How To Cook Canned Black Beans In Microwave: Easy Solutions
The black bean, is often overlooked. It doesn’t get the appreciation it deserves. It is a staple in our diets, no matter what our meal consists of. Black beans, with their tasty and nutritious attributes, can be the focal point of any dish or serve as a preferred pairing.
In this post, we’ll show you how to quickly microwave canned black beans. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this method saves time without sacrificing taste. So, read on!
Why Choose Canned Black Beans?
The humble black bean, also known as the turtle bean, doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Yet, it’s a staple in so many kitchens, effortlessly making its way into soups, salads, tacos, and even rice bowls. Black beans add flavor and nutrition to any meal, whether it’s a quick lunch or a hearty dinner. They can stand alone as a satisfying dish or complement just about any meal with their rich, earthy taste.
But what if you need to prepare them quickly? Maybe you’re short on time or don’t feel like dealing with stovetops and extra dishes. Yes, you can cook canned black beans in the microwave and still enjoy a tasty, well-seasoned dish! The answer is yes—and it’s easier than you might think!
Canned black beans are a pantry staple for a reason. They provide a wonderful mix of nutrition, convenience, and versatility. This makes them a top pick for quick and tasty meals. Canned black beans are a wonderful choice. They’re protein-packed and add flavor to recipes. Plus, they require minimal effort to prepare.
Nutritional Benefits of Black Beans
Black beans are rich in:
- Protein & fiber – Supports digestion and keeps you full longer.
- Iron & folate – Essential for energy and overall health.
- Antioxidants – Helps reduce inflammation and supports heart health.
| Nutrient | Benefit |
| Protein | Builds muscle and keeps you full |
| Fiber | Aids digestion and gut health |
| Iron | Boosts energy levels |
Convenience and Flavor
Canned black beans need no soaking or long cooking. This makes meal prep easy. A quick rinse and some seasoning help them soak up flavors. This adds depth to soups, tacos, and salads. Whether you’re in a rush or planning a feast, they make home cooking easier and tastier.
5 Steps to Cook Canned Black Beans in Microwave
1. Open the Canned Black Beans
First, you need to open the canned beans. Rinse the beans under running water. Canned beans have liquid with salt and starch that can affect your dish.
Make sure there’s no residue and they don’t feel slimy. Rinse canned black beans in running water and get rid of excess sodium. Drain.
2. Rinse and Place in Microwave-Safe Bowl
Pour the drained black beans into the microwave-safe bowl after you rinse the black beans.
Pour a cup of water into the microwave-safe bowl and cover it tightly with a lid. Next, cook black beans for about 4 mins on high heat.
Turn on the microwave and let the black beans sit for a few minutes so they can absorb hot water. The shells of the black beans will look swollen at this point.
If you’re cooking beans in the microwave, be sure to be careful, as black beans catch on fire in the microwave.
Black beans have magnesium, selenium, and iron. These minerals create a sparkling effect in microwaves.
3. Add Desired Seasonings
At this point, the black beans in the microwave should be removed. Add your favorite seasoning.
You can add cumin, smoked paprika, garlic, onion powder, salt, or other seasonings you prefer.
If you want your black beans to smell fresh, add green bell pepper and coriander leaves.
4. Microwave for 2 Minutes
Put the microwave-safe and airtight container back in the microwave. Microwave black beans for 2-3 minutes. Add another minute if the black beans have not boiled yet.
Stir and repeat until your desired consistency is reached. To know if the black beans are completely cooked, ensure they don’t smell raw anymore. They should also feel tender to taste; the soup has turned brown from a black liquid.
5. Stir & Repeat Until the Desired Texture
If the beans are not fully cooked yet, stir them thoroughly and put the container back. Microwave black beans again until it reaches your desired temperature and consistency.
After cooking the beans, you then take the container out of the microwave. Serve the black beans right away.
Should you choose to add more flavors, you can add chopped onion, cilantro, or lime juice. You can also serve the beans in tortilla chips along with sour cream.
Are Canned Black Beans Raw or Cooked?
Canned black beans are ready to eat. Black beans are already cooked. Unlike dried black beans, you don’t need to soak or simmer them.
We store most canned foods, like canned beans, in water. They use calcium chloride as a preservative to keep them firm.
Food-grade calcium chloride helps prevent browning in fruits and vegetables. It also acts as a firming agent. [1]
Calcium chloride keeps canned fruits and vegetables crunchy. According to the FDA, it’s a safe preservative. Just make sure you are using food-grade calcium chloride.
As the beans are pre-cooked, they’re easier to prepare, unlike making a pot of refried beans that take longer to cook.
How To Know If Microwaved Canned Black Beans Are Ready
Making sure your canned black beans are fully heated and ready to eat is simple. Since they’re already pre-cooked, the goal is to warm them evenly without drying them out. A few key signs can help you determine when they’re perfectly done.
Signs Your Black Beans Are Ready:
- Appearance: The beans should look dry on the inside, with no excess liquid pooling at the bottom.
- Texture: They should be tender but not mushy when pressed between your fingers.
- Smell: There should be no raw or metallic scent—just the natural, earthy aroma of cooked beans.
| Indicator | What to Look For |
| Moisture | No excess liquid inside |
| Texture | Soft but not mushy |
| Smell | Warm, earthy aroma |
Once your black beans meet these criteria, they’re ready to enjoy. Add your favorite seasonings, mix them into a dish, or serve them as a flavorful side!
Health Benefits of Black Beans
Black beans are highly nutritious. They are exceptionally high in fiber and are a great source of plant-based protein.
Black beans are high in antioxidants. These antioxidants help stop cell damage from free radicals.
These antioxidants help lower cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes risk. [2]
Black beans are also gluten-free, like pinto beans. Both are pure beans. They are also fat-free.
How Do You Make Canned Black Beans Tastier?
Just because the black beans are canned doesn’t mean we have to suffer the canned flavor. Heat canned black beans in the microwave and add ingredients and seasonings.
You can add olive oil and your favorite seasonings to make canned beans tastier.
Olive oil adds a nutty flavor to the beans. You can add garlic powder, chili powder, thyme, onion, and coriander leaves. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
FAQs on Cooking Canned Black Beans In Microwave
Do you need to soak canned black beans before cooking?
No, you don’t need to soak black beans overnight before cooking. The black beans are fully cooked and ready to eat.
Are you supposed to cook canned black beans?
No, you don’t need to cook black beans because they are ready to eat. You can add seasoning and other ingredients if you want more flavor.
If you want to use raw black beans, cook them well. Microwaving raw black beans can make them toxic if they’re undercooked.
Can you eat the liquid in canned black beans?
Yes. You can eat the liquid in canned black beans as added ingredients in stews, soups, and chili.
You can also use it as a thickener for recipes that could use some thickening. The liquid is filled with a delicious flavor that can make your dish tastier.
In Conclusion
You don’t need a professional chef to serve black beans. As black beans are ready to eat, you don’t have to soak them as you do with dried black beans.
If you’re asking how to cook canned black beans in the microwave, don’t worry because black beans are easy to prepare.
Rinse and heat black beans in the microwave using a microwave-safe dish. Leave the beans in the microwave for 4 minutes.
When heating the black beans, you can refer to the cooking time stated on the can’s label. Serve immediately after cooking.
If you don’t prefer to microwave black beans, you can cook the black beans on the stove on medium heat.
References:
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/253218-what-are-the-dangers-of-calcium-chloride/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/are-black-beans-healthy#benefits
