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Wastin’ Time: Intrepid reporter Jess Mancini sets out to crack the code on microwaving an egg

By Jess Mancini 4 min read

Most mornings at around 6 or 6:30 I start thinking about what's for breakfast. I often

ponder breakfast, lunch or dinner, and frequently argue with myself over what to eat, particularly about onions or olives on my pizza.

The only reason I seldomly make breakfast at home is I don't want to have to wash the frying pan and other tools to fry an egg. Doing that would take away time that I otherwise would be doing something else or going to work. I'm so eager to get into the office (That's a subliminal suck up) I avoid anything that delays that. Breakfast is one time when I don't want to waste time. On the days I work (I'm semi-retired now and work parttime) breakfast is more important. I have several methods to hasten my journey, like a toasted bagel with cream cheese at the Sheetz or oatmeal or a Sausage McMuffin at the McDonald's.

Several years ago on a hot summer day I was thinking about the phrase so hot you can cook an egg on the sidewalk. It dawned on me. Why not cook eggs in a microwave on a paper plate? The only thing I would have to wash is a fork, nothing if I used a disposable plastic utensil. The next morning my wife was at work and I put my plan into action.

I cooked a ground sausage patty, hot sausage to be specific, on a paper plate covered with another plate to prevent spatters. I checked the sausage every 30 seconds and after 2 minutes determined it was ready. Your microwave may not cook the same.

I removed the cooked sausage and left the grease on the plate. I cracked an egg onto the plate and microwaved it, again with a paper plate on top, checking every 30 seconds until it got to the consistency I prefer. I cooked a hard egg because I was making a sandwich. I don't see why they can't be cooked over easy or scrambled.

The egg was cooked in about a minute. A little salt and pepper and it was ready for the sandwich with toasted bread, sausage and a slice of American cheese. A most delicious sandwich. The best part about it was I threw the plates in the garbage, then hi ho, hi ho it's off to work I go.

Bacon can also be used and produces more grease. Sausage produces enough grease to cook the egg and impart its flavor, but leaner pork may not, so additional oil or butter may be needed. The eggs I've zapped in the microwave have not stuck to the paper plate. Also, do not allow the egg to be zapped for long periods without checking on its progress.

A few weeks after the initial sandwich was made, I wondered if anyone on YouTube had a better way to microwave an egg. Many did, some videos being posted from years ago. I've said this before and I'll say it again, I should have checked there first.

The simplest method I found was to coat a microwave-safe bowl or plate with oil, crack the egg into it, cover the plate and microwave. I still prefer the paper plates and bowls because those are thrown away.

I've made scrambled eggs and fried eggs in the microwave and they're tasty. I haven't made poached eggs, however.

An interesting recipe, of which I have yet to try, is to mix mayonnaise to make scrambled eggs. Add the mayonnaise while the egg is beaten, then cook into the microwave. It sounds good to me. Mayonnaise is made from eggs and oil.

For scrambled eggs, I pour the beaten eggs seasoned with salt and black pepper into a paper bowl greased with butter and microwave for about 30 seconds, then stir with a fork or spatula. Repeat that several times until the preferred consistency of the eggs is reached. You can also make omelets.

I like pancakes, but don’t want to spend the time in the morning making them or washing pans or dishes afterward. Hmmm. Microwave pancakes. I wondered. This time I went directly to YouTube and sure enough, there were videos on cooking pancakes. The only thing I would change is instead of using a bowl, I would use a paper plate. The pancake would be flat and the plate can be tossed in the garbage.

Educated eggsters or pancake purists may disagree and say the best way to make pancakes or eggs is on a griddle or in a frying pan. Maybe, but while you're cleaning dishes, I'm doing something else.

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