Come my second year living in the dorms, I refused to eat at the dining hall. Tasteless rice? No thanks. Questionable tilapia? I don’t think so. I could not and would not put bland food with low nutritional value in my body. It was my sophomore year of college that my microwave saved me. Here are some yummy recipes to cook up when all you have squeezed into the corner of your bedroom is the dynamic duo: the mini-fridge and microwave.
1. 5-Minute Vegetarian Burrito Bowl
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Speaking of dynamic duos, just take a look at rice and beans. Together the grain-legume pairing has all necessary amino acids. In this vegetarian burrito bowl, you have the ability to customize it by adding salsa, cheese, avocado or veggies. As for the beans and rice, they just need to be tossed in the microwave. The beans should cook in 30 to 60 seconds, while the rice can cook in 1 to 3 minutes, depending on if you opt for frozen pre-cooked rice or Minute Rice. Goodbye Chipotle.Get the recipe here.
2. Microwaveable Salmon
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Salmon is a super fish and packed with omega-3 fatty acids. And yes, you can cook fish in the microwave. All you need is to rinse the salmon, wrap it in plastic wrap and microwave for 3 ½ minutes. Make sure to check the salmon is cooked all the way through! To add some flavor, add lemon, salt and pepper, parsley or seasonings of choice. Get the recipe here.
3. Poached Eggs
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Make your own McMuffin-a-la-microwave. It’s simple to make a poached egg, which is great because they contain a lot of protein. Cook a bowl with an egg and water for 1 minute and you’re done! You can add the egg on top of an English muffin or a piece of wheat toast. Get the recipe here.
4. Microwaveable Pasta
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A bowl of pasta is satisfying and quick to put together. To cook, put uncooked pasta into a bowl, fill the bowl with water so the pasta is submerged a couple inches and put in the microwave 3-4 minutes longer than the suggested cooking time on the box. I always liked to add salt, dill and feta cheese! Get the recipe here.
5. Couscous Greek Salad
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This recipe is healthy and so simple you can make it in a mug. Microwave chicken stock or water in a mug for three minutes, then add couscous, cover mug, and let stand for five minutes. Add lemon juice, olive oil and salt. Then mix in your favorite toppings like feta cheese, cucumber, tomato, greek olives or fresh veggies. Get the recipe here.