By Gail Marsh
RV microwave ovens are more versatile than you might think! Beyond reheating leftovers, your trusty microwave can be a game-changer in your RV kitchen.
No matter where you roam, these practical tips will help you make the most out of your RV microwave oven. Let’s dive into some surprising ways to simplify meal prep, save time and money, and whip up delicious goodies in minutes.
Mug cakes and cookie cups
Craving dessert but short on time? Your microwave can turn a few simple ingredients into a warm, gooey treat right in your favorite microwave-safe mug. The result? A single-serving cake or cookie cup treat that’s ready in a flash!
Revive stale bread
It happens: You boondock for longer than expected and the bread goes stale. This RV microwave hack can revive it. Wrap your bread in a damp (not soaking) paper towel and microwave it for 10–15 seconds. The heat and steam will soften the bread, making it almost as good as fresh—perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Crispy microwave bacon
Note: We never cook bacon inside our RV. The smell (while wonderful) seems to linger in every corner of our rig long after breakfast ends. However, if you DO cook bacon inside your RV, your microwave will do it more quickly and with much less greasy mess and odor.
So, bacon lovers rejoice—your microwave can cook bacon! Lay bacon strips between layers of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for about 3–5 minutes (depending on thickness and your crispiness preference). The paper towels absorb excess fat, leaving you with evenly cooked, crispy bacon.
Quick mug omelets or scrambled eggs
Need a speedy breakfast or a protein-packed snack? Beat a couple of eggs with a dash of milk, salt, pepper, and any add-ins like cheese, diced ham, or herbs in a microwave-safe mug. Microwave on high for about 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a fluffy omelet or scramble that’s perfect for busy mornings.
Effortless garlic peeling
Peeling garlic can be a sticky, time-consuming task. Here’s a nifty trick: Place a few garlic cloves on a microwave-safe plate and heat them for 10–15 seconds. The gentle steam loosens the skins, making it much easier to peel by hand. It’s a simple hack that saves time and frustration!
Perfect corn on the cob
Enjoy fresh, juicy corn on the cob in minutes—even if rain prevents grilling outside. If your corn still has its husk, simply trim any silk that’s peeking out and microwave the entire ear on high for about 4 minutes. For husked corn, wrap the ear in a damp paper towel and microwave for 3–4 minutes. Let it cool slightly before serving a sweet, tender treat.
Quick herb drying
Need dried herbs for a recipe but don’t have time to wait for the air to do its work? Or perhaps you want to preserve fresh herbs for use later. Here’s what to do. Rinse your fresh herbs and pat them dry, then spread them out between two paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high in 30-second bursts, checking until the herbs are crisp. This speedy method preserves flavor without the wait.
Perfectly poached egg
Craving a poached egg without the hassle of a stovetop? Fill a microwave-safe mug with about 1/2 cup of water, carefully crack an egg into the water, and gently pierce the yolk with a fork to prevent any explosions. Microwave on medium-high for 45–60 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to lift out your perfectly poached egg—ideal on toast or over a salad.
Pop regular popcorn
For a quick and easy snack, skip the microwave popcorn bag and try this DIY method. Place 1/4 cup of regular popcorn kernels into a brown paper bag, fold the top over a couple of times to seal it, and microwave on high for about 2–3 minutes—listening carefully until the pops slow to about 2 seconds apart. Enjoy a healthier, customizable popcorn treat!
Crispy microwave potato chips
Craving homemade potato chips without the deep frying? Thinly slice a potato using a mandolin for even cuts, then rinse and pat the slices dry. Arrange them in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate lined with parchment paper, sprinkle with a pinch of salt (or your favorite seasoning), and microwave on high for 3–5 minutes—flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them until they’re crispy and delicious!
Lucky Charms surprise
If you’d like to surprise the grandkids (or your travel buddy), fill a bowl halfway with Lucky Charms cereal. Microwave it for 18 seconds. When you take the bowl out of the microwave, the marshmallows will have nearly doubled in size! The reason this happens is that the marshmallows are freeze-dried. They don’t melt in your RV microwave, they expand.
(Yes, it’s pretty amazing, but all microwave ovens vary, so you may need to experiment a bit on your own. When I tried it, almost 45 seconds passed before I saw any sizeable changes. Cooking them for one minute made the puffy treat taste a bit like campfire-roasted marshmallows. Yum!)
Outside the box
By thinking outside the box, your RV microwave can become a secret weapon in your kitchen. These practical tips not only save you time but also add creativity to your everyday cooking. Whether you’re whipping up a quick breakfast or creating a gourmet snack, these tips prove that your microwave can do much more than just reheat food.
Enjoyed these tips? Share your favorite RV microwave tip in the comments.
Oh, and P.S. You can read about how a candy bar helped to invent the microwave here.
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RVDT2841
Microwave corn with the husk on for 3 minutes, then cut off the stalk end and gently squeeze the ear from the silk end. It will pop out of the husk leaving all the silk behind.
My 94 year old Daddy taught me that one, and it is all I have used ever since!
My husband has recently discovered microwaving eggs. He loves it because it is fast and doesn’t create any extra dishes or pans to wash.
Wow! Great ideas Gail! More uses for the worlds most expensive coffee warmer. I will try some of these. MW’s are fast and take less energy than a conventional oven or electric stove top burners. I do use it and the air fryer whenever possible.
Another tip, If you like your meat rare, or less cooked, and you have leftovers put it on a plate with a damp paper towel over it , cover, and use the 70% heat for 7 sec, if it needs more repeat. Doing it this way warms it but does not cook it more.
When doing salmon, rinse it and wrap it in wax paper big enough to have room for steam, cook it for 2-4 minutes depending on how thick it is. You can add time if needed You won’t believe how good it is.
The Lucky Charms hack is great.
I add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the 1/2 cup water before breaking the egg into the cup. It helps to keep the whites together around the yolk and there is no vinegar taste at all. I’ve been making my eggs this way for years.