You want to prepare a hearty meal, and you think some beans will be a perfect addition.
You can pair it with chicken, for example. Again, you recall boiling them takes hours. The extreme hours of simmering.
Then you immediately think of microwaving them to prepare it quickly.
Can you microwave beans? Is it safe? I’ve got the answer for you.
Is It Safe To Microwave Beans?
The answer to this is a yes. You only need to know how to do it safely and properly.
There exists a variety of beans. The cooking and reheating approach depends on the type of beans you want to cook.
If your beans are canned, transfer them to a microwave-safe container for heating.
Fresh beans require being submerged in water while cooking.
Microwaving beans is an easy and fast method to get them cooked and turn them into something appetizing.
What Are Beans?
Beans belong to the class of legumes. They are of widely different varieties.
For example, black beans are a type of bean rich in fiber, protein, and vitamins.
They’re served with a variety of dishes as well.
Even better, beans contain low levels of fat and a few pesticides, making them safe for consumption.
Steps for Microwaving Beans
Step 1: Soak the Beans Overnight
The very first step is to soak your beans overnight.
For the dried beans, you need to soak them for at least 12 hours so that enough water can penetrate to help soften them.
This also adds water to the beans so the microwave can heat them to cook thoroughly.
Step 2: Drain and Rinse the Beans
You need to drain them fully and rinse them to remove excess starch that forms on the beans during the soaking process.
Step 3: Place the Beans in the Microwave-safe Dish
Next, you’re required to transfer your beans to a dish that is microwave-safe for cooking.
Ensure the dish is big enough to give enough space for the beans to cook.
Step 4: Add Water and Cover the Dish
Now add water to your dish to further cook the beans.
Ensure your beans are fully submerged, and there isn’t much water on them.
Remember to cover the dish so the beans can cook fast and fully.
Step 5: Cook the Beans on High for 3-4 Minutes before Eating
The recommended cooking time for the bean is approximately 3-4 minutes on high.
This gives them enough time to cook so that they are soft and delicious.
Step 6: Let the Beans Sit for a Minute before Eating
Let your beans sit for about two minutes to give them time to cool so that they will not be too hot to eat.
Finally, add your seasoning and enjoy your meal.
Can You Microwave Beans in a Tin?
You have to transfer canned beans to a microwave-safe container for heating.
The can is made up of metal so it can cause sparks, causing damage to your microwave.
This can have paper labels on it too which might catch fire, causing injuries.
Can You Microwave in a Bowl?
Yes, you can. You just need to ensure your bowl is microwave-safe.
If you are not sure whether your bowl is safe, contact the manufacturer.
Or, you can carry out a test to confirm this. Microwave the bowl and see whether it gets hot.
If it gets hot, it’s not microwave-safe, and vice versa.
Can You Microwave Beans Twice?
If the beans are stored in the fridge properly after cooking, you can heat them twice.
Ensure to heat them thoroughly. This makes them safe for consumption.
Can You Microwave Bean Sprouts?
Bean sprouts are microwaved for faster cooking.
Ensure to transfer them to a microwave-safe container, season, and add some water.
Cooking time can take 2-5 minutes, but it all depends on the kind of bean sprout you want to cook.
Can You Microwave Green Beans?
Either whole or chopped, green beans can be microwaved safely.
Ensure to clean your beans properly and use a microwave-safe container.
Microwave for 4-6 minutes, then serve when hot.
Can You Microwave Black Beans?
Yes. You can microwave both canned and dried black beans.
Since the canned black beans are precooked, they will take a shorter time to microwave.
Microwaving time for dried black beans is between 30-60 minutes.
Keep checking to avoid overcooking.
Can You Microwave Heinz Beans?
Yes, you can. You just need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
You shouldn’t add water since Heinz Beans are flavored and pre-cooked.
Transfer the beans to a microwave-safe container with a lid. Microwave in four-minute intervals.
Keep checking and stirring to prevent overcooking.
Can You Microwave Kidney Beans?
It’s safe to reheat both dried and canned kidney beans.
For the canned kidney beans, start by microwaving them for one minute, followed by 30-second intervals.
Then, for the dried kidney beans you have to microwave them for an hour and thirty minutes.
Microwaving time depends on your microwave’s wattage. It can take longer or a shorter time.
Can You Microwave Refried Beans?
For the refried beans, you can microwave them plainly, or with other ingredients like scallions, salsa, and cheese.
To get good results, always ensure to cover the microwaving dish with a plastic wrap.
They are usually microwaved for two minutes.
However, when you decide to add other ingredients, cooking time will extend to 4-5 minutes.
Can You Microwave Pinto Beans?
Rather than using the stovetop to prepare your Pinto beans, you can instead microwave them.
Microwaving is faster and more convenient.
Pinto beans take 10 minutes to fully cook in the microwave.
Can You Microwave Baked Beans?
Whether you want to cook or reheat your baked beans, they are safe to microwave.
Since the beans come with herbs and tomato sauce, you don’t need to add water before microwaving.
Keep stirring to promote even cooking.
Can You Microwave Runner Beans?
You can either steam or boil runner beans in the microwave. Either way, microwaving time is 5 minutes.
Can You Microwave Broad Beans?
Both frozen and fresh broad beans can be microwaved. You can boil your broad beans.
It all depends on your preference.
Can You Microwave Garbanzo Beans?
Garbanzo beans come in canned or dried forms.
For the canned form, you can microwave for a full minute.
In contrast, you have to pre-soak dried garbanzo beans for some hours to reduce the microwaving time.
Presoaking also ensures your beans achieve the ideal tenderness.
What Are The Benefits Of Microwaving Beans?
- It’s a quick way to cook your beans.
Compared to other cooking devices, a microwave cooks faster.
Microwaving your beans is quicker than even using a pressure cooker or boiling them on the stovetop.
Your beans take only minutes to cook fully in the microwave.
With that said, be sure not to overcook them.
When left to microwave for longer hours than they should, their texture will not be retained.
They will instead become mushy.
- Microwaving beans retain more of their nutrients than other methods of cooking.
Microwaving is quick. This helps your beans retain a lot of nutrients.
Studies have shown that pressure cooking, boiling, or steaming beans reduce their vitamins by 50%.
That’s because the water used in other cooking methods washes out some nutrients.
Microwaving cooks your beans gently, which ensures nutrient preservation.
- It’s a healthy way to cook your beans.
Microwaving ensures nutrients contained in your beans are preserved.
Again, present harmful bacteria are killed in the process.
- It’s convenient.
Microwaving is easy, quick, and energy efficient.
You only worry about whether or not your beans are cooking evenly.
Cover your microwaving dish with a plastic wrap to help your beans cook evenly.
What Are The Benefits Of Eating Beans?
Beans are a source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are healthy for your body.
Cholesterol levels are low, and this helps prevent heart diseases.
The fiber contained in your beans helps lower cholesterol levels in your blood, thus reducing the risk of heart disease.
The Bottom Line
Whether your beans are canned, dried, or frozen, they are safe to microwave.
You only need to ensure you use the correct method for your preferred type of beans as discussed above.
Remember to transfer your beans to a microwave-safe container.
When in a hurry, you can use canned beans as they are faster to cook than dried beans.