When we got our first microwave, we were without a stove so I learned to cook in the microwave. For any type of pasta or rice:
Since microwaves vary in their cooking, check 5 minutes before time. You can use stock, tomatoes in juice, et cetera for liquid.
When cooking rice, cover and let set for 5-7 minutes and it will soak up the liquid and will be nice and fluffy.
Source: Experience
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To cook ramen noodles in the microwave add 2 cups of water and noodles in a microwave safe 4 cup bowl. Cook for 5 minutes. Add season packet contents. I often add leftovers from the fridge to make a meal.
At a recipe site I subscribe to there has been a lot of discussion lately about the various pasta cookers that have been advertised. I use a 5 cup Gladwear container.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I was at Walgreens and I saw this little microwave pasta cooker. It has a lid that strains the pasta and handles that stay cool, and also a steaming lid for it. Does anyone have any comments or concerns about this product? I don't want to pay for it if it isn't worth it as far as cooking really good pasta.
By Robyn Fed from Hampton, TN
I don't own one, but I don't need it. I just cook pasta in a pan. Remember, manufacturers are always coming up with something they want you to buy, that you don't really need.
Hello Robyn, I don't have one of these either, but I am intrigued by them. I'm not usually into kitchen "gadgets" but being able to cook, strain, serve and store pasta in one container (versus the pan, the colander, the serving bowl and the storage bowl) sure seems like a great way to reduce the dish washing load and the clean up time.
The time savings alone might just be worth the money spent. If they do cook the pasta properly, microwave heating is generally cheaper than range top cooking, too. Great question for the Thrifty Fun community. Looking forward to hearing other comments.
I have a microwave pasta cooker and love it, especially since my husband would have pasta 7 days a week. The one I have is long enough to hold spaghetti.
I am with thriftyvickie! Also, you don't really need a colander to drain the pasta from a pot on the stove, just a lid that we all have on hand. ;-)
I had bought a Pasta Express is what I think it was called. Supposedly could cook pasta, veggies, hot dogs, etc. I thought it was more trouble than just doing in a pan on the stove. It was very hard to get open and I burned myself doing so.
I love the MicroWave Pasta Maker. Not only does it do the pasta, I also use it to do baked potatoes. They don't come out as dry as when you do them in the oven or regular microwave. It takes 20-25 minutes to cook 2 large Idaho potatoes. You can also use it for other things as well.
I'm sure that if you buy it, try it, and don't like it that you can return it with the receipt and original packaging. I've never had a problem with returns at Walgreens.
I have a pasta cooker,in fact two different ones, and think their great. Being a single I can cook small amounts which is all I need. I like using the microwave, which costs less then the stove to operate.
I bought this pasta cooker about a year ago & love it. I would recommend it to anyone as you can cook, add ingredients & serve in one dish. I hated waiting for water to boil & strain which right there, you have 2 items to clean plus you still need another to serve. I cook all kinds of pasta and rice.
Really, how long does it take to boil a pot of water on the stove? Try this energy saving tip that works with most kinds of pasta. Boil your water in a saucepan (salted, and 1 tbsp oil), add your pasta, stir, return to a boil, stir, put lid on, remove from heat, leave lid on (no peeking) and time it for 16 minutes.
Thank you for all the reviews! I appreciate each one of them. I haven't bought one yet, but I will probably have to now since our stove went out while I was cleaning it. I think I lifed the element too far.
Blessings,
Robyn
