Microwaves are a convenient and quick solution for meal preparation, and many households are familiar with this appliance. It can be a great assistant in the kitchen, helping to create delicious meals with ease. To get the most out of your microwave, keep in mind these six simple tips:
1 Use Appropriate Containers
It is common to see people using plastic containers to heat food in the microwave. However, plastic is not an ideal material for withstanding high temperatures. At certain temperatures, plastic can melt and mix with your food, which is harmful to your health. Instead, opt for specialized microwave-safe containers that are heat-resistant and non-toxic. Glass or ceramic containers are excellent choices as they are safe and won’t leach harmful chemicals into your food.
Use appropriate containers
2 Avoid Placing Food in the Center of the Microwave
You may have noticed that food doesn’t always heat evenly in the microwave. This is because most microwaves have hot and cold spots due to their design. For more even heating, place your food on the edge of the turntable rather than in the center. This ensures that your food passes through more hot spots, cooking it faster and more efficiently, while also prolonging the lifespan of your microwave.
Place food on the edge of the turntable
3 Moisture Retention with a Wet Paper Towel
Microwaves work by converting the water molecules in food into heat energy, which can lead to moisture loss in your meals. To prevent this, cover your food with a damp paper towel. This simple trick helps retain moisture and prevents your food from drying out. It also absorbs excess microwave radiation, ensuring your food doesn’t overcook.
Use a damp paper towel to retain moisture
4 Use Plastic Wrap for Steaming
You can easily steam vegetables in the microwave and retain their natural sweetness. Simply cut your vegetables into evenly sized pieces, about 2-3 cm thick. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and poke a few small holes in the wrap to allow steam to escape. Select the steaming function and press start. Your vegetables will be perfectly cooked in no time!
Use plastic wrap for steaming
5 Arrange Food in a Circular Pattern
To evenly heat cold or refrigerated food, arrange it in a circular pattern before placing it in the microwave. This increases the surface area of the food that comes into contact with the heat, resulting in more uniform heating. This is especially useful for larger portions of food.
Arrange food in a circular pattern
6 Utilize a Glass Cup to Maximize Space
Instead of cooking one dish at a time, you can use a glass cup or a heavy object to create more cooking space in your microwave. Place one portion of your food on the turntable and another portion on top of the cup or object. Just remember, this method is best for heating or cooking large quantities of the same dish, as it can be challenging to control the temperature for two different dishes simultaneously.
Utilize a glass cup to maximize space