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Save This PageRemember all those cookbooks from the'80s that promised gourmet microwave meals in minutes?
We all know they were mostly full of it. Reality is, most of us have rarely met a microwaved chicken that didn't come out better fit for bouncing than eating. And don't even think about beef.
Yet these cookers somehow have become the go-to tool for so many of us. Which probably is because we've become a nation of reheaters.
But the microwave can be a huge time saver when used right. As with any kitchen appliance, it's all a matter of playing to the microwave's strengths.
For example, it is an easy way to gently steam vegetables. Toss some evenly sliced or chopped veggies with a splash of water and seasonings, cover and nuke for a couple minutes for a great side.
Several companies now offer respectable microwave-ready white and brown rices, which can be huge time savers.
As for proteins, seafood and tofu seem to handle microwaving best. That's partly because seafood cooks so quickly, and tofu needs no cooking beyond heating to a desired temperature.
This recipe for peanut shrimp combines instant rice and jarred peanut sauce with cooked shrimp and prepared thinly sliced broccoli (intended for slaw) for a great meal ready in minutes.
To make your own peanut sauce, combine in a blender about 1 cup of peanut butter with about a teaspoon each of soy sauce, hot sauce and white or rice vinegar (more or less of each, to taste). Blend until smooth, adding a bit of water to get desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, combine the broccoli slaw with 1 tablespoon water. Cover and microwave on high for about 2 minutes, or until heated through and softened. Remove from the microwave and set aside, leaving it covered.
Prepare the rice according to package directions. Remove the rice from the microwave, leaving it covered in its container.
Place the shrimp in a shallow bowl. Add the jar of peanut sauce and toss to coat. Cover and microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir, re-cover, then heat for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until hot.
To serve, divide the rice between 2 serving plates, spreading it to cover most of the plate. Spread half of the broccoli slaw over each mound of rice, then top that with half the shrimp and peanut sauce.
Garnish each serving with peanuts and cilantro, then drizzle with hot pepper sesame oil.
Nutrients per serving: 713 calories, 26 grams protein, 116 grams carbohydrate, 16 grams fat (20 percent total calories), 55 milligrams cholesterol, 7 grams fiber, 26 milligrams sodium.
