How To Cook Canned Black Beans In Microwave: Solved

Last Updated on September 12, 2024 by Shari Mason

The often overlooked black bean, commonly referred to as the turtle bean, does not receive the appreciation it deserves. It is a staple in our diets, no matter what our meal consists of. With its delectable and healthy qualities, black beans can take center stage or serve as a desirable accompaniment to any dish.

In this blog post, we’ll teach you how to cook canned black beans in a microwave. Read on.

5 Steps to Cook Canned Black Beans in Microwave

1. Open the Canned Black Beans

Open the canned beans. Rinse the beans well with running water, as the liquid in the canned beans contains salt and starch that can translate into the dish. 

Ensure that there’s no residue and they don’t feel slimy. Rinse canned black beans in running water and get rid of excess sodium. Drain.

Read:

• How Long Are Canned Green Beans Good For?
• Can Cooked Beans Be Left out Overnight?

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. Cook black beans for about 4 mins on high heat. 

Turn 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 contain magnesium, selenium, and iron, which have a sparkling effect in microwaves. But are pinto beans or black beans better at Chipotle?

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.

Read: Can You Put A Metal Bowl In The Microwave?

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.

Once the beans are cooked, remove the container from the microwave and serve the cooked black beans immediately. 

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. But what do you serve with ham and bean soup?

Are Canned Black Beans Raw or Cooked?

Canned black beans are ready to eat. Unlike dried black beans, which you should soak and simmer before they’re ready to eat, black beans are already cooked. 

Most canned foods, like canned beans, are packed in water with calcium chloride that acts as a preservative to maintain firmness.

Food-grade calcium chloride is commonly used as an anti-browning agent in fruits and vegetables and 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.

Read: Can You Cook Tater tots In The Microwave?

How To Know If Microwaved Canned Black Beans Are Ready

The microwaved black beans are ready to eat if the interior appears dry and free of liquid.

The beans shouldn’t smell raw. They should be tender to the touch and taste.

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 also rich in antioxidants, which prevent cell damage caused by 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

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. However, if you like adding more flavor, adding seasoning and other ingredients is alright. 

Meanwhile, if you want to use raw black beans, make sure they are thoroughly cooked when you microwave raw black beans, as they can be toxic when 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:

1. https://www.livestrong.com/article/253218-what-are-the-dangers-of-calcium-chloride/
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/are-black-beans-healthy#benefits