RECIPE | Fire-Free Cooking for Busy Weeknights

Time-saving expert Marina Wakana introduces two easy recipes from her "No-Fuss Cooking" series. On busy evenings when you find yourself thinking, "I wish I had just one more dish … " these recipes are the perfect solution — simple to prepare and comforting to eat.

One is a green pepper soboro (ground pork dish) that pairs the gentle bitterness of peppers with the rich flavor of pork, creating a mild yet deeply satisfying dish.

The other is a heartwarming recipe that brings out the natural sweetness of pumpkin. Once it's on the table, its bright color instantly lifts the mood. This gentle side dish is enjoyable for everyone, from small children to seniors.

Because both dishes can be made easily in the microwave, you can prepare them even on days when you're feeling a little tired. And since no fire is used, cleanup is quick and stress-free. Both recipes are also perfect for packed lunches at the office or for picnics, and they pair beautifully with rice.

Ground Pork and Green Pepper Soboro

Ingredients (Serves 3)

Green peppers: 5 small (about 150 g)
Ground pork: 150 g
Potato starch: 1 teaspoon
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
Sugar: 1 tablespoon
Sesame seeds: 1/2 teaspoon

Tools: Knife, cutting board, cooking chopsticks or spoon, microwave-safe plastic wrap and container

Instructions (Cooking Time: 10 minutes)

Slice the green peppers in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and cut into thin strips about 1 cm wide.
Place the ground pork in a microwave-safe container, add the potato starch, and mix well. Add the green peppers and stir lightly.
Loosely cover with plastic wrap and microwave at 600W for 3 minutes 30 seconds. (You may also cover with a lid set slightly ajar instead of using plastic wrap.)
Once the meat is fully cooked, stir and drain off any excess liquid. If the meat is not fully cooked, microwave for an additional 30 seconds or more.
Add the salt, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame seeds. Mix well, and it's ready to serve.

Buttery Savory Pumpkin

When you think of simmered pumpkin, you might picture it cooking slowly over low heat for a long time. But simply tossing the pumpkin with mirin and heating it in the microwave makes it soft and fluffy in no time. With just a touch of salt, butter, and mirin, the dish develops a gentle, nostalgic flavor.

Ingredients (Serves 3)

Pumpkin: 1/4 wedge (about 300 g with seeds, 270 g without)
Mirin: 2 tablespoons
Butter: 8–12 g (about 1–2 tablespoons)
Salt: A pinch

Tools: Microwave-safe container and plastic wrap, measuring spoons, cooking chopsticks or tongs, knife, cutting board

Instructions (Cooking Time: 10 minutes)

Cut the pumpkin into bite-size pieces and place them in a microwave-safe container. Add the mirin and gently toss to coat.
Loosely cover with plastic wrap and microwave at 600W for 5 minutes.
While the pumpkin is still hot, add 1–2 tablespoons of butter and a pinch of salt. Mix gently, and it's ready to serve.

About the Author

Marina Wakana is a time-saving cooking expert and food influencer based in Kanagawa Prefecture. Born in 1980, she has loved cooking since childhood and later majored in food biochemistry at university. Her no-fuss recipes have earned her a large following, with more than 600,000 followers on X.