Save some money on takeout and cook up something tasty instead (even if you do only have a microwave)

It’s a new start to the semester and whether you are living in residence, an apartment or living at home you may find yourself having to cook some meals. As students, it can be challenging to whip up fantastic gourmet meals especially when you don’t have all of the appliances or ingredients. Have no fear, IGNITE has curated six meals that you can make with only a microwave. 

1. Gluten Free Enchildas

Gluten free enchildas.
Image by flippindelicious

Looking for a healthy dinner you can make in only 5 minutes? Check out this simple 10-minute recipe for gluten-free enchiladas.

What you’ll need:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (canned chicken work great if you can’t use a stove)
  • 1 can gluten-free enchilada sauce
  • 12 gluten free enchilada torillia
  • 1 cup cheese, shredded 
  • *optional cilantro, beans, corn, or any of your other favourite fillings

Instructions

  1. Wrap the tortillas in paper towel and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds (this will make them flexible)
  2. Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce at the bottom of the pan
  3. Mix chicken with any desired ingredients and 1 cup of enchilada sauce
  4. Fill the tortillas with the filling
  5. Spread cheese on top and microwave for 5-7 minutes

Recipe by flippindelicious

2. Baked Potatoes

Baked potato.
Image by EatingonaDime

Thought you needed an oven to make baked potatoes? Think again!

What you’ll need:

  • Russet potatoes
  • Toppings you want for your baked potatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions:

  1. Wash the potato skin thoroughly, coat with a little olive oil and season with salt to add some crisp
  2. Poke the potato with a fork a few times and place the potato in the microwave
  3. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes (dependant on how many potatoes you are cooking at a time)
  4. Flip the potato then cook for another 10 minutes
  5. When finished it should feel soft to touch
  6. Finish it off with ingredients like green onion, bacon bits, cheese and sour cream!

Recipe by EatingonaDime

3. “Fried” Rice

Fried rice.
Image by Tasty

You can even make fried rice! Well minus the “fried” part…

What you’ll need:

  • ½ cup rice(100 g)
  • 1 cup water(235 mL)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 strips bacon, chopped
  • ½ cup frozen pea and carrot(65 g)
  • 2 eggs
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh scallion, to garnish

Instructions:

  1. Combine rice, water, soy sauce, sesame oil, and bacon in a bowl. Mix then microwaved covered for 6-8 minutes.
  2. Mix frozen peas and carrots into the rice (or any preferred vegetable)
  3. Beat eggs with salt and cook in a microwave-safe mug for 1-2 minutes
  4. Break up the egg, mix it in with the rice, and sprinkle scallions on top

Recipe by Tasty

4. Mac ‘N’ Cheese

Image by Tasty

What could be better than hardy comfort food like creamy Mac ‘N’ Cheese?

What you’ll need:

  • ½ cup elbow macaroni(50 g)
  • ½ cup water(120 mL)
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese(25 g)
  • Fresh chive, to garnish, optional

Instructions:

  1. Mix macaroni, water, and salt in a microwave-safe mug.
  2. Microwave for 2-3 minutes then stir and mix in milk, salt and pepper
  3. Microwave for another 30 seconds then mix again and sprinkle with chives

Recipe by Tasty

5. Breakfast Quinoa

Breakfast Quinoa image.
Recipe by EatThis,NotThat!

Spice up your breakfast with a fresh new meal!

What you’ll need:

  • ½ cup sprouted quinoa
  • Water
  • Cinnamon
  • Almond milk
  • Banana
  • Raspberries
  • Pomegranate seeds

Instructions:

  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water (try using sprouted quinoa as it cooks faster and provides nutrients)
  2. Place the quinoa in a bowl with a cup of water and cinnamon
  3. Microwave on high for 4 minutes, stir, then put in for another 3 minutes
  4. Fluff the quinoa by mixing with a fork and adding a splash of milk, mashed bananas, and top with raspberries and pomegranate seeds.

Recipe by EatThis,NotThat!

6. Zucchini Ham Frittata

Zucchini Ham Frittata.
Image by TasteofHome

Add some protein to your diet with this simply microwave recipe!

What you’ll need:

  • 4 cups finely chopped zucchini (3-4 medium )
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cubed fully cooked ham

Instructions:

  1. Using a 9-inch microwave-safe pie plate combine zucchini and onion and cover and cook on high for 3-4 minutes.
  2. Mix eggs in a bowl and season with salt and pepper while also adding cheese and ham. Pour this over the top of the zucchini mixture.
  3. Microwave for 8-9 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Recipe by TasteofHome

So, what are you waiting for?! Your new cooking journey starts today and all you need is your trusty microwave.

Looking for more recipes? Check out 5 quick and easy lunches anyone can make!

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