# Microwave cooking times

Microwave times for vegetables, potatoes, fish, eggs and more. They’re for an 800–900 W microwave on full power. Cook in a covered microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water unless it says otherwise.

Source: https://feastflow.co.uk/microwave-cooking-times (FeastFlow free cooking-time guides). Last checked 11 November 2026.

## Vegetables

Vegetables: microwave cooking times:

| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Asparagus](https://feastflow.co.uk/asparagus-cooking-times) | 2–4 min | on full power, covered | With 2 tablespoons of water. |
| [Aubergine (eggplant)](https://feastflow.co.uk/aubergine-cooking-times) (Whole) | 5–8 min | on full power | Prick all over first. Good for a dip like baba ganoush. |
| [Beetroot (beets)](https://feastflow.co.uk/beetroot-cooking-times) (Whole, 4 medium) | 10–12 min | on full power, covered | In a bowl with 3 tablespoons of water; turn halfway. |
| [Broad beans (fava beans)](https://feastflow.co.uk/broad-beans-cooking-times) | 3–4 min | on full power, covered | With 2 tablespoons of water. |
| [Broccoli](https://feastflow.co.uk/broccoli-cooking-times) | 3–4 min | on full power, covered | With 2 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |
| [Tenderstem broccoli (broccolini)](https://feastflow.co.uk/tenderstem-broccoli-cooking-times) | 2–3 min | on full power, covered | With 2 tablespoons of water. |
| [Brussels sprouts](https://feastflow.co.uk/brussels-sprouts-cooking-times) (Halved) | 4–6 min | on full power, covered | Halved, with 3 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |
| [Butternut squash](https://feastflow.co.uk/butternut-squash-cooking-times) (Cubes) | 8–10 min | on full power, covered | With 3 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |
| [Pumpkin](https://feastflow.co.uk/pumpkin-cooking-times) | 8–10 min | on full power, covered | With 3 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |
| [Cabbage (green and savoy)](https://feastflow.co.uk/cabbage-cooking-times) (Shredded) | 4–5 min | on full power, covered | With 2 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |
| [Red cabbage](https://feastflow.co.uk/red-cabbage-cooking-times) | 10–12 min | on full power, covered | Shredded with the apple, vinegar and 3 tablespoons of water; stir twice. |
| [Carrots](https://feastflow.co.uk/carrots-cooking-times) (Sliced) | 4–6 min | on full power, covered | With 2 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |
| [Cauliflower](https://feastflow.co.uk/cauliflower-cooking-times) (Florets) | 4–6 min | on full power, covered | With 3 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |
| [Corn on the cob](https://feastflow.co.uk/corn-on-the-cob-cooking-times) | 3–4 min | on full power | Per cob, in its husk or wrapped in damp kitchen paper. Add 2 minutes for each extra cob. |
| [Courgettes (zucchini)](https://feastflow.co.uk/courgettes-cooking-times) (Slices) | 3–4 min | on full power, covered | Slices, with no added water. |
| [Green beans](https://feastflow.co.uk/green-beans-cooking-times) | 3–5 min | on full power, covered | With 2 tablespoons of water. |
| [Runner beans](https://feastflow.co.uk/runner-beans-cooking-times) | 4–5 min | on full power, covered | With 2 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |
| [Kale and cavolo nero](https://feastflow.co.uk/kale-cooking-times) | 2–3 min | on full power, covered | With 2 tablespoons of water. |
| [Leeks](https://feastflow.co.uk/leeks-cooking-times) (Sliced) | 4–5 min | on full power, covered | With a knob of butter and a splash of water. |
| [Mangetout and sugar snap peas](https://feastflow.co.uk/mangetout-and-sugar-snap-peas-cooking-times) | 2–3 min | on full power, covered | With a tablespoon of water. |
| [Onions](https://feastflow.co.uk/onions-cooking-times) (Softened) | 4–5 min | on full power | Sliced, with a knob of butter, to soften quickly before frying. |
| [Parsnips](https://feastflow.co.uk/parsnips-cooking-times) (Chunks) | 6–8 min | on full power, covered | Chunks, with 3 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |
| [Peas](https://feastflow.co.uk/peas-cooking-times) | 3–4 min | on full power, covered | Frozen, with 2 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |
| [Peppers (bell peppers)](https://feastflow.co.uk/peppers-cooking-times) (Strips) | 3–4 min | on full power, covered | Strips, with a tablespoon of water. |
| [Sweet potatoes](https://feastflow.co.uk/sweet-potatoes-cooking-times) (Whole) | 6–8 min | on full power | One medium, pricked; turn halfway. Add 3–4 minutes for each extra one. |
| [Spinach](https://feastflow.co.uk/spinach-cooking-times) | 1–2 min | on full power, covered | With no added water; stir halfway. Frozen spinach takes 4–5 minutes. |
| [Swede (rutabaga)](https://feastflow.co.uk/swede-cooking-times) | 10–12 min | on full power, covered | With 3 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |
| [Pak choi (bok choy)](https://feastflow.co.uk/pak-choi-cooking-times) | 2–3 min | on full power, covered | With a tablespoon of water. |
| [Globe artichokes](https://feastflow.co.uk/globe-artichokes-cooking-times) | 8–10 min | on full power, covered | One artichoke, upside down in a bowl with 3 tablespoons of water. |
| [Edamame beans](https://feastflow.co.uk/edamame-cooking-times) | 3–4 min | on full power, covered | With 2 tablespoons of water. |
| [Frozen mixed vegetables and sweetcorn](https://feastflow.co.uk/frozen-mixed-vegetables-cooking-times) | 4–5 min | on full power, covered | With 2 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |

## Potatoes

Potatoes: microwave cooking times:

| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Jacket potatoes (baked potatoes)](https://feastflow.co.uk/jacket-potatoes-cooking-times) | 8–10 min | on full power | One potato; turn halfway. Add 4–5 minutes for each extra potato. Finish in a hot oven or air fryer for 10 minutes for a crisp skin. |
| [Boiled and mashed potatoes](https://feastflow.co.uk/boiled-potatoes-cooking-times) | 8–10 min | on full power, covered | Chunks, with 4 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |
| [New potatoes](https://feastflow.co.uk/new-potatoes-cooking-times) | 6–8 min | on full power, covered | Halved, with 3 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |

## Pork, bacon and sausages

Pork, bacon and sausages: microwave cooking times:

| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Bacon](https://feastflow.co.uk/bacon-cooking-times) | 3–4 min | on full power | 4 rashers between sheets of kitchen paper on a plate. |

## Fish and seafood

Fish and seafood: microwave cooking times:

| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Salmon fillets](https://feastflow.co.uk/salmon-cooking-times) | 3–4 min | on full power, covered | Two fillets, with a splash of water; let stand for a minute. |
| [Cod and white fish fillets](https://feastflow.co.uk/cod-cooking-times) | 3–4 min | on full power, covered | Two fillets, with a splash of milk or water; stand for a minute. |
| [Smoked haddock](https://feastflow.co.uk/smoked-haddock-cooking-times) | 3–4 min | on full power, covered | In a dish with a splash of milk. |

## Eggs, cheese and tofu

Eggs, cheese and tofu: microwave cooking times:

| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Eggs](https://feastflow.co.uk/eggs-cooking-times) (Scrambled) | 1–2 min | on full power | Scrambled: beat with milk, cook in 30-second bursts, stirring between. Never microwave an egg in its shell. |

## Rice, pasta and grains

Rice, pasta and grains: microwave cooking times:

| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Rice](https://feastflow.co.uk/rice-cooking-times) (White) | 10–12 min | on full power, covered loosely | White rice with twice its volume of boiling water in a large bowl, then stand 5 minutes covered. Ready-cooked pouches: 2 minutes. |
| [Pasta](https://feastflow.co.uk/pasta-cooking-times) (Dried) | 10–12 min | on full power | Dried pasta covered with boiling water in a large bowl, stirring halfway. |

## Tips

- For a 700 W microwave, add about 20%. For 1000 W or more, take off about 15%.
- Stir or turn the food halfway through, as microwaves heat unevenly.
- Let food stand for a minute or two after cooking: it keeps cooking.
- Use a vented lid or pierce the film, and lift it away from you: the steam is very hot.
- Pierce potatoes, sweet potatoes and whole vegetables with skins so they don’t burst. Never microwave an egg in its shell.

## Questions

### How long to microwave salmon?

3–4 min on full power, covered. Two fillets, with a splash of water; let stand for a minute.

### How long to microwave jacket potatoes?

8–10 min on full power. One potato; turn halfway. Add 4–5 minutes for each extra potato. Finish in a hot oven or air fryer for 10 minutes for a crisp skin.

### How long to microwave broccoli?

3–4 min on full power, covered. With 2 tablespoons of water; stir halfway.

### How long to microwave eggs?

Scrambled: 1–2 min on full power. Scrambled: beat with milk, cook in 30-second bursts, stirring between. Never microwave an egg in its shell.

### How long to microwave carrots?

Sliced: 4–6 min on full power, covered. With 2 tablespoons of water; stir halfway.

### How long to microwave rice?

White: 10–12 min on full power, covered loosely. White rice with twice its volume of boiling water in a large bowl, then stand 5 minutes covered. Ready-cooked pouches: 2 minutes.

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Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and sizes vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance.

FeastFlow also plans a whole meal backwards from serving time, with every dish timed and oven temperatures that don’t clash: https://feastflow.co.uk/