Mornings are hectic for most people. The constant hustle and bustle of hungry children, lost shoes and early morning traffic are enough to make anyone’s head spin.
Worse, you have little time to prepare a healthy breakfast before dashing out of your home with kids in town.
What if there was a nutritious breakfast that you could make easily and quickly? One that would fill you and your family up and keep their energy levels high without weighing you down.
If you’re looking for a quick meal, look no further than microwaved porridge. It’s simple to prepare, easy on your wallet, and delightful.
Here’s how to microwave porridge. In a sizeable microwave-safe bowl, add all ingredients and whisk well until thoroughly blended. Cover the bowl with a vented plastic wrap and nuke for 3-5 minutes on high power. Stir in 15-30 second intervals for even cooking. When done, remove from microwave, stir again, and let stand uncovered for 2 minutes before serving.
In this article, we’ll discuss each of these steps in detail and share some tips along the way. We’ll also address common questions about microwaved porridge.
Let’s dive right in.
Can You Microwave Cooked Porridge?
Regardless of the ingredients, you can cook porridge in a microwave. The process is very similar to cooking it on a stovetop or in an oven, except it’s easier and faster.
Porridge is a popular oat-based breakfast cereal. It has a creamy texture and can be eaten hot or cold. Although oat is the most common ingredient, you can also find it made from other grains, such as barley, wheat, corn, and maize.
The question of whether you can microwave cooked porridge comes up frequently.
While traditionally made on a stovetop or in an oven, microwaves have grown popular over time. Their ability to cook food quickly and conveniently has made them more appealing. Therefore, it’s natural for people to wonder if they can make porridge in their microwave.
Reiterating, yes, you can cook porridge in a microwave. However, it doesn’t come easy like manna from heaven. There are a few caveats to consider before digging into your next oat-based bliss and taking that first bit.
For starters, the liquid to grain ratio determines the texture of your porridge. Adding too much water or milk will make it too runny, while adding too little will make it lumpy.
Second, microwaves heat unevenly, which means that if you leave your porridge unattended for too long, some parts of it may burn.
And lastly, the grain itself affects how well your porridge cooks in a microwave. Barley, wheat, corn, and oat all have unique properties and may require different cooking times.
How Long Should You Microwave Porridge?
Due to the microwave’s ability to cook food quickly, expect your porridge to be ready between 3-5 minutes. You’ll also need another minute or two for it to cool down before serving.
However, cooking times can vary depending on your microwave wattage, grain type, and desired consistency.
For example, powerful microwaves will cook food faster than lower-watt models. On the other hand, steel-cut oats will take longer to cook than rolled oats due to their low water content and large grains. And if you prefer your porridge runny or extra thick, adjusting the cooking time is unavoidable.
A good rule of thumb is to start with 3 minutes, then stir in 15-30 seconds increments until it reaches your preferred texture.
How Do You Microwave Porridge Without It Exploding?
There are few more frustrating things than cooking porridge, only for it to end up on your ceiling. Fortunately, microwaving at reduced power, and stirring in between zaps, can help you get your morning bowl of porridge without any mess or fuss.
So, how does it work? Let’s probe these two approaches.
1. Microwaving at Reduced Power
Essentially, you’re cooking your porridge for a longer period at a lower temperature. This way, it’s less likely to boil over and mess up your microwave. Simply reduce your microwave’s power setting (typically labeled high, medium, or low) to 50% – 70% of its maximum capacity.
2. Stirring in Short Bursts
Letting your porridge sit for too long on full power can cause it to boil over and explode. Instead, stir your porridge every 15-30 seconds with a spoon or spatula. Your bowl of porridge will be heated more evenly, preventing it from boiling over.
If you’d like, you can also try putting chopsticks or wooden skewers across your bowl of porridge. The chopsticks will act as tension breakers for any bubbles that form on top of your porridge, preventing them from becoming too large and exploding.
As always, make sure to use a large bowl to allow more room for expansion.
Tips for Microwaving Porridge
There are several tricks for cooking porridge that can result in uniform, smooth and perfectly cooked grains. So, here are some tips for microwave-safe porridge.
1. Use a Deep, Microwave-Safe Bowl
Ensure that your bowl is big enough as porridge expands when it cooks. A good rule of thumb is to use a bowl with at least double the capacity of uncooked porridge. It should also be safe for use in a microwave. Glass or ceramic bowls are ideal as they can withstand high temperatures.
2. Measure the Correct Liquid to Grain Ratio
If you’re new to cooking porridge, it’s critical that you get your ratio of liquid and grain right. This ensures that your porridge is cooked evenly and has a good consistency. For every 50g of oats or other grains, add 350ml of water or milk.
3. Cover Your Bowl with a Vented Lid
This will allow steam to escape preventing your porridge from boiling over. In the absence of a lid, poke some holes in microwavable plastic wrap and wrap it around your bowl.
4. Microwave at Reduced Power
You want to lengthen your cooking time, preventing your porridge from boiling over. In most microwaves, power levels are labeled high, medium and low. Set it to medium or low power for best results.
5. Stir, Stir, Stir
One of the secrets to making fine porridge is stirring it frequently during cooking. This will prevent burning and ensure that your porridge cooks evenly.
6. Allow Porridge to Cool
Once cooked, let your porridge sit for at least 2 minutes before eating it. This will give it time to thicken and cool down slightly, making it easier to eat without burning your tongue or mouth.
How to Microwave Porridge (Step by Step)
If you’re always late or simply dislike standing over a stove waiting for your porridge to cook, consider cooking it in the microwave. You’ll be astounded at how simple it is. All you have to do is follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Measure All Ingredients
You want to ensure everything needed for your porridge is measured and ready to go. This includes water, oatmeal, milk, and any additional flavorings you intend to use.
Step 2: Put Oats and Water into Microwave-Safe Bowl
Measure 500g of oatmeal or any other of your preferred grain. Pour it into a microwave-safe bowl, then add 350ml of water. Stir until mixed thoroughly. Add milk if desired (this will make it creamier).
Tip: Do not use steel-cut oats because they take longer to cook and may scorch under high heat.
Step 3: Cover and Nuke Your Mixture
Cover your bowl with a vented microwavable lid or poked plastic wrap. Place it in the microwave for 3-5 minutes on high, stirring every 15-30 seconds, until thoroughly cooked.
Step 4: Set Aside For 2 Minutes to Cool
The result should be creamy and warm. Don’t eat or serve it straight out of the microwave, as it will burn your mouth. Instead, set it aside for about two minutes, or until it’s cool enough to eat comfortably. It will also thicken more as it cools.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Once your porridge is cool enough, garnish it with any toppings you like for added flavor. Honey, cinnamon, raisins, and dried fruit are all good options. However, add-ons are entirely optional; if you don’t want them, simply skip them.
Faqs On How to Microwave Porridge
1. How do I cook Scott porridge oats in the microwave?
Blend one 40g serving of Scott’s porridge oats with 250ml of milk or water. Pour the mixture into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely and nuke on full power for 3-5 minutes.
Stir every 15-30 seconds during cooking time to ensure even heating. Allow it to stand for 2 minute before topping it with your favorite toppings.
2. Should I make porridge with milk or water?
Whether you add milk to your porridge will largely depend on your preference. However, if you want it creamier and more filling, go for milk. Additionally, it will thicken and enrich your porridge. The key is to use the correct proportion of water in milk.
3. Is porridge healthy for weight loss?
Porridge is excellent for weight loss since its high in fiber, which keeps you full longer. It also allows you to add various healthy ingredients like fruits and nuts, boosting your metabolism and providing additional nutrients. Just don’t go overboard on the calories by using too much sugar or other sweeteners.
4. Is porridge gluten-free?
It depends on the ingredients you use. Oats are gluten-free, but they can be cross-contaminated with gluten during growing or processing. Look for gluten-free oats certified by an independent organization such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
5. Can you eat raw porridge oats?
Although it’s safe to eat raw oats, they’re not as tasty or easy to digest. You are advised to soak them overnight before cooking them in your porridge. This will make them easier to digest and palatable. Unsoaked oats contain phytates, which can interfere with mineral absorption.
6. Is oatmeal the same as porridge?
Porridge and oatmeal are often confused with being the same. Although interchangeably used in some regions, these two breakfast staples are actually quite different. Oatmeal is made from de-husked oats, rolled into flakes, and then steamed or boiled.
In contrast, porridge refers to whole grains of any kind (barley, wheat, cornmeal, oat, and maize) cooked with water and milk, stock, or both until thick.
Final Thoughts
In today’s busy daily lifestyle, people are always looking for ways to save time. Cooking porridge using a microwave is one of those quick and easy ways to do so. The key is using the correct liquid-to-porridge meal ratio.
Don’t just throw in any amount of liquid or oats and hope for the best. You’ll either end up with a crunchy, soggy mess or a microwave explosion of porridge. The recommended ratio is 350ml of water for every 50g of rolled oatmeal or other grain.
Furthermore, microwave on reduced power, stir frequently and add milk for creaminess. A couple of minutes later, you’ll have piping hot porridge with minimal effort.
Check out this video for more
