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How to Microwave Beans

Dry beans cooked from scratch and served in the glass Anyday dish, featuring perfectly tender beans without the need for another appliance.
PT1M PT45M

Prep Time

1 min

Cook Time

45-60 mins

Free Time

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How to Microwave Beans

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When it comes to cooking dried beans, it's all about efficient hydration. While cooking this pantry staple in the microwave, the beans soak up all the liquid, cutting cook times compared to the stovetop method. Make sure you’re using an Anyday Large Deep Dish! This dish size ensures that the beans have enough water for them to hydrate fully, without drying out or overcooking.

And before you ask…Yes, it takes about an hour to fully cook beans in the microwave. You may also be thinking: “Is it okay to run my microwave for that long?” and the answer to that is also yes! The secret is in the lower power level, which is a safe, contained cooking method that rivals the stovetop and is more energy efficient.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1/4 cup dry beans
  • 1/4 cup dry beans
  • 1/2 cup dry beans
  • 3/4 cup dry beans
✕

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

1100w
  • 700w
  • 800w
  • 900w
  • 1000w
  • 1100w
  • 1200w

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Dish

The Large Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup (40g) dry beans, such as black, pinto or kidney.
  • 8 cups (1920ml) water, split

Preparation

  1. Place the dried beans and 4 cups of water in the Anyday dish. Cover with the lid and soak overnight at room temperature.
  2. Using the Anyday Strainer, strain the soaking water.
  3. Add the the remaining 4 cups of water.
  4. Cook in the microwave uncovered Power Level 6
    ✕

    Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels. 

    [[video-power]]

    Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.

    For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.

    Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:

    PL 10 = 100% = High (default)

    PL 9 = 90% = High

    PL 8 = 80% = Med-High

    PL 7 = 70% = Med-High

    PL 6 = 60% = Medium

    PL 5 = 50% = Medium

    PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low

    PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low

    PL 2 = 20% = Low

    PL 1 = 10% = Low

    You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.

     for 45-60 minutes, or until the water is almost gone and the beans are tender.
  5. Using the Anyday Strainer, strain any excess water before serving or storing.

Suggestions

  • BBQ beans: Strain the beans and toss with barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and crispy bacon for a smoky, sweet side dish.
  • Soup and salad addition: Stir cooked beans into soups or salads for an easy way to boost plant-based protein.
  • Quick bean salad: Season the beans with ready-to-use pesto, salsa, or your favorite bottled dressing for a simple and flavorful twist.
  • Bean hummus: Blend any type of cooked bean into hummus for a unique variation on the classic chickpea version.
  • Discover more bean recipes by exploring our collection here!

Recipe Notes

  • Soaked beans will double in size, so when cooking beans, keep in mind that the ingredients listed will double or even triple in size once cooked, resulting in a larger quantity.
  • All serving sizes use the same amount of water when cooked.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Microwave Match Up: Dry Beans

See for yourself— microwaving dry beans is simply faster, start to finish.

Appliance Cook Time
Microwave in an Anyday dish 60 mins
Stovetop* 90 mins
Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* 58 mins
*Includes preheat time
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All You Need to Know About Microwaving Beans

How long does take to cook dried beans in the microwave?

Ingredient Water Power Level Cook Time
½ cup soaked beans (70g) 4 cups water (900ml) 6 60 minutes
1 cup soaked beans (140g) 4 cups water (900ml) 6 60 mnutes
1½ cup2 soaked beans (210g) 4 cups water (900ml) 6 60 minutes
Cook time calculated for 1100w microwave

It typically takes around about an hour (60 minutes) to cook dried beans in the microwave at a reduced power level. The beans will hydrate quickly and efficiently for tender and delicious results. First, soak the beans overnight, then drain and rinse them before placing them in an Anyday dish with water. Cover the dish and cook in the microwave at the indicated lower power, checking for tenderness for 45 minutes and adjusting the time as needed.

Can you cook all types of beans in the microwave?

Yes, you can cook all types of beans like black, pinto, kidney, cannellini, red, and garbanzo beans in the microwave. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the bean variety. It's important to soak beans overnight, rinse them, and then microwave them in a uncovered dish with water. Always ensure the beans are fully cooked to tenderness, as undercooked beans can be hard to digest.

Can I mix beans and cook them together?

While some soup mixes come with a selection of dry beans to cook together, we recommend cooking different beans separately because not all varieties cook for the same amount of time. If you have a mix you like to use and they all have similar cooking times, there is no problem in mixing and cooking them together.

How to freeze microwaved beans?

Before freezing, let the cooked beans cool to room temperature. Then, spread them out in an even layer on a baking sheet to prevent the beans from clumping while they freeze. Once frozen, transfer the beans to Anytime Freezer Trays so that they can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.

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