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No Oven? No Problem! 4 Microwave Recipes to Lift Your Winter Home Cooking

Unlock winter cooking with advanced microwaves! Bake, air fry & more, oven-free. Featuring Panasonic, Sharp, Westinghouse & Breville models.

SUMMARY

  • Do more than just reheat and defrost with advanced microwaves that offer a multitude of functions such as bake, grill and air fry.
  • Smart inverter technology levels up microwave cooking, ensuring even heat distribution for consistently cooked results, inside and out.
  • Discover innovative yet space-saving home cooking with microwaves from Panasonic, Sharp, Westinghouse & Breville.
  • Be inspired by microwave-friendly recipes including Herbed Salmon and Chocolate Cake.

Winter is here, and with it comes the craving for comforting, warm meals. But what if you don’t have an oven, or simply want to simplify your cooking routine? Enter the new generation of microwaves!

Forget everything you thought you knew about these kitchen workhorses. Today’s advanced microwave models are far more than just reheating and defrosting appliances; they’re culinary powerhouses offering a remarkable range of functions, including baking, roasting, grilling, and even air frying. Thanks to innovative inverter technology, these microwaves ensure even heat distribution, eliminating frustrating hot and cold spots for perfectly cooked dishes every time.

Let’s dive into some trending models that are revolutionising winter cooking, proving you don’t need a traditional oven to whip up delicious, hearty meals. We also share some recipes for you to try out with your existing microwave or your favourite from the below list: 

Panasonic’s 27L 1000W Flatbed Inverter Microwave – Stainless Steel (NN-SF57QSQPQ)

Ideal for everyday cooking in small to mid-sized kitchens, this Panasonic microwave makes reheating, defrosting, and cooking light work. Its Inverter technology guarantees even cooking results, while 17 pre-programmed menus offer incredible versatility. For ultimate convenience, one-touch functions like Reheat Meal and Turbo Defrost take the guesswork out of your cooking tasks. In a classic stainless steel design with an easy-to-clean flatbed, it’s a stylish and practical addition to any kitchen.

Panasonic’s 27L 1000W Flatbed Inverter Microwave

Recipe to Try: Chicken Tenders with Home-Made Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients

For the chicken tenders:

  • 300g chicken breast fillets
  • 2 eggs
  • 30g breadcrumbs
  • 25g grated parmesan
  • a pinch of salt
  • a pinch of black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the sweet potato fries:

  • 4 organic sweet potatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme
  • 2 tbsp oregano
  • a pinch of salt
  • a pinch of pepper
  • 4 tbsp rustic mustard

Method

Step 1: Cut the chicken into rough pieces. Season them with salt and pepper and cover them with the beaten eggs. Then, mix breadcrumbs and parmesan and cover the tenders with this mixture.

Step 2: Place the tenders on the grill tray and drizzle them with a bit of olive oil. Select the COMBI 2 (Microwave + Grill) programme and cook them for 20 minutes or until they are crispy.

Step 3: Wash the potatoes, peel them and slice them. Then, put them in a large bowl and season them with olive oil, salt, pepper and chopped fresh herbs.

Step 4: Place the potatoes on the grill tray. Select the COMBI 2 (Microwave + Grill) programme and cook them for 20 minutes or until they become crispy.

Step 5: Serve the chicken tenders and the sweet potatoes with the mustard.

Recipe by Panasonic

Sharp’s 42L 1100W Convection Inverter Microwave – Stainless Steel (R42CVST)

Bigger families after fuss-free cooking will love the Sharp 42L Inverter Convection Microwave Oven. Experience the future of cooking with its versatile settings, even cooking capabilities, and a spacious 42L capacity, making it an excellent upgrade for any kitchen. With 10 intuitive pre-programmed settings, you’re equipped to tackle a range of dishes, whether it’s defrosting, baking a comforting casserole, or reheating a hearty stew – this microwave has got you covered.

Sharp’s 42L 1100W Convection Inverter Microwave

Recipe to Try: Microwave Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

  • 75 g Nestlé Milk Choc Melts
  • 100 g butter
  • 125 mL (1/2 cup) sour cream
  • 11/4 cups warm water
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 21/2 cups self-raising flour, sifted
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • Chocolate eggs, sprinkles or your choice of decoration

Method

Step 1: Place chocolate and butter in a large microwave safe bowl. Melt for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes on 1100W, stirring during cooking.

Step 2: Add sour cream and water. Cook a further 1 minute on 1100W. Mix well.

Step 3: Stir in eggs, flour, sugar and baking powder.

Step 4: Mix well, pour into a greased microwave safe cake container.

Step 5: Cook for 13 minutes on 550W followed by 13 minutes on CONVECTION 130°C. Allow to stand 10 minutes before turning out.

Step 6: Allow to cool before icing.

Icing:

Step 1: Melt chocolate and coffee for 1-2 minutes on 1100W.

Step 2: Add sour cream and beat well.

Step 3: Top with your choice of easter eggs or decorations.

Recipe by Sharp 

Westinghouse’s 42L 1100W Convection Inverter Microwave – Dark Grey (WMC4207GA)

For the home cook who wants a world of options at their fingertips, look no further than this Westinghouse 42L 1100W Convection Inverter Microwave. This gorgeous microwave features 3-in-1 cooking functions, including an AirFry program, and 20 auto-cook menus. Whether you want to reheat food, roast a chicken for a Sunday dinner, air fry fish and chips, or even bake a delicious cake, this multi-purpose microwave will meet all your winter cooking needs with ease.

Westinghouse’s 42L 1100W Convection Inverter Microwave

Recipe to Try: Indian Spiced Potatoes & Mint Yoghurt

Ingredients

Potatoes

  • 1 kg chat potatoes
  • 1 tbs salt
  • 1 head of garlic, cut in half
  • ½ cup coconut oil
  • 2 tsp mustard seeds (mixed)
  • 1 tbs curry powder
  • ¼ cup curry leaves
  • 1 tsp salt

Minted Yoghurt

  • ½ cup mint leaves
  • 1 tbs white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tbs + ½ cup yoghurt

Method

Potatoes

Step 1: Place potatoes, 1 tbs salt and the garlic in cold water.

Step 2: Bring to the boil and simmer for 15 mins.

Step 3: Drain and once cool, split each potato slightly by crushing them with the palm of your hand, the back of a spoon or fork.

Step 4: Preheat oven to 220°C AirFry (tray on 3rd oven rack)

Step 5: Over low heat (or in a microwave) melt the coconut oil with mustard seeds, curry powder and salt.

Step 6: In a large bowl toss the potatoes with the coconut oil and the curry leaves.

Step 7: Arrange evenly on the AirFry tray and cook for 20 mins

Step 8: Serve with minted yoghurt and coriander

Minted Yoghurt

Step 1: In a small food processor, blend the mint leaves, vinegar, sugar, salt and 1tbs of yoghurt until finely minced.

Step 2: Combine with remaining yoghurt by hand in a small bowl.

Recipe by Westinghouse 

Breville’s 32L 1200W the Combi Wave 3 in 1 Convection Oven – Brushed Stainless Steel (BMO870BSS4JAN1)

Perfect for compact kitchens in need of multiple cooking functions, Breville’s 32L 1100W Convection Microwave is a compact 3-in-1 cooking solution. It will satisfy whether you’re reheating leftovers, baking cookies, grilling a weeknight meal, or air frying your favourite crispy foods. Boasting Microwave, Air Fryer, and Convection Oven cooking methods, this microwave is powered by an 1100W heating element and the Breville Element IQ® system, which delivers intelligent, consistent heat for perfect results every time.

Breville’s 32L 1200W Convection Oven

Recipe to Try: Herbed Salmon

Ingredients

  • ½ tsp granulated garlic
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ¼ tsp dried sage
  • ¼ tsp dried marjoram
  • ¼ tsp dried thyme
  • ¼ tsp dried rosemary
  • ¼ tsp ground cumin
  • 1 pinch dried chilli flakes
  • 2 (225 g) salmon fillets
  • Coarse salt to taste
  • 1 small lemon, thinly sliced

To serve

  • Green salad
  • Lemon wedges

Method

Step 1: Combine herbs and spices in a small bowl. Season the salmon with salt, then coat it with the spice mixture and top with lemon slices.

Step 2: Place salmon on Combi Crisp pan and place on turntable in low position. Press Food Menu and select Cook, then Fish, 450g. Press Start to begin cooking.

Step 3: Serve with green salad and lemon wedges, if desired.

Recipe by Breville 

Which Microwave Recipe Will You Try Out?

The latest microwave technologies has truly transformed winter cooking. With these versatile and powerful appliances, you can enjoy all the warm, comforting meals you crave, even without a traditional oven. So, embrace the ease and innovation, and get cooking this winter with compact yet impactful microwaves! Check out all featured microwaves in the links below and sign up for more winter warming content. 

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FAQs

While some microwaves offer excellent baking and roasting capabilities, especially for smaller dishes, they might not fully replace a large traditional oven for extensive meal prep or large dishes. However, for everyday baking, roasting chicken pieces, or even a small cake, microwaves perform well.

Inverter technology provides a continuous, even flow of microwave power, unlike traditional microwaves that cycle on and off. This results in more consistent cooking, preventing hot and cold spots, and better preservation of food's texture and nutrients during defrosting and reheating.

Microwaves with air frying functions use convection heating to circulate hot air, similar to a dedicated air fryer, delivering crispy results. While a dedicated air fryer might offer slightly more capacity or specialised settings, combi-microwaves are a fantastic space-saving alternative for achieving delicious air-fried dishes.

Many advanced models, like the Panasonic with its flatbed design, are actually easier to clean as there's no turntable to remove, and spills are contained on a flat surface. Convection and air fry functions might require occasional wiping down of the interior to remove grease build-up, similar to an oven, but generally, microwaves are designed for convenient maintenance.

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27L 1000W Flatbed Inverter Microwave – Stainless Steel
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