A Wholesome Microwaveable Meal That's Infinitely Better Than a Frozen Dinner

By Anna Monette Roberts

Updated on 5/3/2015 at 1:00 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

During my college days, I would get creative with the salad bar and the microwave to prep more wholesome meals, yet as a busy adult living solo, I find myself always on the lookout for snappy yet healthy meals. When I saw this recipe for brown rice and edamame from Mug Meals ($17) by Dina Cheney, I dog-eared it immediately. And once I finally made it, my taste buds were not disappointed! It almost tastes like steamed fried rice, if there ever was such a thing. Here's a pro tip: keep frozen rice (in the frozen section of your grocery store) and frozen edamame always stocked in your fridge so you can turn to this meal for weekday lunches or dinners.

Chinese Brown Rice Salad With Edamame

YieldServes 1

From Mug Meals by Dina Cheney

INGREDIENTS

    • 1 tablespoon thinly sliced trimmed scallions (dark green parts only)
    • 2 teaspoons unseasoned rice vinegar
    • 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
    • 1 teaspoon honey
    • 1/8 teaspoon minced garlic
    • 1/8 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
    • 1/2 cup packed cooked brown rice, short or long grain
    • 1/3 cup packed frozen edamame, thawed
    • 2 tablespoons finely grated peeled carrots
    • 2 tablespoons small-dice red bell peppers

    INSTRUCTIONS

    1. In a small bowl, stir together the scallions, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, then stir in the remaining ingredients. Pour into a 12-ounce mug.

    2. Cover and microwave until warm, about 1 minute.

    Notes

    To add even more protein to this nourishing dish — which is also delicious chilled — stir in some diced extra-firm tofu. For a prettier presentation, pour the salad onto a plate. Editor's note: Make it vegan by using agave instead of honey. I used yellow bell peppers in this recipe instead of red.