Microwave is a near-essential device in almost every kitchen nowadays due to its convenience and ability to save maximum time and energy. Besides the functions of heating or cooking food, many people are not aware that there are many useful tricks with the microwave to solve other issues in the household.
Super useful tricks with the microwave
By applying the following microwave tricks, you will realize how versatile this appliance can be.
Squeeze more juice from lemons and oranges
Lemons and oranges stored in the refrigerator for a long time become hard and difficult to squeeze out the juice. Microwave softens their pulp and fibers, making it easier to extract more juice without much effort. Just put the lemon or orange into the microwave and heat it for about 10-30 seconds, then let it cool for 1 minute, squeezing them for juice becomes much easier.
Super useful microwave trick: Squeeze more juice from lemons and oranges. (Photo: Istock)
Steam vegetables without water
You may not know, most types of vegetables can be cooked in the microwave without using water. Just place the vegetables layer by layer on a plate, cover it tightly, and microwave on high heat.
Microwave cooking requires very little time to cook food, which helps the vegetables retain more vitamins. Remember that each type of vegetable has a different cooking time, so the microwave cooking time also varies.
For example, soft and quick-cooking vegetables like bok choy, mushrooms, and white beans take about 30 seconds, while harder and crunchier vegetables like carrots need about 4 minutes to reach the desired tenderness.
Peel garlic super quickly
Instead of meticulously using a knife to peel each clove of garlic, you can put them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The heat and steam from garlic will make the skin easily peel off.
Peel onions without tearing up
If you’re afraid of tearing up when peeling many onions, you can use the microwave. Cut off both ends of the onion and heat it at medium heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds. This microwave trick for peeling onions will help you avoid watery eyes.
Peel tomatoes quickly
To quickly peel tomatoes without crushing them, you just need to microwave them for 1 – 2 minutes on low mode, then let them cool for a few seconds before peeling or slicing. You can apply this microwave trick to red beets and carrots as well, which is also very effective.
Microwave makes cooking easier. (Photo: Istock)
Melt chocolate quickly
You can use the microwave to melt chocolate without worrying about burning it. Just put the chocolate in a heat-resistant glass bowl and place it in the microwave, select medium heat and microwave for about 1 minute. Note that after the chocolate has melted, use a spoon to stir it evenly to make it smoother.
Soften chickpeas quickly
If you forget to soak the chickpeas overnight and need to use them urgently, you can take advantage of the microwave to “fix” this situation. Put the chickpeas in a heat-resistant bowl, add a little baking soda and fill it with water; turn the microwave on the highest level for 10 minutes, then let it cool for 30 – 40 minutes and you will have the desired result.
Sterilize plastic cutting boards
After a period of use, you need to thoroughly sterilize plastic cutting boards to ensure food safety. First, use lemon to rub the surface of the cutting board and then put it in the microwave for 1 minute. This microwave trick helps to effectively and quickly sterilize the cutting board.
Make emergency hot towels
If you need an emergency hot towel but can’t wait to boil water, soak your soft towel thoroughly and place it in the microwave for 1 minute. You will have a hot towel without having to sterilize it.
According to VTC NEWS
- Squeeze more juice from lemons and oranges: A short blast in the microwave softens the fruit, making it easier to extract juice.
- Steam vegetables without water: Most vegetables can be cooked in the microwave without water, retaining more vitamins.
- Peel garlic and onions quickly and without tears: A few seconds in the microwave loosens the skins of garlic and onions, making peeling a breeze.
- Melt chocolate and soften chickpeas: The controlled heat of a microwave can gently melt chocolate without burning and quickly soften chickpeas if you forget to soak them.
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