Anyday Founder Steph Chen Insists That Yes, You Can Cook Fish in the Microwave

Skimm Her Life is a series in our weekly newsletter, Skimm Shopping, where smart women share their favorite things.

Have you ever considered cooking fish…in a microwave? Not us, until we came across Steph Chen’s incredibly versatile cookware brand, Anyday. We’ve tested the products and loved them for years now — especially because they can go from microwave to oven to freezer to fridge and back. Plus, they make transporting food on the go easy. Read on to hear Steph’s tips for fully utilizing your microwave and what inspired her to start the brand.

For our readers that are new to you and your brand, which products should they start with?

If you’re just getting started with Anyday and microwave cooking, we recommend our bestseller, The Everyday Set. The Everyday Set is a true kitchen workhorse and includes eight microwave-safe glass pieces that are multipurpose. They all can move from microwave to table to fridge to oven to freezer with ease.

What’s your favorite recipe to make in the microwave?

You might be surprised to learn that you can make shakshuka from scratch in the microwave! While it sounds like the fancy breakfast you’d only attempt on the weekends, it’s actually ridiculously easy and comes together in minutes in an Anyday dish. It’s also one of my absolute favorite weekday lunches to make between meetings. Trust me, it’s crazy good.

Any tips for our readers on how to microwave cook in a way that feels elevated and flavorful?

Microwave cooking doesn’t have to be fussy or complicated to yield impressive results. One of my all-time favorite Anyday recipes is our Olive Oil Poached Salmon. I know what you’re thinking…fish in the microwave? But believe me, it works. Once you cook salmon this way, there’s no going back. Microwave cooking isn’t limited to the basics. Anyday has a ton of tried-and-true recipes from our very own test kitchen for elevated dishes like Coq au Vin, Butter Poached Lobster, Lemon Orzo with Asparagus, and even an Apple Tarte Tatin.

What’s your favorite unconventional or hacky way to use an Anyday product?

Our are dishes great for cooking, serving, storing, and even taking food on the go. This summer, my family and I have been going on picnics with family and friends. I love to bring an easy spread like our one-dish potato salad, sugar snap peas, even dessert. This super simple cake is baked, frosted, and piled with berries directly in the dish.

What inspired you to start Anyday?

Funny enough, Anyday started as an accident. In an attempt to speed up the process of cooking a roast chicken, we decided to microwave it raw before finishing it in the oven. It sounds crazy, but what’s even crazier is that it actually worked. The chicken came out perfectly juicy — no oven necessary. It was then that I started to understand the microwave’s true potential. Our mission is to save you time in the kitchen without sacrificing your food’s deliciousness.

Any tips for those intimidated by weekly meal prep?

Meal prep can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be if you utilize the microwave. I love to prepare a few different meal components on Sunday, so I can mix and match meals without having to eat the same thing every day. I start with a grain, prep a bunch of different veggies, and finally, add a protein like Olive Oil Poached Salmon or Steamed Chicken with Ginger Scallion Sauce. Once prepped, everything gets stored in the same bowl it’s cooked in, so there are fewer dishes to clean. Meal prep works for breakfast, too. Make a big batch of oatmeal at the beginning of the week, then add different toppings throughout the week. These breakfast sandwiches and these egg bites reheat beautifully, and no kid (or adult) can turn down these adorable mini muffins.