Love in a hurry: Super-easy microwave recipes for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day has a way of making people lie — mostly to themselves. About how much time they have, how much effort they want to put in, and whether anyone really enjoys juggling three dishes while pretending to be relaxed. The truth is, nothing kills a vibe faster than stress and smoke alarms.

Which is why the microwave deserves a little romance this February. It gets food ready quickly, keeps you out of the kitchen, and lets the evening unfold without interruptions.

And that’s okay.

Because romance doesn’t really care whether dinner was slow-cooked or microwaved — as long as it’s warm, thoughtful and shared. If you’re short on time, energy or confidence, these microwave-only recipes are proof that a little effort still goes a long way.

Mug chocolate lava cake

The classic emergency dessert — soft, gooey and ready before second thoughts kick in.

Mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, milk, oil and a pinch of salt in a mug. Push a square of chocolate into the centre. Microwave for about a minute. The top should look set, the middle indulgently molten. Serve warm.

Microwave garlic butter prawns

Fast, fragrant and surprisingly impressive.

Toss cleaned prawns with butter, crushed garlic, chilli flakes, salt and a squeeze of lemon in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and microwave for two to three minutes, stirring once. Finish with parsley or coriander.

Perfect with toast, rice or straight from the bowl.

Cheese-loaded microwave pasta

Because carbs are romantic too.

Boil pasta in the microwave by covering it with water and cooking until just tender. Drain, then stir in butter, milk, cheese, pepper and a pinch of chilli flakes. Microwave again until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.

Add sweetcorn, olives or leftover veggies if you’re feeling fancy.

Microwave cheesy omelette

Breakfast-for-dinner energy, but make it cute.

Whisk eggs with salt, pepper, a splash of milk and grated cheese in a bowl. Microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until just set. Add herbs or leftover veggies if you like.

Serve with toast and a lot of confidence.

Microwave brownies for two

No baking trays. No leftovers to explain tomorrow.

Mix melted butter, sugar, cocoa, flour and milk in a bowl. Microwave until just set and fudgy. Cut into two pieces. That’s the whole plan.

Why microwave food still counts

Valentine’s Day isn’t about culinary perfection. It’s about showing up: sometimes tired, sometimes late, sometimes with only a microwave and good intentions.

If the food is warm, shared and made with someone in mind, it already qualifies.

And honestly? There’s something kind of romantic about choosing ease, staying in, and letting love — and the microwave — do the work.