Learn to Love your Microwave with David Chang

The misunderstood microwave has had mixed reviews over the years, yet it has endured and evolved over the 80 plus years since its invention in 1945. It even has the backing of some contemporary culinary heavyweights, like David Chang.

The characteristic microwave 'ding' is a beautiful thing in Chang's household. The 'microwave king' chef and owner of New York City's Momofuku chain, and presenter of the Netflix documentary series Ugly Delicious, is madly keen on microwave cooking. So much so that he's created a series of video recipes, and written an ode to the microwave in his new book, Cooking at Home: Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying About Recipes (And Love My Microwave): A Cookbook.

So forget 'nuking' leftovers in the microwave, and instead try harnessing the microwave's capacity for good, quick and healthy cooking, especially when inspired by the likes of Chang. In these video recipes, he demonstrates how you can create fresh meals in less than 20 minutes. Think fragrant mussels, umami-rich Chawanmushi, or a simple fail-safe salmon and rice, all so good he cooks them regularly at home.

So what with soaring energy prices, and recent research suggesting that microwaves might be the cheapest way to cook, it's time to embrace Chang's inspiring recipes and show the microwave some appreciation. Take a look at Chang's video recipes for a range of easy microwave meals, and prepare to fall in love with your appliance, if you haven't yet.

Steamed mussels in the microwave

Try this simple recipe for classic one-pot steamed mussels with butter, white wine, and garlic, which will whisk you off to a sophisticated bistro - in a matter of minutes.

Dave Chang's microwave chawanmushi

This recipe really does deliver all the promised umami goodness from the dashi in this doable Japanese egg custard recipe.

David Chang makes shrimp and grits

This recipe's a little more involved, but still so much quicker than when it's made on a traditional stove top. 

David Chang tingly chicken

Chang cooks this dish at home at least three times a week, and it’s done in under 10 minutes. The magic is in the Tingly Seasoned Salt, which packs a little heat and a little numbing spice from Sichuan peppercorns.

David Chang's salmon and rice

For an easy weeknight dish, try Chang's salmon atop flavorful dashi rice - or replace the salmon with any fish or diced chicken, and try bok choy instead of spinach.

Cacio e pepe

From Chang's Cooking at Home book, comes this Italian classic, ready in just minutes.