Ok, so I know I post about risotto a lot. But that’s just because it’s so good – I can’t think of a more perfect comfort food! But, this recipe is slightly different. It still makes a super delicious bowl of risotto with plenty of flavour, but it’s made solely in the microwave. I tell you what too, it’s almost creamier than normal!
I only tried making risotto in the microwave a couple of days ago for the first time and was shocked at quite how delicious the result was. It disappeared in seconds! So, I wanted to share it even though I have another post going out this week. After all, I can’t just
So, this risotto is based on my classic fresh herb risotto. This means that it has:
- basil
- oregano
- thyme
- parsley
- garlic chives
While that might seem like a lot, it’s important to bear in mind that you only need a sprig or two of each! Or, if you’d like to just use basil, thyme and oregano then that’s delicious too! You can definitely switch your flavours around to try new combos – this is just a really great base recipe
Common Mistakes
What’s important in this recipe is that you add the stock gradually – 2 or 3 tbsp at a time, no more than that. Otherwise, you’re just cooking rice the regular way. This will not give you the creamy texture that you’re craving! So, yes, spend a little bit longer over it and enjoy the better result! It can still be ready in 10 minutes so it’s hardly a long recipe!
Every time you add some stock, you just stir it gently, re-cover it, and put it back in the microwave for another 30-45 seconds. It’s rather repetitive, but it works. Covering the bowl with clingfilm is very important too. But make sure that you poke vent holes in it as otherwise the rice won’t cook the same way – it’s important for steam to be able to escape.
You need to use a fairly deep bowl to microwave the risotto. Otherwise, when the rice absorbs the stock and expands it’ll be full! Trust me, rice always expands more than you expect – especially risotto rice!
I discuss the common mistakes people make when cooking risotto more in my post about how to make a perfect risotto, but these are the key things that you might run into when making this microwave risotto.
Flavour Variations
You can try several other flavourings here, for example:
- crispy bacon or pancetta, frozen peas and lemon zest
- swap out some veggie stock for crushed tomatoes and serve with other leftover veggies such as peppers
- go down the seafood route and use pre-cooked shrimp or prawns, perhaps with some lemon zest
- mushroom risotto is always a classic
- spinach, basil, lemon zest and asparagus work very well together (as I found out in my orzo risotto recipe)
Really, your options are unlimited. Anything you can either cook in the microwave, buy pre-cooked, or are willing to cook separately can be added! This includes any frozen veggies, ham, store-bought cooked chicken (or leftovers), leafy greens such as spinach that you can wilt in at the end – you can even cook bacon in the microwave. I promise you, the possibilities are endless!
Microwave Fresh Herb Risotto
This single-serving risotto is made solely in the microwave. It's rich, creamy, and packed full of flavour from fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 1/2 tbsp diced white/yellow onion
- 1/2 small clove garlic, minced
- 75 grams (1/3 cup) arborio rice, "risotto rice"
- 200 ml (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp) vegetable stock, if using stock cubes, about 1/2 cube
- 6 tbsp grated parmesan
- salt and pepper, to season
- 2 sprigs basil, chopped
- 2 sprigs thyme, chopped
- 2 sprigs oregano, chopped
- 2 sprigs parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic chives, chopped
Instructions
- In a deep bowl, melt 1/2 the butter. Add the onion and garlic and stir to coat. Microwave 45 seconds or until slightly softened.
- Add the rice and 3 tbsp of stock. Stir and cover with clingfilm, poking ventilation-holes through it. Microwave for 45 seconds or until most of the stock has been absorbed.
- Repeat, adding 3 tbsp of stock every time, stirring, re-covering, microwaving until mostly absorbed until the rice is cooked through. You may need to add a little extra stock or water if you've used 225ml and the rice isn't quite cooked.
- Add the butter and parmesan, and stir gently. Microwave for 10-15 seconds to melt and uncover. Stir in the chopped herbs and season. Serve immediately.
Notes
As more stock is absorbed, it may begin to take longer for it to be absorbed every time. If you've microwaved it for 45 seconds, but not all of it is absorbed, microwave for a further 30-45 seconds before adding more stock.
Our microwave is 700 Watts so please consider whether yours is more, less or similarly powerful when trying this recipe - times may need to be adjusted.
Do not stir too vigorously or add all the stock at once.
More parmesan, onion and herbs can be added to taste.
Red onion can also be used, although may taste a little sharper.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 822Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 1937mgCarbohydrates: 100gFiber: 3gSugar: 7gProtein: 26g
All nutrition values are an estimate and may vary.
If you’re looking for more single-serving recipes, try this halloumi & roasted veggie quinoa bowl or this chilli cheese on toast. For dessert, try my single-serving brownie in a jar.
If you try this microwave risotto recipe, then let me know in the comments or tag me in a photo on facebook, twitter, or
Post linked to #CookBlogShare
I love the idea of making super speedy meals that are not only delicious but healthy too! Thank you for linking up with #CookBlogShare
I’m glad you like the look of it! I love making proper meals in the microwave – it’s so convenient! This is definitely my favourite, although I do have a few more to share soon!
This is fantastic! I never would have thought that you could make risotto in the microwave. And it even looks as creamy and yummy as if you made it on the stove top. *Drool* Thanks for sharing this recipe with us at the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop!
I didn’t fully believe it was possible either until I tried it! I’m so glad you like the look of it and I’m looking forward to being part of future blog hops!
Lovely recipe and loads of ideas and variations too.
I’m glad you like the look of it! There’s so many ways to change it up that really you could probably eat it daily and not get bored!
This recipe looks delicious. Will be trying it.
I hope it turns out well for you! Make sure to tag me in a photo if you do!
I’m really bad at cooking and eating well but this looks and sounds like something I would really enjoy.
It’s ok to be bad at cooking – this dish is so simple that it’s hard to get it wrong! I’m sure you’ll love it if you give it a go! Plus, if it turns out well then you could perhaps attempt some other recipes – sometimes all you need is to get started! Are there any things in particular that you’d like an easy recipe for? I’m open to suggestions and requests!
Yum. I love risotta but don’ always feel like standing over the hob for half an hour stirring so this is a great alternative. #cookblogshare
I know the feeling Helen! Sometimes you just want enough for you too, hence it being single-serving – no need to share! I’m so glad you like the look of it!
This is a great idea. I don’t make risotto often however this sounds like a quick yet delicious plan for dinner one night
It really is perfect for a speedy yet delicious dinner! I’m glad you like the look of it!
Never tried making risotto before but this looks super simple 🙂
It’s so simple! If you try it then I can almost guarantee that you’ll love it!
I LOVE risotto! My husband makes the most amazing roasted butternut squash risotto. I shall show him your recipe x
Thank you – I hope he likes it! I do have a version for a risotto made the normal way that still has the same flavourings as this here if you’d prefer that! I’ve never tried butternut squash, but I hear it’s very good in risotto!
Really like the idea of making risotto in microwave and all the herbs making this dish so flavourful.
Me too! I love cooking in the microwave to save washing up, plus the fresh herbs make it taste so fresh and light – it’s a great dinner or side dish!
It sounds so good! I love the idea of trying a risotto in the microwave to see what it’s like. I was just thinking of trying it for lunch now but I’ve got no risotto rice. I’ll try it soon though and let you know how it turns out!
Ok! Make sure to tag me in a photo on social media – I’d love to know what you think of it! I’m also considering working on flavour variations and other microwave dishes – are there any others that you’d particularly like to see?
Everything is so nicely described that really helped me lots. I am looking forward for more such delicious recipes in future too
I’m so happy you found the instructions helpful! I try to make things as clear as possible since I never know how much cooking experience the lovely people trying my recipes will have, so I’m very glad that you thought I did a good job of making it simple to follow! If you’d like to get notified whenever I share a new recipe then you can sign up for my mailing list here, and as a little thank you for signing up you’ll get access to my free digital comfort food cookbook!