Beans come in an impressive variety. Whether you prepare a dish using only one type of bean or a mixture of beans, you will surely be treated to a flavorsome meal.
If you are in the mood for beans but do not want to put much effort into cooking, you may be wondering if you can microwave beans. I looked into it, and here is what I discovered!
Can You Microwave Beans?
Most types of beans can be prepared in the microwave. However, the cooking or reheating method varies depending on the type of beans you are using. If the beans are canned, you can simply transfer the beans to a microwave-safe dish and heat for one minute. Meanwhile, fresh beans usually need to be submerged in broth or water while cooking.
In case you are curious to learn more about how to microwave beans and the different types of beans you can cook in the microwave, keep reading!
Can You Microwave Beans In The Tin?
Canned beans have to be transferred to a microwave-safe bowl or mug before heating. Otherwise, the can might cause sparks and damage the microwave in the process.
Additionally, the paper labels on the can will instantly catch fire, which can easily lead to injuries and damage.
Can You Microwave Beans Twice?
All types of beans can be safely reheated twice if the beans have been stored properly in the fridge after cooking.
Additionally, you must heat the beans thoroughly as this will ensure that the beans will be safe for consumption.
Can You Microwave Bean Sprouts?
Bean sprouts can be microwaved for faster cooking. All you have to do is transfer the bean sprouts to a microwave-safe dish, season, and sprinkle water.
Depending on the type of bean sprouts you are using, the cooking time can take anywhere from 2-to 5 minutes.
Can You Microwave Beans In A Bowl?
As long as the bowl is microwave-safe, you can use the bowl to microwave beans. To be sure, contact the manufacturer or test the bowl to see if it will get warm in the microwave.
When microwaving only small amounts of beans, using a bowl is preferable to a large, flat dish.
Can You Microwave Green Beans?
Green beans, whether whole or chopped, can be safely and efficiently microwaved. Just make sure to clean the green beans beforehand and to use a microwave-safe dish.
Additionally, you should avoid submerging the green beans in water. For a small number of green beans, all you need is 3-4 tablespoons of water.
Within 4-6 minutes of microwaving, the green beans should be tender enough to be served.
Can You Microwave Black Beans?
Dried and canned black beans can both be microwaved. However, since canned black beans are precooked, the canned black beans naturally take a shorter time to microwave.
When microwaving dried black beans, expect the microwaving time to be anywhere from 30-60 minutes. Keep checking the dried black beans to avoid overheating.
Can You Microwave Heinz Beans?
You can microwave Heinz Beans just fine if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Since Heinz Beans are precooked and flavored, you should not add water to Heinz Beans.
After transferring Heinz Beans to a microwave-safe dish with a lid, microwave in four-minute intervals. Remember to repeatedly stir and check the Heinz Beans to prevent overcooking.
Can You Cook Beans In The Microwave?
If you are short on time, you can cook beans in the microwave. Nonetheless, dry beans take nearly as much time to cook in the microwave as with a stovetop.
When cooking canned beans, make sure to microwave in intervals so that you can stir the canned beans and check the temperature and consistency.
As for dried beans, remember that the water needs to boil in the microwave so the dried beans become tender.
Can You Microwave Kidney Beans?
You can cook and reheat canned and dried kidney beans in the microwave. For canned kidney beans, you have to first microwave for one minute and then in 30-second intervals.
Meanwhile, dried kidney beans have a cooking time of an hour and thirty minutes. Depending on the wattage of your microwave, the cooking time can be longer or shorter.
Can You Microwave Pinto Beans?
To prepare pinto beans more conveniently, you can use the microwave instead of the stovetop. When microwaved, pinto beans typically take only 10 minutes to cook.
Can You Microwave Refried Beans?
Refried beans can be microwaved either by themselves, or with additional ingredients like cheese, scallions, and salsa. For the best results, always cover the dish you are using with plastic wrap.
Usually, refried beans take two minutes to microwave. However, when other ingredients are added to the refried beans, the microwaving time can extend to 4-5 minutes.
Can You Microwave Baked Beans?
Baked beans are safe to microwave even if you are reheating the baked beans or adding the baked beans to another dish.
Since baked beans come with tomato sauce and herbs, you do not need to add water before microwaving. Additionally, you should stir the baked beans to promote even heating.
Can You Microwave Runner Beans?
Runner beans can either be boiled or steamed in the microwave. In both methods, the runner beans can be fully cooked in just five minutes.
Can You Microwave Broad Beans?
Both fresh and frozen broad beans can be cooked in the microwave. As with other types of beans, broad beans can be boiled or steamed depending on your preference.
Can You Microwave Garbanzo Beans?
Garbanzo beans come in dried and canned formats. For canned garbanzo beans, the garbanzo beans can be seasoned and microwaved on high heat for a full minute.
In contrast, dried garbanzo beans have to be pre-soaked for several hours to reduce the microwaving time and achieve the ideal tenderness.
Take a look at our other articles to discover if you can microwave beef jerky, if you can microwave brie, and if you can microwave brussel sprouts.
Conclusion
Whether frozen, canned, or dried, beans can easily be heated in the microwave. All you have to do is make sure that you are using the correct methods for the beans of your choice.
If you want faster results when microwaving beans, use canned beans. Otherwise, you will have to spend anywhere from 30-90 minutes microwaving dried beans.