Are you tired of sacrificing flavor for convenience on busy weeknights? Look no further! With the power of microwave pressure cooking, you can create a variety of delicious meals in a fraction of the time it takes to cook them the traditional way. In this article, we’ll explore 18 quick and easy microwave pressure cooking recipes that are perfect for a fast-paced lifestyle.
From comforting classics like mac and cheese and mashed potatoes, to international-inspired dishes like chicken curry and vegetable biryani, our recipe collection has something for everyone. And the best part? Each dish can be prepared in 30 minutes or less, making it easy to fit cooking into even the most hectic schedules. Whether you’re a busy professional, a stay-at-home parent, or anyone in between, these microwave pressure cooker recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen.
Stay tuned for our first recipe, [Microwave Pressure Cooker Chicken Curry], and get ready to revolutionize your weeknight cooking routine!
Microwave Pressure Cooker Chicken Curry
A flavorful and aromatic curry that’s ready in no time! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekends when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” function on your microwave pressure cooker and heat the oil until shimmering.
2. Add onions, garlic, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the onions are translucent.
3. Add chicken, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
4. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”. Press the “Manual” function and cook on high pressure for 5-7 minutes.
5. Let the pressure release naturally for 2 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining steam.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Instant Pot Microwave Beef Stew
This Instant Pot Microwave Beef Stew recipe is a perfect solution for a busy day when you need a comforting meal in no time. With just a few simple ingredients, this stew comes together quickly and is packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef stew meat
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and heat the pot until it reads “HOT”.
2. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the onion, garlic, peas and carrots, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Close the lid and set the valve to “SEALING”. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the cooking time to 5 minutes at high pressure.
5. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Microwave Pressure Cooked Lentil Soup
This recipe is a game-changer for busy days when you need a warm, comforting bowl of soup in no time! Using microwave pressure cooking, this lentil soup cooks quickly and evenly, packed with protein-rich lentils and flavorful spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups water
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, peeled and grated
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: lemon wedges and fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a microwave-safe pressure cooker, combine lentils, water, onion, garlic, carrot, celery, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on high for 10-12 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release of 5 minutes.
3. Stir the soup to recombine flavors and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
4. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Quick Microwave Pressure Cooker Rice Pilaf
Looking for a delicious and easy rice pilaf recipe that’s ready in no time? This Quick Microwave Pressure Cooker Rice Pilaf is the perfect solution, requiring only 10 minutes of your time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a microwave-safe pressure cooker, combine rice, water, olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, and dried thyme.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Microwave on high for 8-10 minutes or until the pressure indicator drops and the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Let stand for 5 minutes before opening the cooker.
5. Fluff the rice pilaf with a fork and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Microwave Pressure Cooked Honey Garlic Salmon
Experience the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with this simple recipe that combines the convenience of microwave pressure cooking with the tender results you’d expect from a traditional cooking method.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the honey, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Place one salmon fillet on a microwave-safe plate or dish.
4. Brush the honey-garlic mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon.
5. Place the salmon in the microwave and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Repeat with remaining salmon fillets.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes (dependent on desired level of doneness)
Easy Microwave Pressure Cooker Mac and Cheese
Get ready to enjoy a comforting classic with minimal effort! This recipe uses a microwave pressure cooker to whip up a creamy macaroni and cheese dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine milk, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds until smooth.
3. Add cooked macaroni, butter, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir until combined.
4. Place the mixture in a microwave-safe pressure cooker and cook on high for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the macaroni is coated.
5. Carefully remove the lid and stir the macaroni and cheese. Serve hot!
Cooking Time: 6-7 minutes
Microwave Pressure Cooker Vegetable Biryani
This recipe is a twist on the traditional Indian dish, biryani, cooked to perfection in just minutes using a microwave pressure cooker. It’s a flavorful and aromatic one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup basmati rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, peeled and grated
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, corn, bell peppers)
– 1 teaspoon cumin powder
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– Salt, to taste
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. In the microwave pressure cooker, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and mixed vegetables. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, and soaked rice to the cooker. Stir well.
4. Add 2 cups of water to the cooker.
5. Close the lid and cook on high for 8-10 minutes or according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Let the pressure release naturally before opening the cooker. Fluff the biryani with a fork and garnish with cilantro.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Speedy Microwave Pressure Cooked Chili
A quick and flavorful chili recipe that’s perfect for a busy day. With the help of your microwave pressure cooker, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, red kidney beans, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and cook on high for 10-12 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Let it stand for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Microwave Pressure Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Quickly cook tender and flavorful chicken breasts with the ease of a microwave pressure cooker. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a busy day when you need a meal in a flash.
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and garlic powder.
2. Place the chicken breasts in the microwave pressure cooker and pour the sauce mixture over them.
3. Cook on high for 4-5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Let stand for 2 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-7 minutes
Fluffy Microwave Pressure Cooked Quinoa
A healthy and speedy side dish that’s perfect for busy days! This recipe combines the convenience of microwave cooking with the benefits of pressure cooking to yield fluffy, flavorful quinoa.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Add quinoa and water to a large microwave-safe bowl.
2. Stir in olive oil and salt.
3. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
4. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, then stir and check if quinoa is cooked to your liking.
5. If not, continue microwaving in 30-second increments until done.
6. Let it stand for 1 minute before fluffing with a fork.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-6 minutes
Microwave Pressure Cooker Creamy Mushroom Pasta
This recipe is a twist on traditional pasta dishes, using the microwave pressure cooker to create a rich and creamy sauce with tender mushrooms and al dente pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pasta of your choice
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In the microwave pressure cooker, melt butter and sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic until tender.
3. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Cook on high for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release.
5. Combine cooked pasta with mushroom sauce. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Fast Microwave Pressure Cooked Black Beans
Get ready to enjoy a flavorful and nutritious serving of black beans in just minutes! This recipe uses the convenience of microwave pressure cooking to cook tender black beans with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried black beans, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the black beans and drain well.
2. In a microwave-safe pressure cooker, combine the black beans, water, olive oil, onion, garlic, and cumin.
3. Cook on high for 10-12 minutes, followed by 5-minute natural release.
4. Remove the lid carefully to avoid scalding steam.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Microwave Pressure Cooker Lemon Herb Fish
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s ready in under 10 minutes! This recipe combines the brightness of lemon, the zestiness of herbs, and the tender flakiness of fish, all cooked to perfection in a microwave pressure cooker.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb fish fillets (any white fish works well), cut into small pieces
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp dried dill weed
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the fish, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, and dill weed to the microwave pressure cooker.
2. Cook on high for 5-6 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.
3. Quick-release any remaining pressure, then open the cooker.
4. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-6 minutes
Simple Microwave Pressure Cooked Oatmeal
Start your day with a warm, comforting bowl of oatmeal cooked to perfection in just minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1 cup water or milk (or combination)
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: sugar, honey, fruit, or nuts for added flavor
Instructions:
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine oats and water/milk mixture.
2. Add a pinch of salt to the mixture.
3. Microwave on high for 1 minute.
4. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the oatmeal to ensure even cooking.
5. Return the bowl to the microwave and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, or until the oats have reached your desired consistency.
Cooking Time: 1:30-2 minutes
Note: Cooking time may vary depending on your microwave’s power level and personal preference for oatmeal texture.
Microwave Pressure Cooker Spicy Sausage and Peppers
Get a flavorful and spicy meal on the table quickly with this microwave pressure cooker recipe, perfect for busy weeknights. This hearty dish is packed with juicy sausage, sweet peppers, and bold spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb spicy sausage (such as andouille or chorizo)
– 2 large bell peppers, sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” function on the microwave pressure cooker and cook the sausage until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the sliced peppers, onion, garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Close the lid and set the cooking time to 5 minutes at high pressure.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes at high pressure + quick release
Microwave Pressure Cooked Coconut Rice Pudding
Elevate your dessert game with this microwave pressure cooker coconut rice pudding recipe! This creamy treat is perfect for a warm weather indulgence or as a comforting dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a microwave-safe pressure cooker, combine rice, water, unsweetened coconut, sugar, and salt.
2. Cook on high for 6 minutes.
3. Release the pressure using the quick-release valve.
4. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract.
5. Microwave on high for an additional 30 seconds to melt the cream.
6. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with toasted coconut flakes if desired.
Cooking Time: 6 minutes + 30 seconds
Microwave Pressure Cooker Garlic Butter Shrimp
This recipe yields succulent shrimp cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With minimal prep time and just 5 minutes of cooking, you’ll be enjoying this mouthwatering dish in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the microwave-safe pressure cooker, combine shrimp, garlic, butter, chicken broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on high for 5 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural release.
3. Release any remaining pressure and stir in cooked shrimp with the garlic butter sauce.
4. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Effortless Microwave Pressure Cooked Mashed Potatoes
Quickly cook potatoes to a creamy, tender perfection without heating up your kitchen! This recipe uses the power of microwave pressure cooking to get the job done in just minutes.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup milk or half-and-half
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chopped potatoes in a microwave-safe pressure cooker.
2. Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir until the butter is melted and the potatoes are coated.
3. Cook on high for 4-5 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Let the pressure cooker stand for 1 minute before releasing any remaining steam.
5. Open the cooker and mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until smooth.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Summary
Looking for quick and delicious recipes to spice up your busy weeknights? Look no further! This collection of 18 microwave pressure cooker recipes will satisfy your cravings without taking up too much time. From comforting mac and cheese to flavorful chicken curry, these recipes are perfect for a hurried evening meal. With the combination of microwave and pressure cooking, you can achieve tender textures and bold flavors in just minutes. Try out one of these easy and mouthwatering recipes tonight!
