The Ultimate Guide to Office Microwave Cooking: 4 Simple, Safe Recipes

12 November, 2024

Microwaves are quite common in households and offices these days. They are typically used for reheating meals.

But with just a few simple tricks, you can use your microwave to cook delicious meals. Ngọc Khanh, a member of the Yêu bếp group, shared four ways to do just that, and the post garnered over 4,000 likes, shares, and nearly 500 comments. Read on to discover these handy tips!

Boiling Water for Instant Coffee, Tea, Milk, Bubble Tea, and Cocoa with a Microwave

When making instant tea or coffee, you usually need a small amount of water, so boiling a full kettle can be wasteful.

In the absence of a hot water dispenser, a microwave is a perfect alternative to boil water in just a minute or less.

How to do it

Pour water into a microwave-safe mug or bowl. Do not cover it; the steam needs to escape. Place a non-metallic spoon or stirrer in the mug to create bubbles and keep the liquid at boiling temperature.

After heating, use a cloth to handle the hot mug and gently tap the side of the mug a few times to bring the superheated water to a safe temperature.

Lastly, always keep your face away from the mug to avoid steam burns.

Cooking Sausages in the Microwave

Place your desired number of sausages in a microwave-safe bowl, ensuring it is deep enough to accommodate them.

Add water to the bowl, stopping about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the rim to prevent boiling water from spilling over. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, depending on the number and size of sausages. Larger sausages may require a little more time.

Remove the bowl from the microwave and let the sausages sit for about 30 seconds to cool down and for the water to drain.

Cooking Sticky Rice and Soft Rice in the Microwave

You can use your microwave to cook various types of sticky rice, such as mung bean rice, pandan leaf rice, durian rice, or gac rice.

Place the desired amount of sticky rice in a microwave-safe container. Add water until it just covers the rice. Sprinkle a little salt and sugar, then mix well. Cover the container with plastic wrap and microwave for about 4-5 minutes. Remove and fluff the rice with a fork to ensure even cooking.

Cooking rice in a rice cooker can take up to an hour, but with a microwave, it usually takes only about 12 minutes to get perfectly cooked, soft, and fluffy rice.

Here’s how: Rinse the rice and add water as you normally would. Cover and microwave at the highest setting for about 9 minutes. Then, reduce the power to medium and cook for another 3 minutes. Your rice should be ready to eat!

Frying Eggs in the Microwave

Take a microwave-safe plate with a flat bottom and tall walls, grease it lightly, and crack an egg (or more) onto it.

After stirring and seasoning the egg(s) to your taste, place the plate in the microwave.

The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness. Just remember never to try boiling eggs in their shells in the microwave. The high temperature causes the air inside the egg to expand rapidly, leading to an explosive result. This can create a mess, damage your microwave, and even cause injuries.

Microwave-Safe Materials

Heat-Resistant Glass: Thick, heat-resistant glass is a safe option for microwave use.

Microwave-Safe Plastic: Look for plastic containers with labels indicating they are microwave-safe, usually marked with “microwave-safe” or “microwavable.” Ensure they are from reputable sources.

Ceramics and Porcelain: These materials are generally safe to use in the microwave, posing no danger to the user.

Wooden Utensils: Wooden utensils are another worry-free option for microwave use.

Food-Grade Plastic Wrap and Microwave-Safe Bags: Food-grade plastic wrap and specially designed microwave bags can be used, but avoid using regular plastic bags or wraps, as they may melt or leach harmful chemicals.

Source: Giáo dục và Thời đại