Cooking eggs in the microwave is a quick and easy way to make a delicious breakfast, whether you're short on time or don't have access to a full kitchen. You can cook eggs in a variety of ways using the microwave, such as poaching, scrambling, and steaming. While the microwave may not produce the prettiest eggs, it is a convenient option that delivers tasty results.
To steam eggs in the microwave, you'll need a microwave-safe bowl, eggs, and broth or water. The key to success is cooking the eggs at a lower power setting, around 500 to 700 watts, to prevent overcooking and explosions. First, whisk the eggs with the broth or water, and a pinch of salt if desired. Cover the bowl with a paper towel or microwave-safe plate. Then, microwave at the desired power for about 2 minutes for one egg, adjusting the time as needed. The eggs will be very hot when done, so let them cool slightly before garnishing and serving.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Time taken | 2 minutes for one egg |
Texture | Firmer, less smooth, uneven |
Taste | Same as stove-cooked eggs |
Power | 500-700 watts |
Power level | 5 on a 1,000-watt microwave |
Broth | Chicken or vegetable |
Bowl | Microwave-safe, filled halfway |
Paper towel | Cover the bowl |
Cooking time | 1 minute 30 seconds, then 15-second intervals |
Cooling time | A few minutes |
Garnish | Scallions, toasted sesame oil |
What You'll Learn
Microwave Poached Eggs
Microwaving poached eggs is a convenient and quick way to cook a delicious breakfast, but it can be a little tricky to get right. Here is a guide to help you master the art of microwave poached eggs.
What You Need:
- A microwave-safe bowl, mug, or cup
- A microwave-safe plate or saucer that covers the opening of your chosen vessel
- Fresh eggs at room temperature
- Water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: vinegar or lemon juice
Method:
Fill your chosen vessel with 1/4 to 1/2 a cup of water. The amount of water will depend on the size and shape of your vessel, but it should be enough to completely cover the egg. You can add a pinch of salt to the water if you like.
Crack an egg into the water and use a toothpick or fork to gently pierce the yolk, keeping it intact. This helps prevent the yolk from exploding in the microwave. Cover the vessel with a plate or saucer.
Microwave on high power for 30 seconds to one minute, until the water is steaming. Then, microwave for a further 30 seconds to one minute, checking regularly to ensure the egg white is cooked to your liking. The total cooking time will depend on your microwave's wattage and the number of eggs you are cooking.
Once the egg white is cooked, use a slotted spoon or fork to gently lift the egg out of the water and serve immediately with salt and pepper, to taste.
Tips:
- Always pierce the yolk before microwaving to prevent explosions.
- Fresh, room-temperature eggs are best for poaching and will hold their shape well.
- If your egg whites are feathery and watery, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to the water before cooking.
- The shape of your vessel matters. A wider, shallower bowl is better for achieving a silky texture.
- For multiple eggs, use several different bowls and microwave them all at the same time, rather than cooking multiple eggs in one bowl.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave's power and the number of eggs, so be sure to keep an eye on your eggs to prevent overcooking.
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Microwave Scrambled Eggs
Yes, you can steam cook eggs in the microwave! Here is a detailed recipe for making fluffy microwave scrambled eggs:
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Salt
- Shredded cheese (optional)
- Diced ham (optional)
- Vegetables (optional)
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions:
- Spray a microwave-safe container (e.g. a mug, ramekin, or egg cooker) with cooking spray or wipe lightly with vegetable oil.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in the container. You can also whisk the ingredients in a separate bowl and then pour the mixture into the microwave container.
- If using a mug or ramekin, cover it with plastic wrap, pulling back a small area for ventilation. If you're using an egg cooker, place the lid on the cooker base, lining up the notches, and twist to secure.
- Microwave on medium-high (70% power) for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 1 minute and 45 seconds, stirring several times during cooking. The cooking time will depend on your desired consistency and the power of your microwave. Remember that eggs cook rapidly, so it's better to undercook them slightly and then let them sit for a bit to finish cooking.
- Cover and let the eggs stand for 30 seconds to 1 minute before serving. They will continue to cook during this time.
- Top with shredded cheese or fresh herbs, if desired.
Tips:
- Round shapes work best for cooking eggs in the microwave.
- If you want to add mix-ins like cheese, ham, or vegetables, add them to the mixture before cooking.
- To make rich and creamy scrambled eggs, add small cubes of cream cheese or a dollop of cottage cheese before cooking.
- You can also stir in a bit of creamy salad dressing, pesto, or salsa for added flavour.
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Microwave Baked Eggs
Yes, you can steam cook eggs in the microwave. Here is a recipe for Microwave Baked Eggs:
Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 4 ounces of chicken broth (or 2 ounces of milk)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh scallions
- Toasted sesame oil
Method:
- Grease a small bowl, ramekin, or mug with oil or butter.
- Add any additional ingredients you’d like, such as a slice of ham or a dollop of pesto.
- Crack an egg into the bowl and season with salt and pepper.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave the egg in 15-second increments, checking for the desired level of doneness. It should not take longer than 1 minute.
- Garnish with scallions and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.
Tips:
- You can add other ingredients to the egg, such as spinach, feta, bacon, or slices of bread.
- If you want to make a larger batch, you will need to increase the cooking time.
- Do not try to cook multiple eggs at once, as they will not cook evenly.
- For a smoother consistency, you can strain the whisked egg mixture before adding it to the bowl.
- The egg will be extremely hot when it is finished cooking, so let it cool for a few minutes before eating.
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Microwave Steamed Eggs
Microwaving steamed eggs is a quick and easy way to cook a delicious, healthy, and simple dish. This method is faster than the traditional steamed method, but it still produces an egg custard with a silky and smooth texture. The key to cooking steamed eggs in the microwave is to do it at a lower power setting. Most microwaves cook at between 1000 and 1200 watts, but for this recipe, you should cook at 500 or 700 watts. This will prevent the eggs from overcooking or exploding.
Ingredients
- 1 cup instant or kombu dashi, vegetable or chicken broth, or water
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon finely snipped chives or scallion greens, for garnish (optional)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon chopped chives
Method
First, add the broth, water, or dashi to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds or until warm. Then, crack your eggs into a separate bowl and beat them with a whisk. Next, add the warm liquid to the eggs and continue to beat until well combined. You can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve at this point if you want an extra-smooth consistency.
Now, cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate and microwave at 500 watts (or 700 if your microwave doesn't have a 500-watt setting) for around 5-7 minutes, checking for doneness at 5 minutes and then at 30-second intervals. The eggs are ready when they are no longer liquid in the middle.
Let the eggs sit in the microwave to cool slightly, then carefully remove them from the bowl. Drizzle with soy sauce and maple syrup, and garnish with chives or scallions. Serve immediately.
Tips
- Use warm stock or water to prevent bubbles or foam from forming on the surface of the eggs.
- Cover the bowl with a paper towel or plastic food wrap to prevent mess in the microwave. Poke holes at half-inch intervals to allow steam to escape.
- For a larger batch, you will need to increase the cooking time.
- Don't try to cook multiple eggs at once, as they will not cook evenly.
- For a smoother consistency, filter the whisked egg and broth mixture through a strainer before adding it to the bowl.
- The eggs will still have some broth left over when they are cooked. This is normal.
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Tips for Cooking Eggs in the Microwave
Microwaving eggs is a quick and convenient way to cook a tasty breakfast, especially if you're short on time or don't have access to a full kitchen. Here are some tips to help you cook eggs in the microwave successfully:
Choose the Right Container
Use a microwave-safe bowl, ramekin, mug, or a small oven-safe container to cook your eggs in. Make sure the container is only filled halfway so that the egg has room to expand as it cooks.
Grease the Container
Grease the container with butter, oil, or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the eggs from sticking to the sides and bottom. This will make it easier to remove the eggs from the container and will also make cleaning up afterwards a breeze!
Cover the Container
Cover the container with a microwave-safe plate or plastic food wrap to prevent splattering. If using plastic wrap, poke holes at half-inch intervals to allow steam to escape.
Cooking Time and Power
The cooking time will depend on the type of egg dish you're preparing (e.g. scrambled, poached, or baked) and the power of your microwave. As a general rule, start with a lower cooking time and then increase in short intervals until your desired doneness is achieved. For example, start with 30 seconds for scrambled eggs and then cook for an additional 20-30 seconds at a time until they are done to your liking.
For steamed eggs, it is recommended to cook at a reduced power level of around 500 to 700 watts. This will prevent the eggs from overcooking too quickly or exploding in the microwave.
Prevent Explosions
To prevent the eggs from exploding, use a fork or toothpick to pierce the egg yolk and white a few times. This will create a way for the steam to escape. Just be careful not to push all the way through, as you don't want the yolk to leak out.
Check for Doneness
Depending on your desired doneness, you may need to adjust the cooking time. For poached eggs, check for doneness by gently poking the egg with your finger. For scrambled eggs, stir the eggs after each interval and continue cooking until they are just set.
Add-Ins and Seasonings
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different add-ins and seasonings. For scrambled eggs, you can add shredded cheese, bacon bits, or chopped veggies. For baked eggs, you can line the bowl with slices of bacon or ham, or add a dollop of pesto or marinara sauce. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
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