25 quick and easy microwave recipes

A portion of garam masala vegetable curry

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25 best ever microwave meal ideas

1. Microwave garam masala vegetable curry

Unbelievably, this vibrant curry can be on your table in less than 20 minutes. The curry is rich with nourishing spices, spinach, coriander, chickpeas and coconut in thick tomato sauce, then finished with lime juice for extra zing. All you need is steamed basmati rice or a couple of naan breads to go alongside.

2. Microwave mug omelette

Be it breakfast, lunch or supper, when you’re feeling hungry or need to rustle something up quickly for someone else, you can’t go far wrong with a microwave mug omelette. This is the ultimate fast snack, with just a few minutes to prep and even less to cook. For success, less is more with the cooking. Do not try to cook the omelette in one go – it needs 20-second bursts, followed by a light stir until the egg starts to firm up. For variations on the recipe, try changing the vegetables, herbs, and even the cheese.

3. Microwave macaroni cheese

Microwave macaroni cheese in a blue oven proof dish

When you want a comforting macaroni cheese quickly, without too many pots and pans to wash up afterwards, look to your microwave. This recipe delivers piping hot macaroni in thick, cheesy sauce cooked in less than 15 minutes. The cheeses used here are pretty robust and strongly flavoured, but switch them out for milder ones if you prefer something more subtle.

4. Microwave jacket potatoes with Swedish prawn salad

Jacket potato with a prawn salad topping next to a lemon wedge

Microwave jacket potatoes make for a quick, easy and versatile dinner. We’ve filled ours with a classic Swedish skagenröra – a mix of chunky prawns, fresh dill and mayonnaise – it marries so well with the hot, buttery potato.

5. Easy microwave brownies

There’s no need to heat up the oven with these easy-to-make, fudgy microwave brownies. Made and cooked in under 15 minutes, what could be simpler? Unfortunately, you will have to wait for them to cool down before you can eat them.

Discover all of our favourite microwave pudding recipes.

6. Microwave chilli

One of our most popular microwave recipes, this hearty kidney bean chilli from Jack Monroe makes a satisfying veggie dinner. What's more, it's ready in just 15 minutes and counts towards two of your five-a-day. If you think you'll miss the meat in this chilli, add a little chopped chorizo or salami at the beginning of cooking.

Watch Jack Monroe making her microwave chilli recipe

7. Microwave mug cake

For those evenings when you need dessert in a dash, this decadent chocolate mug cake does the trick. Simply whip up the cake mixture with a few storecupboard ingredients and microwave in a mug for 2 mins. Like magic, you'll be rewarded with a soft and fluffy sponge – it's even more delicious served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.

Looking for a dairy-free and egg-free version? Try our vegan mug cake. Also check out more marvellous mug cake recipes.

8. Microwave risotto primavera

The great thing about making a risotto in the microwave is that you cut out any pesky stirring that might normally keep you stuck in the kitchen. Using frozen veg also makes this a budget meal without sacrificing any of the taste or flavour of a more traditional recipe. It is high in fibre, folic acid and low in fat.

9. Fastest-ever lemon pudding

Being without an oven and time needn't stop you from whipping up a homemade pudding. This microwave-friendly sponge is ready in just 10 minutes and you will find yourself with a light, luscious, lemony pudding that is hard to resist.

10. Microwave kale & chilli eggs

This tasty dish from Jack Monroe is just as good for breakfast, brunch, lunch or even a solo supper.

11. Leeky salmon in a parcel

Tender salmon, creamy leeks and peas certainly doesn't feel like your average microwave meal – serve with microwaveable new potatoes for a deluxe and satisfying dinner, bound to give everyone a midweek lift.

12. Microwave mac 'n' cheese

If you thought pasta always goes mushy in the microwave, think again. Jack Monroe's mouth-watering meal for one can be easily doubled. You can even take it to work: simply pack the components separately, then pop in the microwave. Using just four ingredients, it couldn't be easier – serve with a handful of spinach for a touch of greenery.

Watch Jack Monroe making her microwave mac 'n' cheese recipe

13. Microwave banana pudding

Warming, soft and sweet banana pudding makes a lovely treat for the whole family, and is bound to become a favourite. Want to up the comfort factor to the next level? Heat up some ready-made custard for an ultimate treat.

14. Microwave butternut squash risotto

This cheat's version of a butternut squash risotto is completely delicious, a good source of vitamin C, counts as one of your five-a-day and is ready in under 20 minutes. Top with lots of grated cheese for a comforting and hearty supper.

15. Tuna sweet potato jackets

If you're often cooking with your microwave then you are probably going to find jacket potatoes become a bit of a staple. Try switching to sweet potatoes and a fresh, spicy topping for a budget-friendly and low-fat lunch or dinner.

16. Super-quick Scandi supper

This speedy Scandi supper just involves microwaving some salmon, and the rest of the light, fresh flavours will simply speak for themselves straight from the fridge. Pop it all on the table and let everyone help themselves.

17. Microwave peanut butter & jam brownies

Fancy a freshly baked brownie without the long wait? A few storecupboard ingredients and just 15 minutes are all you need to make this chocolatey sweet treat. The addition of peanut butter and jam give it a beautiful sweet and salty flavour twist.

Watch Jack Monroe making her microwave peanut butter & jam brownies

For another gorgeously gooey bake, try our microwave chocolate cake.

18. Shakshuka

Try this simple and speedy version of a classic Middle Eastern dish. Our healthy microwave shakshuka takes just 10 minutes to prep and cook, making it a quick and affordable brunch, lunch or dinner for one. Enjoy served with a warm pitta bread for mopping up that runny yolk and tomato sauce.

19. Microwave crab risotto with chilli crab toasts

Bowl of crab risotto topped with rocket and with salad on the side

Who said microwave dishes can't be refined? This delicate crab risotto takes less than half an hour to rustle up, making for a deceptively simple dinner party dish. Using a microwave saves you time stirring away over the hob so you can instead make some dainty chilli crab toasts and zesty rocket salsa to serve on the side.

20. Microwave penne pappa al pomodoro

This perfect personal portion of pasta can be on the table in a mere 25 minutes, with a rich garlic and herb tomato sauce that would have any Italian mama fooled into thinking you'd been slaving over a hot stove.