You’re standing in front of the microwave, looking at the plantains and thinking about how good they’ll taste for breakfast.
But then you remember that you don’t know how to cook them. You try to remember what your mother used to do, but all you can picture is her smashing them with a skillet.
In this article, I’ll show you how to cook plantains in the microwave. I’ll also give you some tips on how to store and reheat them.
Can You Microwave Plantains?
Plantains are a delicious and nutritious treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. And while there are many different ways to cook them, microwaving is by far the easiest and quickest method. Simply place a plantain on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for three minutes.
Just remember that the result will be a softer, more mushy plantain. If you’re looking for a crispier plantain, then you’ll need to fry them using either a skillet or air fryer.
Some people said they have successfully fried plantains in the microwave using a microwave crisper pan, but I have not personally tried this method. But I’ll include it here in case you want to give it a go.
Is It Safe to Microwave Plantains?
When it comes to cooking plantains, there are several concerns about using the microwave that circulate on the internet. Let’s take a closer look at each one and why they’re not true.
One of the most common myths about microwaving food is that it releases harmful radiation. However, this is not true. Microwaves use low-level radiation to heat your food. This radiation is harmless and will not cause any damage to your food or your body.
Another common myth is that microwaving destroys your food’s nutrients. However, this is also not true. Microwaving can actually preserve many of the nutrients in your food, including vitamins and minerals better than other cooking methods, such as boiling or frying.
Lastly, some people believe that microwaving your food dries it out and makes it tough. While this can happen if you overcook your food, it’s not necessarily true for all microwaved foods.
There are also a lot of things you can do to prevent this from happening, such as covering your food with a damp paper towel or adding moisture to your food.
So, overall, microwaving is a perfectly safe way to cook your plantains.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Plantains in the Microwave?
The cooking time for plantains in the microwave will depend on the wattage of your microwave but is typically around two to three minutes. I recommend cooking only one or two plantains at a time to ensure even cooking.
How To Cook Plantains in the Microwave
Here are the simple steps for cooking plantains in the microwave:
- Trim both ends of the plantain.
- Wrap it in a paper towel.
- Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove the plantain from the microwave and open the paper towel.
- Carefully peel the plantain skin away from the flesh.
- Slice the plantain and let it cool before eating.
There are many different ways to enjoy your microwave plantain. You can eat it plain or you can add some fun toppings, such as sugar, honey, or chocolate sauce.
My personal favorite is to add a dollop of coconut whipped cream or cashew cream mixed with a little bit of cinnamon. It’s the perfect sweet and creamy treat.
Extra Tips for Microwaving Plantains
Although microwaving plantains is a simple process, there are a few extra tips that can help ensure that your plantains turn out perfect every time.
The first thing to keep in mind is that plantains should be ripe before they are microwaved. If they are not ripe, they will not cook properly and will be tough. In general, plantains are ready to be microwaved when the outside skin is blackened.
To help ripen your plantains faster, you can place them in a brown paper bag or bury them in uncooked rice. Both of these methods allow for the ethylene gas to build up and speed up the ripening process.
The second tip is to cut off both ends of the plantain before microwaving. This will help the plantain cook evenly and prevent it from exploding in the microwave.
Finally, make sure to wrap your plantain in a paper towel before microwaving. This will help keep the plantain moist and prevent it from drying out.
What Are The Benefits of Cooking Plantains In The Microwave?
There are several benefits to cooking plantains in the microwave. The first is that it’s a quick and easy way to cook your plantains.
Another benefit is that microwaving can preserve many of the nutrients in your food, including vitamins and minerals better than other cooking methods, such as grilling or frying.
Lastly, microwaving your food is a perfectly safe way to save energy. Compared to other cooking methods, microwaves use less energy and generate less heat.
Alternatives to Cooking Plantains in the Microwave
If you don’t want to cook your plantains in the microwave, there are a few other methods that work well.
One alternative is to fry your plantains. This will give them a crispy exterior and a soft, mushy interior.
To fry your plantains, start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Then, add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan and sliced the plantains. Cook the plantains for two to three minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Another alternative is to bake your plantains. This method will result in a crispier plantain than microwaving or frying. To bake your plantains, start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Then, slice the plantains and place them on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown
Finally, you can also boil your plantains. This is a quick and easy method that results in a soft, mushy plantain. To boil your plantains, start by adding them to a pot of boiling water.
Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Then, remove them from the pot and let them cool before peeling and eating.
How To Store and Reheat Microwave Plantains
If you have any leftover plantains, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to eat them, simply reheat them in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds.
Wrapping It Up
Cooking plantains in the microwave is a quick and easy way to make a healthy, delicious snack or side dish. Simply trim the ends off of your plantain, wrap it in a paper towel, and cook for two to three minutes. For a sweet treat, top with a little honey or sugar. Enjoy!
