

  • Easy Chocolate Pudding in the Microwave

    A serving of chocolate pudding in a ceramic cup topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings
    Sally Vargas

    “Use baking chips or disks for convenience. If using a chocolate block, chop it into small pieces first.” —Sally Vargas, Recipe Developer

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