Tips for Microwave Cooking

Introduced in 1955, a microwave oven is an essential kitchen appliance for heating food. It uses the process of dielectric heating where microwave radiation causes vibration of the polarized molecules within the food. Unlike cooking in conventional ovens, microwave cooking produces evenly heated food and prevents browning or overcooking. With some tips and techniques in microwave cooking, this appliance can be optimized to produce the best home-cooked meals.

In preparing vegetables, there are various techniques in microwave cooking. Cut the pieces in equal sizes. It would also help if larger vegetables like carrots and cauliflower are arranged in the outer circle of the plate while the smaller vegetables like peas and mushrooms are lined in the inner circle. Through this arrangement, the pieces will all finish cooking at the same time. Larger vegetables also need to be turned to ensure even distribution of microwaves. Salt seasonings should be done after cooking. Otherwise, the salt will leave brown spots on the vegetable. Lastly, in steaming vegetables, use a fork to pierce its skin. This should be done especially for potatoes and squash to allow excess steam to escape and to prevent the skin to burst.

Containers are important in microwave cooking. Rather than using square or rectangular plate, use a round dish for a more evenly-cooked meal. For food that needs stirring in conventional cooking, use a ring-shaped bowl. This improvisation can be done by placing a small round bowl in a large round dish.

Lids should also be considered when cooking in a microwave oven. The basic rule is to cover dishes that you would normally steam. It is also ideal to use tight cover for food with little or no water. Use cling film cover or special microwave lids with slits for food with more liquid. This allows draining out of excess moisture. For frying seeds like cumin and mustard, cover the container with tissue paper. This retains the flavor while still allowing the moisture to escape. For reheating patties, use an absorbent kitchen paper unde
eath. This prevents fat splattering. For steaming, always cover the dish. For baking, do not cover the container.

There are also other tricks in cooking in a microwave oven. Some of these functions are not commonly known by homemakers.

Jelly can be dissolved through microwave heating. Place the blocks in a microwave oven for 45 seconds. After heating, add cold water gradually. Stirring continuously will also reduce the setting time.

The problem of a crystallized or hardened jar of honey can be solved by microwave heating. Just remove the jar’s lid and heat it in the oven for two minutes.

The juice from a citrus fruit can be increased after heating it in the microwave oven for 40 seconds. Meanwhile, peeling tomatoes can be easily done with the help of a microwave. Just place two cups of boiling water in the container of tomatoes, heat for one minute and plunge into cold water.

With all these conveniences that a microwave oven has to offer, it is recommended to keep it clean. Remove the odor by heating for three minutes a cup of water with a slice of lemon.