The microwave oven is a staple in most modern kitchens - its speed and convenience make it an indispensable tool for the home cook. However, microwaved food often gets a bad rap for being soggy, rubbery, and flavorless. With the right techniques though, you can use your microwave to make delicious meals that are moist, tender, and full of flavor.
In this article, we'll explore 10 tricks that will help you get the best results when cooking food in the microwave. From proper cookware selection to flavor enhancement, these tips will transform the way you use your microwave and have you serving up tasty dishes in no time. So read on to unlock the full potential of your microwave oven!
1. Choose Microwave-Safe Cookware
The first step to better microwave cooking is using cookware designed for the microwave. Glass, ceramic, and plastic containers labeled "microwave safe" allow microwaves to pass through and heat food evenly. Metal pans block and reflect microwaves, creating hot spots that lead to uneven cooking.
When selecting a microwave-safe container, also consider its shape. Round or oval dishes heat more evenly than square ones. Shallow containers work best for faster cooking. Leave some headspace between the food and lid to allow steam to circulate. A tight-fitting lid traps steam and moisture.
2. Arrange and Prep Food Strategically
Properly arranging and preparing ingredients before microwaving can prevent uneven cooking. Place thicker parts of food toward the edges of the dish, where heating is less intense. Cut pieces smaller and uniform in size so they cook at the same rate.
For saucy dishes like stews or casseroles, bake the sauce separately to retain moisture in the other ingredients. Blanch vegetables briefly before adding to other recipes. Stirring and rotating food midway through cooking helps distribute heat.
3. Adjust Power Levels for Optimal Results
Your microwave's power levels allow you to customize cooking intensity for different foods. Lower power levels (50-70%) heat food more gently, allowing time for the heat to disperse gradually. This works well for dense foods like meatloaves, whole potatoes, and casseroles.
Higher power levels around 80-100% speed up cooking times. Use high power for foods containing a lot of liquid, like soups or steamed vegetables. It's also great for quickly reheating leftovers without overcooking. Get to know your microwave's power settings for precision cooking.
4. Cover Food to Lock In Moisture
Leaving food uncovered in the microwave allows steam to escape, resulting in dry, tough textures. Placing a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap over containers retains moisture as food cooks. For foods too large to cover, like a whole roast chicken, use a microwave roasting bag.
Venting the lid or poking small holes in plastic wrap prevents pressure buildup. You can also place a wet paper towel over foods to add a steam bath effect. Maintaining moisture is key to ensuring food cooked in the microwave turns out juicy and tender.
5. Use Paper Towels to Absorb Excess Moisture
On the flip side, some microwave dishes need moisture management to avoid getting waterlogged. Place paper towels or porous paper plates betweeningredients like burritos, sandwiches, and tacos to absorb condensation.
For fried foods like pizza rolls or egg rolls, line the microwave tray with paper towels to soak up grease. Covering paper towels with an additional plate prevents them from catching fire. Remove towels promptly after cooking to prevent sogginess.
6. Get Crispy Textures with Special Tricks
Crispy foods are tricky in the moist environment of a microwave, but achievable with some creativity. Partially pre-cook ingredients like bacon or chicken on the stovetop to render fat and crisp up exterior before finishing in the microwave.
Brush breads, pastries, or pizza crusts lightly with butter or oil before microwaving to help recreate crispness. You can also place a cup of water in the microwave during cooking - the additional steam created helps form a crispy outer layer.
7. Boost Flavor with Herbs, Spices, and Sauces
One common complaint about microwaved food is that it can taste bland or flat. Counteract this effect by adding extra flavor boosters before and after cooking. Mix in herbs, spices,sauces, and condiments to introduce more flavor dimension.
Coat meats or vegetables with spice rubs or marinades before microwaving. Stir in flavorful sauces and condiments like barbecue, teriyaki, or buffalo sauce after cooking. Garnish dishes with fresh herbs right before serving. This layers in aroma and taste.
8. Allow Standing Time for Even Cooking
Ever bite into a microwaved dish that seems scorching hot on the edges but cold in the middle? This happens when food isn't given proper standing time after cooking.
Allowing food to rest for 1-5 minutes after microwaving lets heat evenly distribute throughout the dish. The edges will cool slightly while the center continues cooking. Standing time ensures food is thoroughly and uniformly cooked all the way through.
9. Keep Your Microwave Clean for Best Performance
Like any frequently used appliance, microwaves need regular cleaning to prevent issues. Food splatters can build up over time and impede microwave performance. Steam and grime make it harder for microwaves to pass through and heat food efficiently.
Clean the interior walls, turntable, door, and exterior with a mild soap and water monthly. For stuck-on stains, boil a cup of water with 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice in the microwave for easy steam cleaning. Avoid buildup for optimal cooking.
10. Follow Cooking Directions Carefully
Microwave cooking times and power levels differ widely depending on wattage. Always refer to the owner's manual for your specific model. Follow recipe instructions carefully, altering cooking times or power levels as needed based on your observations.
Use a microwave thermometer to test food temperatures and adjust cook times accordingly. Stop the microwave mid-cycle if food seems to be overcooking and let it rest before continuing. Paying attention helps prevent uneven heating or overcooked dishes.
In Summary
While the microwave often gets a bad reputation for producing subpar results, the reality is that it can make delicious and appetizing meals with the right techniques. By choosing suitable cookware, prepping ingredients smartly, controlling moisture properly, adding flavor, and following cooking guidelines carefully, you'll be amazed at the quality of food your microwave can produce.
Implement these 10 tricks and soon you'll become a microwave master chef whipping up everything from perfect vegetables to crispy pizza. Stop pressing reheat again and again in vain attempts to improve lackluster leftovers. Instead, incorporate these tips into your microwave routine. Then sit back and enjoy flavorful, appealing dishes made conveniently right at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of food can I cook in the microwave?
You'd be surprised at the wide variety of foods you can prepare in the microwave when you use the right techniques. The microwave works great for cooking vegetables, eggs, meat, fish, pasta, rice, oatmeal, beans, soups - you name it! Just be sure to follow recipes developed specifically for the microwave.
How do I prevent rubbery, mushy textures in the microwave?
That dreaded rubbery spinach and mushy chicken breast is no match for these tricks. Cut pieces smaller and uniform in size. Cook delicate vegetables like spinach for short bursts at lower power. Use standing time to allow heat to distribute. Stir saucy dishes midway through. Finally, cover food to trap steam and moisture.
Why does microwaved food taste bland?
Microwaves can zap flavor along with heating food. Boost taste by seasoning food well before cooking. Stir in flavorful sauces and spices after cooking. Acidic marinades also help food retain moisture and flavor in the microwave. Arrange oven-safe herbs or lemon slices on top. Finally, let food rest post-microwaving to allow flavors to soak in.
What’s the best way to reheat food in the microwave?
For evenly heated, delicious leftovers, use lower power around 50% to gently warm food without overcooking edges. Cover dishes to retain moisture. Stir midway and let rest before serving. Avoid putting foil containers directly in the microwave. Transfer food to microwave-safe dishware first. Portion out large quantities to heat faster.
How do I crisp up foods in the microwave?
Getting crispy pizza, fries, or chicken in a microwave may seem unlikely, but it's doable! Brush breads and pastries with butter or oil before microwaving. Partially pre-cook meats and fries on the stovetop first. Elevate food on a rack. Add a cup of water with steam. Don't cover food for maximum crisping. Blot greasy items with paper towels.
Is it safe to cook raw meat in the microwave?
Cooking raw proteins like chicken, beef, pork, and fish in the microwave is completely safe when done properly. Use a microwave-safe thermometer to ensure meats reach safe internal temperatures - 165°F for poultry and 145°F for beef or fish. Avoid undercooking to prevent illness. Let meat rest before eating. Microwaves can fully and safely cook meat!
How can I avoid sparks and arcing in the microwave?
Sparks and arcing happen when metal contacts microwave energy. Never put aluminum foil, metal cookware, or utensils in the microwave. Keep metal racks, twist ties, milk carton staples away from cavity walls. Use microwave-safe thermometers only. Stop immediately if you see sparks. Clean food debris and use microwave-safe cookware to prevent this reaction.
Why does my microwave have hot and cold spots?
If microwaved food seems unevenly cooked, your unit may need a deep clean. Built up food splatters on the cavity walls can create “hot spots” that overheat food. Clean walls, vents, turntable, and door with mild soap and water. Check that the turntable rotates smoothly. Call a technician if issues persist after a thorough cleaning.
How can I get the best performance from my microwave?
Follow these three tips: watch cooking times and stir periodically for even heating. Keep interior surfaces clean and odor-free for optimal results. Finally, refer to your owner's manual and follow microwave-specific recipes to get the hang of cook times and power levels for your particular unit. With practice, you'll learn how to operate your microwave like a pro!