“7 Surprising Ways You Can Optimize Your Microwave Use”

Using Wrap Film for Cooking Food

If you’re short on time and want to steam vegetables, the microwave is an ideal option. To cook this dish in the microwave, simply cut the vegetables into small, uniform pieces (about 2.5cm thick), place them in a bowl or plate, wrap them up with wrap film, and poke a few small holes in the film to allow steam to escape. Then, select the steam mode and press the “Start” button. Once the food is cooked, remove it from the microwave and enjoy.

Arrange Food in a Circle When Cooking

One common issue with microwave heating is uneven cooking, especially for refrigerated foods. To overcome this, arrange your food in a circle shape before placing it in the microwave. This arrangement increases the contact area between the food and the heat source, resulting in more even distribution of microwave radiation.

Do Not Place Food in the Center of the Microwave

Most microwaves have hot and cold spots, causing food to cook unevenly depending on its placement. Instead of placing the food in the center of the turntable, position it on the side. This allows the food to pass through more hot spots, resulting in more even cooking.

Keep Food Moist with a Damp Cloth

Microwaves work by utilizing water molecules in the food, converting their energy into heat. However, this process can also cause food to lose moisture, resulting in toughness and decreased flavor. To prevent this, place a damp cloth on top of the food. This helps retain water and moisture, making the food more enjoyable. If you’re concerned about chemicals in store-bought wet cloths, you can use a thin cloth soaked in water instead.

Add a Cup of Water When Cooking

As mentioned earlier, food cooked in the microwave tends to lose moisture easily. If you don’t have a damp cloth, you can add a cup of water to the microwave while cooking. The water will absorb excess microwave radiation, preventing overcooking. Additionally, it helps release steam, keeping the food from drying out. This method also adds an extra layer of safety in case you forget about the food while the microwave is still on.

Choose Suitable Containers

When reheating food in the microwave, it’s common to use plastic containers. However, certain heat-resistant materials can melt during cooking or heating, posing health risks. It’s recommended to use specialized and certified-safe containers made by reputable manufacturers. Alternatively, glass or ceramic containers are better options for cooking food in the microwave.

Utilize Microwave Space with a Glass Cup

To make the most of microwave space and save cooking time, you can place an additional portion of food in a coffee cup or heavy drinking glass while the rest is on the turntable. This method is useful when you need to heat or cook a large amount of food that can’t fit in a single dish or container. However, it may be challenging to adjust the temperature for each dish when cooking two different foods simultaneously.

With these helpful tips for using a microwave, you can effortlessly create delicious meals for your family.