Quick Answer
Yes, Lean Cuisine meals are designed to be microwaved. The packaging contains microwave cooking instructions indicating the time and power level needed to prepare the meal. Lean Cuisine meals can be microwaved in either a microwave-safe dish or in the package they come in, depending on the meal. Microwaving is a quick and convenient cooking method for Lean Cuisine frozen entrees.
Detailed Answer
Lean Cuisine is a popular brand of frozen diet meals produced by Nestle. The meals are low in calories, fat, and sodium to support healthy eating goals. Lean Cuisine offers a wide variety of frozen entrees, including pasta dishes, pizzas, sandwiches, breakfast items, and more. The meals are pre-cooked and then frozen for convenience.
One of the major benefits of Lean Cuisine meals is that they are designed for easy preparation in the microwave. The packaging includes clear microwave cooking instructions, specifying the cook time and microwave power level. Most Lean Cuisine products take 5 minutes or less to prepare in the microwave.
There are a few different ways you can microwave a Lean Cuisine meal:
- Microwave in the package – Many Lean Cuisine meals can be microwaved directly in the plastic packaging they come in. The packaging is designed to be microwave-safe. Just open one corner of the film covering and follow the cooking instructions.
- Microwave on a plate or in a bowl – Alternatively, you can remove the frozen meal from the packaging and place it on a microwave-safe plate or in a microwave-safe bowl. Follow the microwave cook time provided.
- Microwave with added water – Some Lean Cuisine meals, like rice and pasta dishes, may require extra water to be added before microwaving. The instructions will specify if water needs to be added.
When microwaving a Lean Cuisine meal in its original packaging, it’s important to vent the packaging by peeling back one corner of the clear plastic film. This allows steam to escape. If the plastic film isn’t vented properly, it could burst in the microwave.
Here are some additional tips for microwaving Lean Cuisine meals:
- Allow the meal to stand 1-2 minutes after microwaving to complete the cooking process.
- Check that the center of the food is heated through before eating.
- Stir pasta, rice, or other dishes halfway through microwaving for more even heating.
- Use a lower power level (50-80%) if you find the edges of the food get overcooked.
Benefits of Microwaving Lean Cuisine
Microwaving is popular for Lean Cuisine meals for several reasons:
- Speed – Microwaving is significantly faster than conventional cooking. Lean Cuisine entrees can be ready to eat in just a few minutes.
- Convenience – No pots, pans, or extra tools needed. The meals can be cooked right in the packaging.
- Easy cleanup – Microwaving creates no stovetop spatter or dirty bakeware to wash.
- Maintains flavor and nutrients – The short cook time helps retain vitamins and prevents overcooking.
- Energy efficient – Microwaves use less energy than an oven to heat food.
The quick prep time makes frozen microwaveable meals like Lean Cuisine ideal for busy schedules. You can have a hot meal on the table in the time it takes to nuke it in the microwave.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips to get the best results when microwaving Lean Cuisine meals:
- Vent the packaging by peeling back one corner of the plastic film cover.
- Microwave on a rotating turntable if possible for even heating.
- Don’t microwave directly on the glass turntable, use a microwave-safe dish.
- Follow the specified time and power level carefully.
- Let the meal stand 1-2 minutes before eating.
- Check internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer.
- Stir foods halfway through cook time as needed.
- Use a lower power if edges are overcooking.
Properly venting the packaging is one of the most important steps. This allows steam to escape rather than building up and causing the plastic to burst.
Microwaving with shorter cook times and lower power levels can help prevent uneven cooking. The standing time after microwaving allows for carryover cooking without overcooking the outside edges.
As long as you follow the microwave instructions provided, you can enjoy tasty Lean Cuisine meals for a quick, easy, and healthy meal.
Can All Lean Cuisine Meals be Microwaved in the Package?
Most Lean Cuisine meals are designed to be microwaved directly in the package for convenience. However, there are a few exceptions:
- Pasta dishes – Some pasta entrees require water to be added to the tray prior to cooking. The pasta cooks in the added water.
- Meals with loose lids – Certain meals have loose lids or plastic film that must be peeled back fully before microwaving.
- Meals requiring stirring – Some rice, veggie, or sauce-based dishes may need occasional stirring during microwave cooking to distribute heat evenly.
If in doubt, read the cooking instructions on the package carefully. Look for any special steps like adding water, removing lids, or stirring during microwave cooking.
For dishes that can’t be microwaved in the package, remove the tray from the outer box and place it on a microwave-safe plate or in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave-Safe Lean Cuisine Trays
Original Lean Cuisine trays are made from CPET plastic which is microwave-safe up to temperatures of 230°C. The trays won’t melt or release chemicals when microwaved properly.
However, any plastic container can melt if microwaved improperly at very high temperatures. That’s why it’s critical to follow the recommended cook times and power levels.
The trays are also freezer-safe, allowing the meals to go straight from freezer to microwave. So you don’t have to defrost before cooking.
Microwave Wattage for Lean Cuisine
Lean Cuisine microwave instructions are designed for an average microwave wattage of 1100 watts. This the typical wattage of most home microwaves.
If your microwave has a lower or higher wattage, you may need to adjust the cook time accordingly:
- Lower wattage – Extend cook time
- Higher wattage – Reduce cook time
As a general guideline, reduce or add 20-30 seconds of cook time for every 100 watts of difference. For example:
| Microwave Wattage | Cook Time Adjustment |
|---|---|
| 800W | Add 20-30 seconds |
| 1000W | No adjustment needed |
| 1200W | Reduce cook time by 20-30 seconds |
You can find your microwave wattage printed somewhere on the front or inside the door jamb. It’s best to start with the recommended time and adjust as needed based on your model.
Reheating Leftover Lean Cuisine in the Microwave
Leftover Lean Cuisine meals can easily be reheated in the microwave. However, the reheating time may differ from the original cook time.
For best results, follow these tips when reheating Lean Cuisine meals:
- Transfer food to a microwave-safe plate or bowl.
- Cover with a paper towel or loose plastic wrap.
- Microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through.
- Check temperature using an instant-read thermometer.
- Allow to stand 1-2 minutes before serving.
- Add a little water or broth if the dish seems dry.
Avoid microwaving leftovers in the original Lean Cuisine tray. The cook times are calibrated for refrigerated or frozen meals, not leftovers.
Take care not to overheat leftovers. A lower power level and checking often prevents overcooking.
Properly stored Lean Cuisine meals last 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat only the amount you plan to eat within a couple days.
Can You Microwave Without the Film Cover?
Lean Cuisine trays come sealed with a clear plastic film cover. This film serves several purposes:
- Retains moisture during frozen storage
- Prevents freezer burn
- Allows venting during microwave cooking
For best results, keep the film cover in place during microwave cooking. Simply peel back one corner to vent and allow steam to escape.
Removing the film cover fully can cause the following issues:
- Food dries out
- Sauces splatter make a mess
- Texture and flavor changes
- Longer, uneven cooking
The vented corner technique keeps the meal moist and contained while providing the necessary steam vent. Be sure to open a vent hole at least 1/2 inch long to prevent pressure buildup.
Microwave Lean Cuisine Without Water or Package
While some Lean Cuisine meals require adding water, the majority can be microwaved in the package without any additional water.
The trays are designed with a plastic film cover and side vents that allow steam to escape during microwave cooking. This prevents a buildup of pressure or drying out.
Adding extra water can make meals like rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes too soggy. Follow package directions carefully regarding water.
For meals that cannot be microwaved in the package, transfer the food to microwave-safe dish before cooking. A plates or shallow bowls work well.
Microwaving Multiple Lean Cuisine Meals
You can microwave multiple Lean Cuisine meals together, but may need to adjust cook times.
Since microwaves cook food from the outside in, the additional food mass absorbs more energy. This can increase the time needed to heat the centers.
To microwave two Lean Cuisine meals:
- Double the cook time.
- Arrange trays in a circle, equally spaced apart.
- Rotate trays halfway through cooking.
- Check internal temperature and adjust time as needed.
For three or more meals, try microwaving them in batches to avoid overcrowding the microwave.
Always let meals stand 1-2 minutes after microwaving to allow heat to fully penetrate to the center. Enjoy your multiple Lean Cuisine creations!
Conclusion
Lean Cuisine makes it easy to enjoy a wide array of diet-friendly frozen meals by allowing convenient cooking right in the microwave. The meals are pre-cooked, so all you have to do is microwave to heat. By following the package instructions carefully regarding cook time, power level, and venting the film cover, you can microwave a hot Lean Cuisine meal in just minutes. Microwaving helps retain nutrients and makes meal prep a breeze. Lean Cuisine and the microwave are an unbeatable team for quick, healthy eating at home or at the office.