When strawberries are abundant and cheap, it’s the time to make microwave strawberry jam. However if you are short on time, hull and quarter the strawberries and throw them into zip lock bags to freeze. Then you can make this jam whenever you like.
Why Microwave Strawberry Jam?
Making this Microwave Strawberry Jam is super easy and only takes 3 ingredients-
- strawberries
- lemon juice
- sugar
I love making jam in the microwave for a couple of reasons. Firstly I find that the fruit remains vibrant and there is less chance of burning the jam. Secondly, it is so quick. Within 30 minutes, your jam will be ready. But, here are a few points to note.
- Sugar is needed to ensure this microwave jam sets. If the sugar is reduced in this recipe, the result will be thin, runny jam. So don’t reduce the sugar in this recipe!
- Don’t under cook. Under cooked jam will taste fresh but may separate as it cools.
- Avoid doubling or tripling the batch. This jam will boil up and bubble over if you make more than this quantity.
This recipe has no added pectin but uses lemon juice to assist with setting. It is a science which I am not going to explain here but you could research it yourself. The lemon juice also helps preserve the jam.
So how do can you tell if the jam going to set?
Microwave Strawberry Jam needs to be microwaved on high power for at least 15 minutes after adding the sugar to ensure a good jam set. Be sure to stir at 5 minute intervals. After 15 minutes you can begin testing by dropping about 1/2 teaspoonful on a cold saucer. Place the sauce back in the fridge and after a few minutes check if it has jelled. I usually find I need 3 – 5 minutes more.
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Strawberry Jam
Equipment
- 4 litres/16 cups capacity microwave safe bowl
Ingredients
- 4 cups strawberries hulled and quartered
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cups sugar
Instructions
- Place in a large (4 litres/16 cups capacity) microwave safe bowl with the lemon juice. Microwave on high for 5 minutes. It should start smelling amazing already. Remove from microwave.
- Once you add the sugar the fruit won't break down much more so if you want it smooth cook for a little longer.
- Add the sugar and stir to dissolve.
- Return to the microwave, cook for 15 minutes on high, stopping every 5 minutes to stir and check. Don't leave unattended just in case it boils up and over the bowl.
- Pour into sterilized bottles. Seal.
Notes
- Be sure to use a very large bowl. The one I use has a capacity of 4 litres or 16 cups. The jam will boil up and spill over if you have a small bowl and you'll have a sticky mess!
- Don't leave unattending while cooking just in case the jam boils up and over the bowl.
- Sterilise jars in the microwave by washing and rinsing well. Leave jars wet and cook in the microwave for 60 seconds on high. Be careful when removing from microwave oven - they will be hot. Fill with jam and seal immediately.
Nutrition
Can you store this in the freezer after it is cooled off?
Hi Nicole, I have never frozen this jam. When cool I store in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that it will keep at least a year in the refrigerator as long as the jars are sterilised and sealed while hot. However, I can’t see why it wouldn’t freeze.
Wow, strawberry jam is looking amazing. I am glad to know how easily we can make . My daughter is a big fan of strawberries. I will surprise her with this jam. Thank you so much marcellina for the recipe.
Your daughter will love this, Silpa! Enjoy xx
Can’t believe how easy this is! Looks so yummy!
I know, Karly, isn’t it easy? And the jam is so delicious!
YUM! I’ve made microwave kiwifruit jam and curds so strawberry jam is such a natural plus they are in season now 😀
Lorraine, I have never made kiwifruit jam. That would be lovely! Is it on your blog? I’ll have to have a look.
Marcellina – This is definitely a recipe I am saving for next spring when strawberries are back in season here. I love strawberry jam more than any other… And to be able to make it so quickly homemade? Yes, please!
You’ll love this recipe, David! Don’t forget you can use frozen strawberries too!
This is fabulous! I had no idea it would be made this way. Only strawberries ?
Hi Mimi, thanks for the kind comment! You are quite right, not only can this method be used with strawberries. I have substituted other berries or combined berries with the strawberries with great success. I also always make cumquat jam in the microwave. I have found that it retains a gorgeous colour.