While you technically can cook salmon and crab cakes in a microwave oven, it's not the ideal method. Microwave ovens are generally not the best choice for cooking fish and crab cakes because they don't provide the same browning and texture as traditional cooking methods like baking, grilling, or pan-frying.
Salmon: If you want to cook salmon, it's better to use other methods such as baking, grilling, or pan-searing. These methods allow you to achieve a crispy exterior and a moist, flaky interior, which is the desired result when cooking salmon. In the microwave, salmon may become overcooked, rubbery, or lack the appealing texture you'd get with other cooking methods.
Crab Cakes: Similarly, crab cakes are best cooked using methods like pan-frying or baking. Pan-frying allows you to develop a golden-brown crust on the outside, adding texture and flavor. When microwaving crab cakes, you'll miss out on the crispy exterior and may end up with a soft and less appetizing texture.
Microwaves are better suited for reheating leftovers, cooking vegetables, steaming, or heating liquids, rather than cooking fish and other delicate items. If you don't have access to an oven or stove, you might consider using a microwave to partially cook the salmon or crab cakes and then finishing them off with a quick sear in a hot skillet to achieve better results.
To ensure the best outcome and a delicious meal, it's recommended to use conventional cooking methods for salmon and crab cakes.