I always boil the water if I want a quick dinner, not sure about energy efficient but time efficient DEFINITELY And if it gives me 10 more minutes to spend with DH & Kids before dinner that makes us all happy

Just a general service announcement: Please be very careful boiling water in the microwave, clean cups/containers cause the water to overheat and it can expload after removing from the microwave. And you can check on snopes to read about it (yes I know fancy reading about a truth on a myth site )