Microwave tricks bring efficiency and ease to cooking different dishes. From softening butter to cooking eggs,here are 20 microwave tricks everyone should know.
Microwave ovens have become a convenient and essential appliance in most kitchens today. They are designed to speed up the cooking process while ensuring that meals are cooked efficiently. However, there are several other microwave tricks that the majority of people are not aware of.
Instead of solely using the microwave for warming leftovers or cooking frozen meals, it is essential to learn other tricks that maximize the usage of this appliance. In this article, we will discuss 20 microwave tricks that everyone should know to make cooking an enjoyable experience. These tricks are quick, simple, and will undoubtedly make your time in the kitchen more efficient.
Credit: www.goodhousekeeping.com
Essential Trick 1: Understanding Your Microwave Settings
Microwave ovens are ubiquitous in most households, and it’s one of the most convenient kitchen appliances you can own. However, not everyone gets the best out of their microwave oven. Believe it or not, most people use their microwave only to reheat their food.
However, when utilized correctly, a microwave can do a lot more than reheat and defrost. We will talk about microwave settings and how you can use them to get the maximum benefit out of your trusty oven.
An Overview Of Microwave Settings (Power Levels, Time Settings, Etc.)
Before diving into the details, it’s important to understand that microwave settings differ from one oven to another. However, most microwave ovens come with at least three common settings – power levels, cooking time and defrost. Here’s a brief overview of each:
- Power levels: Microwave ovens have different power levels that range from 10% to 100%. The higher the power level, the faster the food will cook or reheat.
- Time settings: Most microwave ovens have a timer that lets you set how long you want the food to cook or reheat for.
- Defrost settings: You can use this setting to defrost frozen food quickly.
How To Use Each Setting For Optimal Results
Now that you know what the three basic microwave settings are let’s dive into how you can make the most use out of them to get optimal results:
Maximizing Cooking Time Efficiency With Targeted Power Levels
Using different power levels will cut down on cook time and help you avoid overcooking. Here’s how:
- High power setting (90-100%): Use this to cook or reheat food that needs to cook quickly, such as rice, bacon, and popcorn.
- Medium-high power setting (70-90%): Use this to cook or reheat most foods, including soup, vegetables and casseroles.
- Medium power setting (50-70%): Use this when cooking food that needs to “simmer” or cook for a longer period, such as stews, casseroles or sauces.
- Low power setting (30-50%): Use this if you want to melt butter, cheese or chocolate.
Setting The Right Cooking Time
Setting the right cooking time is also important when using your microwave oven. Here are a few tips on timing:
- Check your food regularly: Microwaves cook food quickly, so it’s essential to check the food every few minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Don’t rely on the cooking time provided on the package: This will depend on the wattage of your microwave, so it’s better to start with a shorter cooking time and then cook in increments until done.
- Allow food to rest: After cooking, let the food rest for a minute or two, so it can continue to cook a bit more evenly and further absorb the heat.
Efficient Defrosting
Defrosting food can be a challenging task, but using your microwave’s defrost setting can help. Here’s how:
- Follow the instructions: If the manufacturer provides instructions, it’s always better to follow them.
- Use the defrost setting for efficiency: If you don’t have any instructions, use the defrost setting for optimal results.
- Turn the food regularly: It’s crucial to turn the food often to avoid over defrosting and uneven thawing.
Understanding how your microwave oven works and making use of its various power levels, cooking time and defrost settings can help you cook or reheat your food more efficiently and effectively. So the next time you use your microwave, consider these tips to get the most out of your appliance.
Essential Trick 2: Knowing What Foods You Can Microwave
Unlocking the full potential of your microwave with creative cooking ideas
Microwaves are essential kitchen appliances that can save you valuable time and effort. From reheating yesterday’s leftovers to defrosting frozen food, microwaves can handle a wide range of tasks. However, did you know that microwaves can do much more than just reheat and defrost?
In this section, we will explore different types of foods that can be microwaved, foods that should not be microwaved, and creative uses of the microwave that will help you unlock its full potential.
Different Types Of Foods That Can Be Microwaved:
Microwaves can cook a wide variety of foods quickly, making them an excellent choice for busy and on-the-go individuals. Here are some types of foods that can be cooked in the microwave:
- Vegetables: Microwaving your veggies is a quick and straightforward way to retain their nutrients. Place your vegetables in a microwave-safe container and add a little bit of water. Microwave them for a few minutes, and voila! You have perfectly cooked veggies.
- Rice and pasta: Microwaving rice and pasta is fast and easy, perfect for a busy weekday dinner. Place your rice or pasta in a microwave-safe container with water and cook them for a few minutes.
- Eggs: Yes, you can cook eggs in the microwave! Poached eggs can be cooked in just a few minutes in a microwave-safe container filled with water and vinegar.
- Popcorn: A movie night isn’t the same without some popcorn. Microwave popcorn is an easy and quick option. Place the popcorn bag in the microwave and cook for minutes, and your delicious popcorn will be ready.
Foods That Should Not Be Microwaved:
Although microwaves are a versatile kitchen appliance, some foods should not be microwaved. Here are some foods that you should avoid microwaving:
- Grapes: When heated, grapes can explode, making them a fire hazard.
- Frozen meat: Microwaving frozen meat can lead to uneven cooking, which can cause foodborne illnesses.
- Aluminum foil: Microwaving aluminum foil can cause a fire, so it is best to avoid it.
Creative Uses Of The Microwave:
Microwaves are not only for cooking and reheating, but they can also be used in creative ways. Here are some of the innovative uses of microwaves:
- Drying herbs: Place herbs in the microwave and heat them briefly. They will dry out and be ready to use in your cooking.
- Disinfecting sponges: Sponges can harbor bacteria, but the microwave can help disinfect them. Heat your damp sponge in the microwave for a few seconds, and bacteria will be killed.
- Softening brown sugar: If your brown sugar has turned into a rock, place it in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top. The sugar will become soft again, perfect for baking.
Microwaves are an essential kitchen appliance. Knowing what foods can be microwaved, which foods should not, and the creative uses of the microwave will help you unlock its full potential. With these tips, your microwave can do much more than just reheating and defrosting.
Essential Trick 3: Proper Prepping
Achieving Perfect Microwave Cooked Food With Proper Prepping Techniques
The secret to perfectly cooked microwave food lies in proper prepping techniques. Here are some tips to help you achieve delicious and evenly cooked meals quickly using your microwave.
Preparing Food For The Microwave (Wrapping, Piercing, Covering, Etc.)
To avoid messy and unevenly cooked meals, make sure to properly prepare your food for the microwave by following these tips:
- Pierce foods with skins like potatoes, squash and sausages to prevent them from exploding.
- Wrap roasted meats in aluminum foil to keep them moist.
- Cover dishes with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to prevent food from splattering and help cook evenly.
- Use microwave-safe dishes to avoid dangerous chemicals leaching into your food.
Tips For Fast And Easy Microwave Prep
For busy days when you need to get dinner on the table fast, try these simple tips to make microwaving food a breeze:
- Plan ahead and chop vegetables, portion meats and put all the ingredients in a microwave-safe container, so when it’s time to cook, it’s like a ready-to-heat meal.
- Precook ingredients like rice and pasta to save time.
- Use a rotating carousel or turn the dish manually to ensure even cooking.
- Always start with shorter cooking times first to prevent over-cooking and adjust as needed.
Proper prepping is essential to achieving perfect microwave cooked food. By following these simple steps and tips, you’ll be able to cook delicious and evenly cooked meals with your microwave in no time.
Essential Trick 4: Perfect Microwave Timing
Expert Microwave Timing For Delicious And Consistent Results
Microwaving food is an easy and convenient way to prepare a meal, but getting the perfect timing can be challenging. In this section, we will discuss how to determine cook time for different foods, adjust times for different microwaves, and strategies for ensuring food consistency.
Determining Cook Time For Different Foods
The cook time for microwaving different foods can vary depending on the size, quantity, and type of food. Here are some general guidelines:
- Vegetables: 3-5 minutes depending on the quantity.
- Rice: 10-15 minutes for two cups.
- Fish: 3-5 minutes for a single serving.
- Chicken: 4-6 minutes for a single serving.
Remember, these times are just a rough estimate. It’s always best to check the food’s internal temperature with a thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Adjusting Times For Different Microwaves
Microwave wattage can affect the cooking time for food. If you have a low-power microwave, you may need to increase the cook time. Here are some tips:
- Increase the cook time by 30 seconds to 1 minute if you have a low-power microwave.
- Decrease the cook time by 30 seconds to 1 minute if you have a high-power microwave.
It’s always best to keep an eye on the food to avoid burning or overcooking.
Strategies For Ensuring Food Consistency
Microwaving can sometimes lead to unevenly cooked food, but there are strategies to ensure consistency. Here are some tips:
- Arrange food evenly on the plate to ensure even cooking.
- Rotate the plate halfway through the cook time to distribute heat evenly.
- Cover the food with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to trap steam and cook food more evenly.
With these tips, you can have consistent and delicious results every time you microwave. Remember to adjust cook times for different foods and microwaves and implement strategies for food consistency. Happy microwaving!
Essential Trick 5: Cleaning And Maintaining Your Microwave
Microwaves are an essential appliance in most kitchens, making food prep quick, easy, and convenient. But with frequent use, it’s bound to get dirty inside, leaving behind a stinky or stubborn residue. Your microwave may even break down if you don’t maintain it regularly.
So, what can you do to ensure that your microwave stays clean and functional? Here are some tips and tricks that everyone should know.
Cleaning Tips And Tricks For A Sparkling Clean Microwave
Cleaning your microwave can often seem like a daunting task, but it’s not impossible, and it doesn’t have to take long. With these tips and tricks, you can have your microwave looking and smelling new in no time:
- Use vinegar and water: Mix one cup of water with one cup of vinegar in a microwave-safe container, then heat it on high for five minutes. The steam from the solution will loosen up any food residue and leave your microwave smelling fresh.
- Baking soda and water: Make a paste using baking soda and water, apply it to the interior of your microwave, then wipe it down with a damp cloth.
- Lemon juice: Squeeze a lemon half into a cup of water and microwave it for three minutes. This will leave your microwave smelling refreshingly clean.
- Dish soap: Mix a few drops of dish soap into a bowl of warm water, dip a sponge into the mixture, and wipe down the interior of your microwave.
The Importance Of Maintenance
Maintaining your microwave is essential for its longevity and functionality. By keeping it in top shape, you’re guaranteed to avoid costly repairs or replacements. Here are some maintenance tips to keep your microwave working smoothly:
- Keep it clean: As mentioned above, cleaning is key to preventing any food particles from getting stuck inside your microwave. Regular cleaning will prevent any build-up that could damage your appliance.
- Check the door and hinges: Ensure that your microwave’s door closes tightly and check the hinges if they feel loose or too tight to avoid accidents.
- Avoid overloading: The larger the food items, the longer they take to cook. Be mindful of overloading your microwave to avoid undue strain on the appliance.
Maintaining A Fresh And Clean Microwave: Tips For Easier And More Effective Cleaning
By following these cleaning and maintenance tips, you can have your microwave looking and smelling fresh, and avoid any costly damages or replacements. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a sparkling clean microwave that will serve you well for years to come.
So the next time you finish your meal and the microwave needs a good cleaning, remember these simple tricks and tips.
Essential Trick 6: Get Creative With Microwave Hacks
Innovative And Fun Microwave Hacks To Take Your Cooking Skills To The Next Level
The microwave oven is a handy home appliance that can not only warm up leftovers but can also make cooking tasks much more comfortable and quicker. Here are some innovative and fun microwave hacks that can take your cooking skills to the next level:
Unconventional Uses For The Microwave
The microwave can be used for more than just reheating and cooking food. Here are some unconventional uses for the microwave that you may not have considered using it for:
- Drying flowers: Place flowers between two paper towels and place the stack in the microwave. Heat them on high power for two to three minutes until the flowers are dry.
- Reviving stale bread: Wrap a slice of bread in damp paper towels and heat it in the microwave for 10 seconds. The moisture from the paper towels will help revive the bread, making it taste fresh again.
- Disinfecting sponges: Soak your kitchen sponge in water mixed with vinegar and microwave it for one minute to disinfect it.
Unique Tips And Tricks For Getting The Most Out Of Your Microwave
These unique tips and tricks can help you get the most out of your microwave, allowing you to enjoy more cooking and cleaning convenience in the kitchen:
- Softening brown sugar: If your brown sugar has hardened, put it into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high power for 10-20 seconds to soften the sugar.
- Peeling garlic: Place an entire bulb of garlic into the microwave and heat it on high power for 15 seconds. The heat will make the cloves easier to peel.
- Cleaning your microwave: Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it on high power for five minutes. This will loosen any food that may have been stuck to the walls of your microwave, making it easier to clean.
These are just a few microwave hacks that can make everyday cooking tasks much more manageable. Give them a try and be amazed at the convenience they can bring to your kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions For 20 Microwave Tricks Everyone Should Know
How Do You Clean A Microwave Easily?
One of the easiest ways to clean a microwave is by mixing water and white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl and heating it for five minutes. Afterward, remove the bowl and use a cloth or sponge to wipe the inside of the microwave.
Can You Cook Raw Meat In A Microwave?
Yes, you can cook raw meat in a microwave. However, it is crucial to use a microwave-safe dish and cook the meat thoroughly with an internal temperature of 165°f.
How Do You Avoid Making A Mess In The Microwave?
To avoid making a mess in the microwave, cover any food or drink items with a microwave-safe cover or plate. Additionally, avoid overheating and use microwave-safe containers.
Can You Cook Pasta In A Microwave?
Yes, you can cook pasta in a microwave by heating it in a microwave-safe container with water, salt, and a bit of oil. Cook it in two-minute intervals and stir it after each interval until it reaches your desired softness.
Is It Safe To Microwave Plastic Containers?
Not all plastic containers are safe to microwave. Microwave-safe plastic containers are marked as such, meaning they do not release harmful toxins when heated. Always check the packaging before microwaving the plastic container.
Conclusion
Microwave ovens are one of the most common and convenient household appliances that have become an essential part of our lives. With a little knowledge of these 20 microwave tricks, you can save both time and energy in the kitchen.
From making your desserts and cooking fresh herbs, to reviving stale bread and freshening up your cleaning sponges, these tricks can make your life easier. Don’t struggle with difficult kitchen tasks when you have a microwave on your countertop. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be a microwave master in no time.
So next time you’re in a hurry or simply want to make use of your microwave, don’t forget to use these handy, quick, and easy microwave hacks that will undoubtedly make your life simpler and more convenient!