Microwave recipes

Big-batch go-to pie crust: 5 pounds of flour and butter-flavored shortening yield 20 freezer-ready dough balls. Microwave-thaw any single ball in 30 seconds for pie any night.

Pesto-topped baked salmon with crispy garlic pan-roasted potatoes, a 5-ingredient weeknight dinner ready in about 30 minutes. Microwave the spuds first, then sear them golden while the salmon bakes.

Tender sliced roast beef smothered in a tangy homemade BBQ sauce with brown sugar, lemon juice, and Worcestershire. Made entirely in the microwave in just 10 minutes for the fastest weeknight sandwich fix.

Herb-packed chicken spaghetti sauce with oregano, basil, marjoram, and rosemary simmered in tomato paste and sauce. Make it in the microwave for a quick dinner or on the stovetop for deeper flavor.

Five-spice chicken thighs in a soy, sherry, ginger, and brown sugar sauce, cooked in the microwave in 30 minutes. The pan juices thicken into a glossy sauce spooned right over the top.

One dish microwave spaghetti for two with ground beef, onion, and Italian tomato sauce cooked together in a single casserole. A quick weeknight pasta dinner with no pots to boil and minimal cleanup.

One-pan chicken and potatoes with salsa and corn, ready in 30 minutes. Microwave the potatoes while you brown the chicken, then toss everything together in one skillet for a fast weeknight dinner.

Nutty cheese brulee: warm Brie drizzled with fruit or chocolate ice cream topping and a scatter of toasted pecans, microwaved until soft and served with crackers and fresh fruit. A 3-minute appetizer.

Low calorie green beans and bamboo shoots seasoned with ginger and butter, ready in under 10 minutes in the microwave. Gluten-free, low-carb side that pairs with stir-fries or roasted meats.

Make-ahead beef and bean burritos with enchilada sauce and melty cheddar, wrapped in foil for grab-and-go lunches. Eat them cold or microwave in a minute. Meal prep for the whole week.

Rich, wine-braised beef stew loaded with smoky bacon, tender pearl onions, and earthy mushrooms. This cozy beef burgundy for two comes together entirely in the microwave for a surprisingly hands-off weeknight dinner.

Sweet and sour pork made entirely in the microwave with a browning dish. Thin-sliced pork, crisp-tender veggies, and a glossy pineapple-ginger sauce served over rice. Dinner for two in 45 minutes.

Low-fat orange raisin muffins with wheat germ and an orange juice glaze, made with egg whites and skim milk. A wholesome breakfast muffin that freezes well and reheats in seconds in the microwave.

Scalloped oysters layered with buttery cracker crumbs, cream, and a drop of Worcestershire. A microwave-quick version of the holiday side that comes together in under 20 minutes without giving up the toasty top.

Curry-scented desk lunch: a no-cook Tupperware assembly of rice, frozen peas and spinach, canned chickpeas, and raisins with a dusting of curry powder. Microwaves in minutes and beats the sad vending machine.

Lamb and pine nut stir fry: quick microwave stir fry with thinly sliced lamb, bok choy, mushrooms, and oyster sauce. Toasted pine nuts on top for crunch. Ready in under 30 minutes over rice.