Cooking pork in the microwave may seem unconventional, but it can actually be a quick and easy way to cook pork chops, tenderloins, or even a pork roast. The microwave provides a fast cooking method by using microwave energy to excite water molecules in the meat, creating internal heat that cooks the pork.
While the microwave can lack some of the browning and crisping you get from oven roasting or pan frying, it does have some advantages. Microwaved pork retains more moisture, requires little added fat or oil, and avoids the spatter and splatter of frying. With the right techniques and recipes, you can produce juicy, tender pork in a fraction of the time.
Benefits of Cooking Pork in the Microwave
Here are some of the benefits of cooking pork in the microwave:
Speed
The microwave cooks pork much faster than conventional ovens or stovetops. Pork chops may take just 5-7 minutes in the microwave versus 15-20 minutes in a skillet or oven. Small pork tenderloins can be done in 15-20 minutes instead of 45 minutes or more.
Convenience
Microwaving pork is very simple with minimal preparation or cleanup. You don’t need to preheat an oven or pan. Just place the pork in a microwave-safe dish, add seasonings or sauce, and microwave on high.
Moistness
The microwave is excellent at steaming and poaching, so pork cooked in the microwave often remains very moist and tender. The rapid cooking helps retain juices instead of drying out the meat.
Healthier
Microwaved pork typically requires little or no added oils or butter. The meat cooks in its natural juices instead of being fried. This results in fewer calories and less saturated fat.
Easy Cleanup
With microwaved pork, there’s no need to clean a frying pan covered in oil splatters. Once the pork is cooked, you just have a microwave-safe dish to wash.
Tips for Cooking Pork in the Microwave
To get the best results when cooking pork in the microwave, keep these tips in mind:
Use the Right Cut
The best cuts for the microwave are tender, thinner pieces like pork chops (boneless or bone-in), pork tenderloin medallions, or ground pork. Thick roasts don’t cook as evenly.
Trim Excess Fat
Trim off any large chunks of fat before cooking to prevent the fat from melting and making the pork greasy. Leave just a thin layer of fat for moisture.
Raise the Meat
If cooking a larger cut like chops or tenderloin, raise the meat on a microwave-safe rack inside the dish. This allows heat to circulate and cook the pork more evenly.
Cover with a Lid or Vent
Covering the pork with a lid or vented plastic wrap traps steam to keep the meat moist. But leave a corner uncovered so excess steam can escape.
Flip Halfway Through
For even cooking, flip pork chops or medallions about halfway through the microwaving time. This helps prevent overcooking on one side.
Allow Resting Time
Once microwaved, let thicker pork pieces rest for 5-10 minutes. This finishing time allows juices to redistribute through the meat.
Use a Lower Power Level
Cooking pork at 70-80% power can help prevent it from drying out and lead to more even results. Just extend the cook time as needed.
Microwave Pork Cooking Times
Here are approximate microwave cooking times for different cuts of pork:
Pork Chops
– Boneless chops – 3-5 minutes
– Bone-in chops – 5-7 minutes
Pork Tenderloin
– Medallions or slices – 2-3 minutes
– Whole tenderloin – 15-20 minutes
Ground Pork
– Patties or meatballs – 5-7 minutes
– Loose crumbles – 3-5 minutes
Pork Roast
– Boneless loin roast – 15-20 minutes per pound
– Bone-in shoulder roast – 20-25 minutes per pound
The exact time will depend on the wattage of your microwave, quantity of pork, and thickness of cuts. Check pork frequently and use a food thermometer to confirm a safe internal temperature.
Microwave Pork Recipes
Here are some tasty pork recipes specifically designed for the microwave:
BBQ Pork Chops
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless pork chops, 1⁄2 inch thick
– 1⁄2 cup barbecue sauce
– 2 teaspoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Arrange pork chops in a microwave-safe baking dish. Brush chops evenly with barbecue sauce.
2. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle spice mix evenly over pork chops.
3. Microwave on HIGH for 4-5 minutes, flipping chops halfway through.
4. Let rest 2 minutes before serving.
Mexican Pork and Rice Bowls
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup uncooked rice
– 1 cup salsa
– 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 cup frozen corn
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Combine pork, rice, salsa, beans, corn, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper in a microwave-safe dish. Stir to mix.
2. Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap. Microwave on HIGH for 12-15 minutes until pork is cooked through and rice is tender.
3. Let rest 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.
Apple Cider Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork tenderloin
– 1⁄4 cup apple cider
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place tenderloin in a microwave-safe dish. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Whisk together apple cider, brown sugar, thyme and cinnamon in a small bowl. Pour over tenderloin.
3. Microwave on HIGH for 14-18 minutes, flipping tenderloin halfway through.
4. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing to serve.
How to Know When Microwaved Pork is Done
Here are some ways to test if your microwaved pork is fully cooked:
– Use a food thermometer – pork should reach 145°F internally.
– Check for visual doneness – pork should be opaque all the way through with just a hint of pink.
– Cut into the thickest part of the meat and check that juices run clear. Any pink juices means it needs more time.
– The meat should feel firm when pressed with tongs or a finger.
– Larger cuts like chops or roasts will pull apart easily when poked with a fork.
If in doubt, it’s best to microwave pork for an extra minute or two to ensure it has reached a safe internal temperature. Checking in multiple spots with a thermometer is ideal.
Marinades and Sauces for Flavor
It’s easy to infuse flavor into microwaved pork using marinades, sauces, or spice rubs:
– Marinate pork chops in a zip top bag with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger before cooking.
– Brush pork tenderloin with barbecue sauce or apricot preserves before microwaving.
– Rub pork roast with a spice blend like cumin, chili powder, oregano before cooking.
– Top cooked pork with quick sauces like chimichurri, cherry compote, or fresh mango salsa.
– Stir fry sauces, chutneys, and glazes are all ideal for serving with microwaved pork.
Microwave Pork Safety Tips
To safely cook pork in the microwave:
– Always use microwave-safe cookware. Glass, ceramic, high-heat plastics, and covered baking dishes work best.
– Arrange pork in a single layer for even cooking. Chops and medallions can overlap slightly.
– Never microwave pork straight on a microwave turntable. Use a plate or dish to catch any juices.
– Allow standing time so pork finishes cooking once removed from microwave.
– Own a microwave thermometer to monitor internal temp of roasts or thick chops.
– Cook pork to the USDA recommended safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F.
– Leftover microwaved pork should be refrigerated within 2 hours and reheated to 165°F before serving again.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips for the juiciest, most tender microwaved pork:
– Partially freeze pork for 20-30 minutes before cooking for less drying out.
– Cover pork with parchment or wax paper to prevent splattering. Vent to let steam escape.
– Rearrange or flip pork at least once during cooking for more even results.
– Let pork rest, covered with foil, for 5-10 minutes after microwaving so juices redistribute.
– Brush with a flavorful sauce or sprinkle of cheese during final minutes of cooking for added flavor.
Common Microwaving Pork Problems and Solutions
If your microwaved pork turns out dry, rubbery, or unevenly cooked, try these troubleshooting tips:
Problem: Pork Chops are Tough and Dry
– Solution: Use lower 70-80% microwave power and cook for a minute or two longer. This gentler heat helps keep chops juicy.
Problem: Pork Roast is Undercooked in the Middle
– Solution: If roast is very thick, microwave at half power for additional 5-minute intervals until center is no longer pink.
Problem: Pork Tenderloin is Chewy
– Solution: Cut tenderloin into medallions no more than 1 inch thick for more even cooking. Cook medallions at lower power.
Problem: Ground Pork is No Longer Pink But Still Seems Uncooked
– Solution: Continue microwaving at half power for a couple minutes to finish cooking through. Next time, use a lower power from the start.
Problem: Pork Cooks Unevenly in the Microwave
– Solution: Cover pork partially with wax paper or lid to prevent overcooking on edges and ends. Rearrange and flip meat during cooking.
Conclusion
Cooking pork in the microwave can produce moist, juicy results in a fraction of the conventional cooking time. With proper techniques, seasonings, and recipes, microwaved pork can turn out just as flavorful and tender. Just be sure to use adequate marinades or sauces and test pork thoroughly for doneness. In 20 minutes or less, you can enjoy delicious microwave pork chops, tenderloin, or other quick-cooking cuts that make for great weeknight meals. Once you get the basics down, microwave cooking makes preparing pork simple, fast, and convenient.