Can You Microwave Beans? (6 Simple Steps)

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We’re all guilty of it. You’ve got a can of beans and you’re just not sure what to do with them. You might have some recipes that call for beans, but they seem so complicated—and you don’t feel like reading through a full recipe when all you want is some damn beans.

Well, we’ve got the answer for you: microwaving your beans is the easiest way to turn them into something delicious!

Key takeaways

Microwaving beans is a convenient and efficient way to heat them up, whether you have canned beans or cooked beans from scratch.
To microwave beans, transfer them to a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat on high power for a few minutes, stirring halfway through the heating process.
Cooking dried beans in the microwave requires soaking them first for several hours or overnight to soften them before microwaving.
Tips for cooking beans in the microwave include using a microwave-safe dish with a lid, adding enough water to cover the beans, adjusting power and time settings, stirring occasionally, and testing for doneness.
Microwaving beans offers benefits such as time-saving, convenience, nutrient retention, energy efficiency, versatility in portion sizes, and better moisture control compared to other cooking methods.

Can you microwave beans?

You can microwave beans. Microwaving beans is a convenient and efficient way to heat them up.

Whether you have canned beans or cooked beans from scratch, you can transfer them to a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat them on high power for a few minutes until they reach your desired temperature.

It is important to ensure that the beans are evenly heated, so stir them halfway through the heating process. Microwaving beans is a quick option for a delicious and nutritious meal or ingredient for various dishes.

How to microwave beans

Step 1: Soak the beans overnight

The first step to cooking beans in the microwave is to soak them overnight. With dry beans you want to soak them for at least 12 hours so that the water can penetrate the bean and soften it.

This will also put water inside the bean so that the microwave can do its work and heat the bean up to cook it fully.

Step 2: Drain and rinse the beans

The next step is going to be to drain and rinse your beans.

You want to drain them fully and make sure you rinse them well to remove any excess starch that might be on the beans from the soaking process.

Step 3: Place the beans in the microwave-safe dish

Next, you want to put your beans in a microwave safe dish for cooking.

You want one that is large enough for the beans so that they are going to be fully contained.

Step 4: Add water and cover the dish

You then need to add water to the bowl so that the water can further cook the beans.

You want to make sure that the beans are fully submerged but that there is not too much water on them.

Also, make sure you cover the dish so that the beans can boil and cook fully.

Step 5: Cook the beans on high for 3-4 minutes

The proper cooking time for beans is about 3 to 4 minutes on high for a full bowl to cook them totally through so that they are tender and delicious.

Step 6: Let the beans sit for a minute before eating

Let the beans sit for a minute or two, they will be hot, then add your seasoning and enjoy.

What are the benefits of microwaving beans?

Time-saving: Microwaving beans is a quick method that saves time compared to traditional stovetop cooking or soaking overnight. The microwave’s high heat helps accelerate the cooking process, reducing the overall cooking time.
Convenience: Microwaving is a convenient way to cook beans, especially when you’re short on time or don’t have access to a stovetop. It allows for easy and hassle-free preparation, as you can cook or heat beans directly in a microwave-safe dish without needing additional pots or pans.
Nutrient retention: Microwaving beans preserves their nutritional value better than some other cooking methods. The shorter cooking time and minimal exposure to water help retain more of the beans’ vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Energy efficiency: Microwaving beans consumes less energy than traditional cooking methods. The microwave’s focused heat targets the food directly, minimizing heat loss and reducing overall energy consumption.
Versatility: Microwaving beans provides flexibility in terms of portion sizes. You can easily cook small or large quantities of beans, making it suitable for single servings or larger meals.
Moisture control: Microwaving allows for better control over the moisture content of the beans. You can adjust the cooking time and power level to achieve your preferred level of tenderness and avoid overcooking or drying out the beans.

Can you cook dried beans in the microwave?

You can cook dried beans in the microwave, although it is a bit different from cooking regular beans. Cooking dried beans in the microwave requires some additional steps compared to microwaving already cooked beans.

To cook dried beans in the microwave, you need to soak them first. Place the dried beans in a microwave-safe container, cover them with water, and let them soak for several hours or overnight. This soaking process helps soften the beans and reduce cooking time.

After soaking, drain the beans and refill the container with fresh water. Cover the container and microwave the beans on high power for several minutes until the water starts boiling.

Then, reduce the power level to medium or medium-high and continue cooking for about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the type and size of the beans. Check the beans periodically to ensure they are tender and fully cooked.

Cooking dried beans in the microwave may require some experimentation to achieve the desired texture and consistency. The cooking time can vary depending on the microwave’s power and the type of beans being cooked.

Is it possible to reheat canned beans in the microwave?

It is possible to reheat canned beans in the microwave. Canned beans are typically pre-cooked and can be heated in the microwave for a quick and convenient meal.

To reheat canned beans in the microwave, transfer the desired amount of beans into a microwave-safe container and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.

Heat the beans on high power for short intervals, such as 30-second increments, stirring in between, until they are heated through.

How long should I microwave beans for optimal results?

The optimal microwaving time for beans may vary depending on the quantity and desired temperature, but generally, it is recommended to heat canned beans in the microwave for around 2 to 3 minutes.

Start by microwaving them for 1 minute on high power, then pause to stir and check the temperature.

Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the beans are heated to your desired level.

Be cautious not to overcook them, as prolonged microwaving can make the beans dry or mushy.

Adjust the microwaving time as needed based on the wattage of your microwave and personal preference for the bean’s texture and temperature.

What types of beans are best suited for microwaving?

Most types of beans can be successfully microwaved, but some varieties are better suited for this cooking method than others.

Canned beans, such as kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, chickpeas (garbanzo beans), and cannellini beans, are particularly convenient and well-suited for microwaving.

These beans are already cooked and canned, making them a quick and easy option for reheating in the microwave.

However, if you are starting with dried beans, it is generally recommended to cook them on the stovetop or in a slow cooker to ensure they are fully cooked and tender before using the microwave for reheating.

Can I add seasonings or spices when microwaving beans?

You can definitely add seasonings and spices when microwaving beans to enhance their flavor.

Seasonings can be added before or after microwaving, depending on your preference. If you choose to add seasonings before microwaving, make sure to mix them well with the beans in a microwave-safe container.

Common seasonings and spices for beans include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and herbs like thyme or cilantro.

Adding these flavors while heating the beans allows them to infuse and distribute throughout the dish.

You can also season the beans with desired toppings or sauces after microwaving. Experiment with different combinations to create delicious and personalized flavors for your beans.

Tips for cooking beans in the microwave

Soaking: Before cooking dried beans in the microwave, soak them in a microwave-safe container filled with enough water to cover the beans. Allow them to soak for several hours or overnight to soften.
Choose the right container: Use a microwave-safe dish or bowl that is large enough to accommodate the beans and has a lid or cover to prevent splattering. Ensure there is enough space for the beans to expand during cooking.
Add water: Once the beans are soaked, drain the soaking water and refill the container with fresh water. Add enough water to cover the beans by about 1-2 inches. This will prevent them from drying out during cooking.
Power and time: Microwave the beans on high power until the water starts boiling. Then, reduce the power level to medium or medium-high to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook the beans for about 30 minutes to an hour, checking for tenderness periodically. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the specific type and size of beans.
Stir occasionally: Stir the beans every 10-15 minutes during cooking to ensure even heat distribution. This will help prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
Test for doneness: To check if the beans are cooked to your liking, take a few out and test their tenderness. They should be soft but not mushy. If they are still too firm, continue microwaving them in short increments until they reach the desired texture.
Rest before serving: After cooking, let the beans rest in the microwave for a few minutes to allow them to finish cooking and the flavors to blend together.
Handle with care: Remember to use oven mitts or pot holders when handling hot dishes from the microwave to avoid burns.

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