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My sister introduced me to cooking vegetables in the microwave (affiliate link) with a Pampered Chef microwave steamer (affiliate link) years ago, and I’ve never looked back.
It’s still one of my favorite ways to prepare vegetables, especially when I’m cooking for just the two of us.
Microwaving is quick, easy, and requires very little cleanup. And you don’t need a special steamer. A microwave (affiliate link)-safe bowl and cover work just fine.
I use this method for broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, green beans, zucchini, cabbage and all kinds of vegetable combinations.
It’s a simple way to get more vegetables on the table without much effort.
How to Steam Vegetables in the Microwave
Step 1: Wash and cut the vegetables into evenly sized pieces, about 1 inch for most vegetables.
Step 2: Place them in a microwave-safe bowl or steamer. Add 1–2 tablespoons of water, especially for firmer vegetables. Tender or freshly rinsed vegetables may need very little additional water.
Step 3: Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate, leaving a small opening for steam to escape.
Step 4: Microwave on HIGH, using the chart below as a starting point.
Step 5: Carefully remove the cover, keeping your face and hands away from the escaping steam. Check for tenderness and cook in short additional intervals if needed.
That’s it! Season and serve.
Microwave Vegetable Cooking Times
These are approximate cooking times for about 2 cups of fresh vegetables in a typical 900–1,100-watt microwave.
| Vegetable | Time on HIGH |
|---|---|
| Broccoli florets | 3–5 minutes |
| Cauliflower florets | 3–5 minutes |
| Green beans | 3–5 minutes |
| Sliced carrots | 4–6 minutes |
| Zucchini, sliced | 2–3 minutes |
| Asparagus | 2–4 minutes |
| Cabbage, chopped | 3–5 minutes |
| Brussels sprouts, halved | 4–6 minutes |
| Spinach | 1–2 minutes |
| Peas, frozen | 2–4 minutes |
Cooking times vary depending on your microwave’s wattage, the size of the vegetable pieces and how tender you like them. Start with the shorter time and add more as needed. Allow a brief standing time before checking.
I prefer my vegetables crisp-tender, so I usually start with less time. You can always cook them a little longer, but there’s no fixing overcooked broccoli!
My Favorite Ways to Season Microwave Vegetables
I usually add seasonings after cooking. A few favorites include:
- Lemon and pepper: Fresh lemon juice, salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Garlic and Parmesan: Garlic powder and a little grated Parmesan cheese.
- Asian-inspired: A splash of soy sauce, ginger and red pepper flakes.
- Italian-style: Italian seasoning, balsamic vinegar and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Simple and buttery: A little butter, salt and pepper.
Even plain steamed vegetables can be delicious when they’re cooked just right.
Tips for the Best Microwave Vegetables
Cut vegetables evenly. Similar-sized pieces cook more consistently.
Don’t add too much water. You’re steaming the vegetables, not boiling them.
Use a microwave-safe cover. A lid or plate helps trap enough steam to cook the vegetables evenly. Avoid sealing the container airtight.
Start with less time. Microwave ovens vary, and it’s easy to add another 30 seconds.
Be careful of hot steam. Lift the cover away from your face to avoid burns.
Cook frozen vegetables, too. Many frozen vegetables can be microwaved directly from frozen. Follow the package instructions as a starting point.
Are Microwave Vegetables Healthy?
Absolutely. Microwaving is a convenient way to prepare vegetables, and because it generally uses very little water and cooks quickly, it can help preserve nutrients that might otherwise be lost during longer cooking methods.
For anyone following WeightWatchers, most plain non-starchy vegetables are ZeroPoint foods. Just remember to account for any butter, oil, cheese or sauces you add.
Watch: How to Cook Vegetables in the Microwave
Here’s a helpful video demonstrating the basic method. I prefer using a microwave-safe cover rather than plastic wrap.
More Easy Microwave Recipes
If you enjoy quick microwave cooking, you might also like:
- Easy Microwave Dill Pickles
- Microwave Pesto Chicken Couscous or Cauliflower
- Microwave Mug Cottage Cheese Scrambled Eggs
- Classic WW Microwave Mug Cake
- Microwave Baked Apples
- Microwave Mug Apple Pancake Puff
Microwaving vegetables is one of those little kitchen shortcuts that makes eating well so much easier.
Once you figure out the timing for your particular microwave, you may find yourself using this method as often as I do!
Hello! Please do not share my email?I lost 20# in 2016 following the WW plan and never felt better. I felt like a failure because I knew what to eat and having a degree in nutrition well, needless to say I felt weird joining. BUT I quickly got over that and embraced the program and lost that 20#!! The flip of this coin is that I have gained 10# back?. I work out with a personal trainer and have learned a lot about myself….the one thing that I struggle with is the controversy of the healthy fats. My trainer reminds me to eat healthy fats EVOO and if I am going to eat my Greek yogurt to eat the full fat no sugar added. Guilt guilt…WW is all about low fat low sugar but if you look at their prepackaged items it is full of artificial sugars that replace the saturated fats. So, my question is in regards to your thoughts on the full fat yogurts and cheese(don’t eat much cheese) and does WW have a plan In Place to remove all artificial sweeteners from their products and to stop preaching to consume fat free yogurts and cheeses? I appreciate your insights and happy today to find your web site!! Have a beautiful day! Laurie
Hi Laurie,
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughtful comments! Next, I never share emails 🙂 Congratulations on your success with Weight Watchers! Losing 20 pounds is awesome. I too gained some of my weight back after my initial loss and had to lose it again. I think lots of us share this experience. It’s all part of the journey to increased understanding. I have heard lots of WW Lifetime members say, including the former CEO of WW that they learned more while trying to keep the weight off than while losing it. So, you are in good company!
I DO NOT WORK FOR WEIGHT WATCHERS, I’M ONLY A MEMBER, so whatever I say here on my website is my opinion and NOT ENDORSED BY WEIGHT WATCHERS. I have no idea what direction the company will go in the future, but I am confident it will be in alignment with the current dietary wisdom of the moment. I took a very interesting nutrition class years ago, where the teacher reminded us that Nutrition is a very young area of science relative to others, so it’s bound to change rapidly. I think the problem with most of us here in the US is that we are overwhelmed with too much nutrition information that is often conflicting. My go to source for nutritional information is :https://authoritynutrition.com/does-exercise-cause-weight-loss/. Everything they share is based on scientific studies and written by experts.
The other thing I’ve discovered is that I have to trust myself and do what’s best for me. I think everyone has to do this to. It can be a mistake to always be turning to someone else for confirmation of what to do, especially with something as personal as what to eat. I have found that lasting weight loss and health is really about creating your own individual perfect recipe. I know slim and healthy folks who eat artificial sweeteners and and I know slim and healthy folks who don’t. I know slim and healthy folks who eat full fat yogurt and I know slim and healthy folks who eat non fat. I think the truth is that there is NO ONE WAY. We are each unique and there are so many variables. The truth is that like, you I sometimes feel confused, and I go back and forth. When you open my fridge, sometimes you will find full fat plain Greek yogurt and sometimes you will find Non Fat. I try not to worry about it. Often it has to do with what is available at the store where I am shopping and the cost 🙂 I do avoid artificial sweeteners, mostly because I don’t like the taste, I found that drinking Diet Coke made me really hungry, and Splenda gives me a headache. So, I mostly eat small amounts of real sugar and maple syrup. I also use small amounts of Truvia sometimes.
My best advice is to experiment with yourself. Keep a journal and pay attention to how you feel, how satisfied you are when you eat these various foods. Be your own researcher. I have found that by taking this approach, eating and experimenting becomes fun. I have found out so many things about myself and the food that really nourishes me this way.
Hope all this helps. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance! I wish you much success on your journey to lasting health and happiness! Warmly, Martha
My best advice is