Can You Really Make Scrambled Eggs in the Microwave?
Updated: May 01, 2023
Sure, you can stick anything in the microwave, but it’s not always a good idea. Find out what cooking experts have to say about microwave scrambled eggs.
Enjoying fresh-from-the-pan scrambled eggs is an excellent way to start the day, but sometimes mornings feel too hectic for that. If you know that all too well, you might have wondered if there’s a way to speed things up and still get your delicious breakfast before running out the door. Is it possible to microwave scrambled eggs? And if so, will your eggs be deliciously fluffy, with all the flair of your favorite recipe, or will they be a rubbery mess?
We have the details on whether you can add eggs to the list of foods you can microwave—and what chefs think of this cooking hack. Once you’re up to speed, find out the two secret ingredients in Queen Elizabeth’s favorite scrambled eggs to switch up your morning meal.
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Can you make scrambled eggs in the microwave?
Yes, you can make scrambled eggs in the microwave! Microwaves cook food by making the water molecules in food vibrate, which, in turn, produces heat and steam. The composition of an egg is 74% water, making it ideal for scrambling in the microwave. (As long as you follow the directions!) Incidentally, you can also hard-boil, poach and make eggs over easy in the microwave and oven too. Who knew?!
As for your microwave scrambled eggs, they’re perfect for quick-and-easy breakfast sandwiches, for breakfast burritos or for eating plain with a little salt and pepper.
Do microwaved eggs taste good?
“Microwave scrambled eggs won’t taste too much different from stovetop ones, especially if you season them well,” says Rebecca Eisenberg, founder of the cooking website The Practical Kitchen. “Where you’ll really notice a difference is in texture. Scrambled eggs cooked low and slow in a pan will have a creamy, fluffy, curd-like texture, while scrambled eggs cooked in a microwave will have a slightly dense texture, slightly more like an omelet.”
How do you make scrambled eggs in the microwave?
One of the biggest benefits of making scrambled eggs in the microwave is that you prep, cook and eat the eggs all in the same bowl, keeping prep and mess to a minimum. Simply crack the eggs into a small microwave-safe bowl, beat them well with a pinch of salt for flavor and add a little liquid. And don’t skip that last ingredient. “If you’re going to cook scrambled eggs in the microwave, I definitely recommend adding a bit of extra moisture or fat to them,” says Eisenberg. “A bit of milk, nondairy milk or even a splash of water will do.” It will make the eggs fluffier, and extra fat, like in whole milk or half-and-half, will give them a creamier texture and taste.
For ultra-luxe scrambled eggs, you could also add a tiny bit of cream or melted butter, which will make the eggs taste rich and indulgent. If you’d like to jazz up your scrambled eggs with spices, shredded cheese or mix-ins like salsa, soy sauce or crumbled bacon, now’s the time to mix those in.
Next, microwave the eggs. You’ll need to fluff them with a fork periodically when microwaving them, but a minute may be all you need. The key is to keep a close eye on them and take them out as soon as they look barely set. The eggs will continue to cook from their own steam—so quickly that they can go from fluffy to rubbery in the time it takes to get your bowl from the microwave to the table. If you remove your eggs from the microwave when they’re slightly undercooked, they’ll be perfectly cooked by the time they’re cool enough to eat.
How long do you put eggs in the microwave to scramble?
Making microwave scrambled eggs requires you to cook them in short spurts. You’ll need to take breaks to scramble them, but the main goal of microwaving in increments is to prevent the eggs from becoming rubbery. Eggs cook spectacularly fast in the microwave, and they can go from “done” to “overcooked” in literal seconds. This measured approach will also ensure that your eggs don’t explode all over your microwave. (Though if they do, here’s how to clean a microwave.)
All microwaves are different, and some cook faster than others. Additionally, the size, shape and composition of your bowl could affect how quickly your eggs cook. The first time you make microwave scrambled eggs, keep a close eye on them so you can learn exactly how long it takes for eggs to cook in your microwave. For some people, it will take only one minute. For others, it can take up to two. Be patient: It’s an easy technique to master, and once you figure out what works for you, you’ll be making microwave scrambled eggs like a pro!
Microwave scrambled eggs recipe
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 3 Tbsp. milk, nondairy milk (like oat milk or almond milk) or water
- Pinch of kosher salt
Directions
- In a small, microwave-safe bowl, beat the eggs, milk (or water) and salt together with a fork until smooth.
- Microwave the eggs on high power for 30 seconds. Stir the eggs well, scraping the sides of the bowl with a fork or small silicone spatula, then microwave for another 30 seconds.
- Stir the eggs again. If they look just barely set, let them cool for at least 30 seconds, then serve. If the scrambled eggs seem a little too runny, microwave for another 15 seconds, stir and repeat until the eggs appear to be barely set and golden yellow.
- Allow the eggs to cool slightly, then serve immediately.
Now that you know how to microwave scrambled eggs, find out how to make fluffy scrambled eggs like Dolly Parton.
Sources:
- Rebecca Eisenberg, chef and blogger at The Practical Kitchen
- FDA: “Microwave Oven Radiation”
- University of Illinois: “Structure of the Egg”
