23 Cooking Uses for Your Microwave

Place cut-up butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on low (power level 3) in 20-second intervals, checking in between.

Place cut-up butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium (power level 5) in 30-second intervals, checking in between.

Place chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high (power level 10) in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Place cut-up cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high (power level 10) for 15 to 20 seconds.

Remove top and liner (if any) of carton. Microwave on high (power level 10) in 10-second intervals, checking in between, until ice cream reaches desired consistency.

Place sugar in a microwave-safe bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon water (regardless of the quantity of sugar). Cover and microwave on low (power level 3) in 1-minute intervals, tossing in between, until soft, 4 to 5 minutes.

Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel. Microwave on high (power level 10) for 40 seconds to 1 minute.

Place syrup in a microwave-safe measuring cup. Microwave on high (power level 10) in 15-second intervals, checking in between.

Spread ½ cup fresh bread crumbs on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high (power level 10) in 1-minute intervals, tossing in between, until beginning to turn golden, 2 to 3 minutes.

Spread ½ cup shredded coconut on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high (power level 10) in 1-minute intervals, tossing in between, until beginning to turn golden, 2 to 3 minutes.

Spread nuts on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high (power level 10) in 1-minute intervals, tossing in between, until beginning to turn golden, 4 to 5 minutes.

Sandwich 6 slices of bacon between 2 double layers of paper towels. Place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high (power level 10) until cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes.

Place 1 pound of trimmed asparagus or green beans in a microwave-safe baking dish with 1 tablespoon water. Cover and microwave on high (power level 10) until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover immediately.

Place 1 pound thinly sliced carrots in a microwave-safe baking dish with 1 tablespoon water. Cover and microwave on high (power level 10) until tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Uncover immediately.

Place 2 trimmed artichokes in a deep microwave-safe baking dish with 1 tablespoon water. Cover and microwave on high (power level 10) until tender, 10 to 12 minutes.

Cut squash in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Place cut-side down in a microwave-safe baking dish. Microwave on high (power level 10) until tender and easily pierced with a paring knife, 10 to 13 minutes for a medium (3-pound) butternut or spaghetti squash; 6 to 8 minutes for a medium (1½-pound) acorn squash. Let stand for 5 minutes.

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 pound peeled and diced apples (Macintosh, Fuji, or Gala are best) with ¼ cup water, 2 teaspoons sugar, and ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon. Cover and microwave on high (power level 10) until the apples are tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Mash with a fork or potato masher.

Rub a potato with olive oil and place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high (power level 10) until tender and easily pierced with a paring knife, 12 to 14 minutes.

Place unshucked corn on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high (power level 10) for 6 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the husks and silk.

Season pieces of skinless salmon fillet with salt and pepper and place in a shallow microwave-safe baking dish with 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or rice vinegar (to add flavor) and enough water to reach halfway up the fish. Cover and microwave on high (power level 10) until the fish is opaque throughout, 3 to 4 minutes. If the fish is not fully cooked, microwave, covered, on high in 45-second intervals. Remove from liquid and serve.

In a microwave-safe baking dish or large bowl, whisk together ¾ cup cornmeal, 3 cups water, and ½ teaspoon salt. Cover and microwave on high (power level 10) for 3 minutes. Stir, cover, and microwave on high until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes more. Stir in 1 tablespoon unsalted butter.

In a microwave-safe baking dish or medium bowl, combine 1 cup long-grain white rice, 2 cups water, and ½ teaspoon salt. Microwave, uncovered, on high (power level 10) until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, 15 to 18 minutes.

Place ½ cup popcorn kernels in a large microwave-safe bowl with 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil. Cover with a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high (power level 10) until the majority of the kernels have popped, 3 to 5 minutes.