Cooking Noodles in the Microwave: A Budget-Friendly and Time-Efficient Guide
Looking for a quick, easy, and budget-friendly meal? Cooking noodles in the microwave is an excellent choice. This versatile cooking method can be applied to various types of noodles, from pastas to ramen, ensuring that a meal can be on your table in less than 15 minutes. We will explore the cooking process, the method for ramen noodles, and how to create a delicious and nutritious quesadilla.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Noodles in the Microwave?
Typically, cooking pasta in the microwave takes about 8-12 minutes. Pasta is added to a microwave-safe bowl with enough water to cover it, then microwave on high while stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender. However, cooking times might vary based on the type of pasta and the wattage of your microwave.
Cooking Ramen in the Microwave
Ramen is another popular choice for a quick meal. It typically takes around 4-6 minutes to cook in the microwave. Start by adding water to your ramen cup, making sure it covers the noodles. Place the cup in the microwave and heat it on high for 3 minutes. For the best results, avoid opening the lid too early; doing so may leave the noodles crunchy and undercooked. For those who prefer a more noodle-packed dish, you can use two cups of water instead of the suggested amount. Additionally, adding proteins and vegetables can elevate the meal. Here's a quick way to make a tasty and nutritious meal:
Begin by microwaving pre-cooked chicken breast or beef with your choice of stir-fry vegetables like peppers, onions, and mushrooms for 2-3 minutes. Then, add the ramen cup to the microwave. If you like your dish to be more noodley, add a cup and a half of water. Stir the ingredients together and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. For added flavor, toss in some teriyaki sauce, although it is optional for purely enhanced taste.
Cheaper, Better, and Healthier with Microwave Noodles
Microwaving noodles is not just quick; it's also an excellent way to save money and improve nutritional value. A good pack of noodles and some affordable ingredients can turn into a tasty meal with minimal additional costs. Consider using boneless chicken breasts that are around $1.99 per pound and stir-fry vegetables that are $2.19 per pound. Add chicken and vegetables to the microwave, and you can turn the meal into a burrito or a quesadilla for an even more satisfying feast.
Quick Quesadillas with Microwave Cooked Chicken and Veggies
After cooking the chicken and vegetables, let them cool a bit. Then, assemble a quesadilla by placing the chicken and vegetables in a flour tortilla. Sprinkle with mozzarella, cheddar, or a Mexican blend cheese. Place the tortilla, albeit optional, on top with more cheese and possibly a bit of salt and your favorite spices.
Heat the quesadilla in the convection oven on the topmost rack at broil for 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra touch of flavor, serve the quesadilla with some buttermilk ranch dressing or sour cream, if you remember to add it to your shopping list!
Experiment with various seasonings for your chicken, such as sea salt, black pepper, chili pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano. Cumin can add an extra kick if you have it. This is a great go-to seasoning for chicken when you're not using taco seasoning.