Eggs are one of the most versatile protein sources out there — and a grocery list staple. If all you have is a carton of eggs in your fridge, a quick and easy breakfast, lunch, a snack, or dinner is likely only a few minutes away. While you can scramble eggs in a pan, hard-boil eggs in a pot, or poach eggs on the stovetop, we'd like to throw the microwave into the ring for a friendly face-off.

Why Cook Eggs in the Microwave?

Yes, you can make scrambled eggs, hardboiled eggs, poached eggs, chawanmushi, and frittatas in the microwave, and easily! But why should you cook your eggs in the microwave? Not only is cooking eggs in the microwave faster and easier than making them on the stove, but the clean-up is so much easier, too. Usually, you can prep, cook, and serve your microwaved eggs all in one bowl, dish, or mug.

What You Need to Make Eggs in the Microwave

Anyday dishes

Ask any Anyday convert about the one recipe they made that changed their minds about microwave cooking altogether and they'll probably tell you it was eggs in some way, shape, or form. Not only do they cook to perfection with ease, but you'll also have far fewer dishes to wash when all is said and done. Pro tip: Anyday Large and Medium Shallow dishes are usually the way to go for all of your egg needs.

A mug

Yes, it's possible to make mug omelettes and scrambles in the microwave! While we prefer the Anyday Small Dishes for cooking poached eggs, scrambled eggs, omelettes, or a single-serving frittata in the microwave, a mug will also work just fine.

A ramekin

If you have to, you can use a deep ramekin to cook eggs in the microwave. Many egg recipes need to be cooked uncovered in the microwave, so a ramekin will work for things like scrambled eggs, poached eggs, and omelettes.

A pyrex measuring cup

Similar to a mug, a Pyrex glass measuring cup can be used to make scrambled eggs, poached eggs, and omelettes. The shape of a Pyrex measuring cup is good for a single serving of eggs in the microwave, but we find it easier to make eggs in the microwave with a wide dish with a flat bottom, like the Anyday Small Dish.

A glass dish with a plate on top

One thing you need to keep in mind while cooking in the microwave is locking in moisture. While Anyday dishes have tight-fitting lids that lock in the perfect amount of moisture, you can use a glass dish with a plate on top to keep some moisture from escaping. When you cook shakshuka, chawanmushi, breakfast casserole, you need a lid to keep them from drying out.

 

The Best Ways to Cook Eggs in the Microwave

Microwave Scrambled Eggs

Light, fluffy, creamy scrambled eggs are possible to make in the microwave. The trick is to add enough fat to the eggs to get them tender. It's also possible to make microwaved scrambled eggs in a mug or ramekin, but we prefer the shape of the Small Dish or Medium Shallow Dish for serving this classic breakfast recipe. Here is how to make microwave scrambled eggs: Melt a tablespoon of butter in a glass dish. Crack two eggs into the dish and add 1 tablespoon or sour cream or mayo. Whisk until smooth, then microwave in 30-second intervals, whisking every time, until eggs are barely cooked to your liking (it take us about 1 minute and 30 seconds). Eggs will be slightly runny, but will cook more as you whisk.

 

Get the recipe: Microwave Scrambled Eggs

 

Microwave Poached Egg 

Poached eggs are a weekend staple for a reason: They take a practice (and time!) to get right. With microwave poached eggs, the process couldn't be easier. You could even make a microwave poached egg in a mug or ramekin if you're making only one! To make multiple poached eggs in the microwave, fill a Large or Medium Shallow dish to the midway line with cold tap water. Crack in the eggs. Pop on your lid (knob-up) and microwave for 2.5-3 minutes, depending on your microwave's wattage. Scoop them out with a slotted spoon and you're ready to eat in a fraction of the time. 

 

Microwave Chawanmushi or Steamed Egg Custard

Our collective minds were blown when we found out how easy it is to make classic Chinese egg custard or its Japanese cousin, chawanmushi, in the microwave. Both are notoriously tricky to master on the stove. However, jiggly egg custard or chawanmushi is easy to make in the microwave with an Anyday dish or a glass bowl with a plate on top. And we're not alone in our excitement: It's one of our most popular recipes! Here is how to make chawanmushi in the microwave: Whisk together eggs, stock, and salt and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. (For chawanmushi, the Japanese version, use dashi instead of stock.) Cover (knob-up) in the Medium or Large Shallow and cook at half power at the time listed for your microwave's wattage. Garnish with soy sauce, scallions, sesame oil, and any other toppings of your choice.

 

Microwave Shakshuka

Want to make the fastest, fanciest breakfast ever? Try making microwave shakshuka: Runny eggs cradled in spiced tomato sauce, topped with the herbs and cheese of your choice. Bonus points if you pair the finished dish with crusty bread to complete the experience. In close to 10 minutes, you'll be brunching in the comfort of your own kitchen, all thanks to the microwave. Having some sort of lid to keep the steam from escaping is key – the eggs will need the moisture to be perfectly poached in the sauce. Make microwave shakshuka with a shallow Anyday dish or with a glass bowl with a plate on top.

 

Microwave Frittata

If your weekend (or weekday!) plans include making a personal sized frittata for breakfast, you could use a mug, but the Small Dish or Medium Shallow is so much better and will quickly become your best brunch friend. If you want to make a frittata in the microwave for your family, the Large Shallow is the way to go. Simply microwave butter, seasonings, and the veggies of your choice until softened. Stir in whisked eggs (plus sour cream or mayo to make it smooth and creamy), cheese, and herbs. Microwave at half power (depending on your microwave's wattage), until the eggs are set. Yes, it really is that easy.

 

Microwave Breakfast Burrito

Did you know you can make crispy bacon in the microwave? Well, you can! To make these easy breakfast burritos, crisp up some Anyday bacon, then scramble eggs in the fat (using the microwave method). In just minutes you'll have a delicious filling to pile into tortillas along with your favorite mix ins — avocado, cheese, hot sauce, sour cream, the works.

French Toast Pudding

You might not consider this breakfast an "egg dish" at first glance, but as with any custardy concoction, this French Toast Pudding recipe calls for egg yolks to achieve the right consistency. If you prefer sweet to savory breakfast options, give this quasi-dessert a go. Go ahead, top it with vanilla ice cream.