Whether you are a culinary enthusiast or simply a busy individual looking to make the most of your leftovers, the microwave oven is your trusty ally in the kitchen. This home appliance serves as a quick-fix solution and is found in almost every kitchen. From baking to reheating leftovers, microwave ovens simplify cooking so you can enjoy delicacies every day.
So, whether you are a microwave novice or a seasoned pro, join us on this journey to master the art of cooking with this user-friendly home appliance. With our practical tips and tricks, you can ensure that every meal is easy to prepare and deliciously good. Here you go!
11 Tips and Hacks for hassle-free meals
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Preserve your herbs:
Have an abundance of fresh herbs but do not know how to use them? Well, worry not! You don’t need to waste them since you can preserve them and use them in the future using your microwave oven.
What you need to do is to wash the leaves and thoroughly pat them dry. Next, take four or five sprigs and put them between two sheets of paper towels. Heat them in the microwave oven for 30 seconds until they are dry. When done, take them out, let them cool, break the leaves, and store them in an airtight container.
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Use the last drop of citrus juice:
Want to squeeze out that last drop of citrus or orange juice? Next time, when you are preparing juice, microwave the fruit for 20 seconds. With the heat softening the juice-holding membranes, you can squeeze out more juice than you could from room-temperature fruit. Before doing this, you can even roll the unpeeled fruit on the counter applying light pressure to further lose membranes.
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Avoid that soggy pizza slice:
In the mood to have that pizza slice from last night’s order? Well, you can reheat it in the microwave without making it soggy. For this, get a paper towel and put it in between the plate and the pizza slice. This way, the excess oil and moisture that results in the sogginess will get absorbed. You can microwave the slice for one minute to enjoy your crispy pizza!
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Reheat your soup:
Soup is the perfect dish to have on a cold day, especially when you have a sore throat. Since it is free of crisp crust, the soup reheats very well. When reheating a bowl of soup, put it in for 3 minutes. In this duration, pause every 60 seconds and stir the soup to avoid unwanted cold spots. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to allow leftovers to steam.
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Peel off garlic and tomatoes:
Peeling off the skin of the garlic and tomatoes may seem like a tedious task. But, with the microwave oven, the process can be simplified easily. All you need to do is microwave the garlic cloves you want to use for 15-20 seconds. When you get them out, the skin will come right off.
When peeling tomatoes, wash them and cut an X on the side opposite the stem with the tip of a knife. Next, microwave them for 25-30 seconds and let them cool. Afterwards, you can pull the corners of the X to remove the skin.
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Cook a potato:
Want to cook a potato without boiling water or don’t want to scrub a pot afterwards? It is possible with a microwave oven. Get your potato and use a fork to poke some holes. This will ensure even cooking and prevent any explosions. Then, put your potatoes (1, 2, 3 or more) in a glass or ceramic bowl with olive oil, salt, and dry rosemary. You can also add other aromatics you would like to use.
Now, put this bowl in the microwave and heat it up for five minutes on high power. When this is done, take out the potatoes and carefully turn them over to the other side. If you are only cooking one potato, 3 mins of microwaving would be enough. However, in case, there are more than one, a 5 mins round would be better.
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Avoid tears when chopping onions:
All of us want to avoid chopping onions because it causes the eyes to tear up. However, you can avoid this with the help of a microwave oven. Before you begin with the good old chopping, place the onion in the microwave for 45 seconds. The heating helps with breaking down the chemicals that lead to tears.
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Use wet paper towels:
When heating a dish, get a paper towel, dampen it with a little water, and put it on top of the food. By doing so, you can ensure some moisture is retained in your food so it is not chewy or dry. So, for example, if your bread has gone stale, you can cover it with a damp towel and microwave it on high for 10 seconds. This will ensure the bread comes out soft.
Also, covering the food with a damp towel can prevent it from splattering and dirtying the insides of your microwave oven.
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Use citric acid to clean the microwave:
The insides of the microwave oven get dirty with all the food splashes. To get rid of these scabs, get a lemon and slice it in two. Squirt some juice in a glass bowl filled with an inch of water. Now, put the lemon slices in a bowl, ensuring the water doesn’t cover them. Microwave this for three mins or until the water comes to a boil. Leave the bowl inside for five mins. After removing the bowl, get a paper towel and use it to clean the roof and sides of the oven.
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Add water when reheating rice:
When reheating a dish made of rice, always remember to add one tablespoon of water to the dish. Next, cover it with a damp paper towel to avoid the loss of moisture. Set the timer for one minute and thirty seconds. You can put it back in for thirty more seconds if the dish is not warmed enough to your liking the first time.
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Cover the pasta when reheating:
Cooked plateful of pasta but couldn’t finish it? Well, no worries, you can always reheat for your next meal. When microwaving your pasta, pour 1 tbs of olive or vegetable oil on the top of your dish. Set the time for 35 seconds at a high temperature or one minute at a low temperature. If your pasta is covered in sauce, microwaving it could cause a splatter. Cover it with a microwave-safe plate for safety.
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Liquefy honey in the microwave:
If your honey has solidified, do not worry. You can still bring it back to life by uncovering it and putting the jar in the microwave oven. Heat on medium power for 30 seconds to one minute. After microwaving, your honey has liquefied and is ready to be mixed in your tea or spread over cornbread.
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Make corn on the cob:
Want some corn on the cob? Get a cob and microwave on high for two to three minutes. Next, take it out and serve with plenty of butter, salt, and pepper. If you want them more toasty consider finishing them on the grill or under the broiler.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, mastering the art of microwave cooking is like having a secret weapon in your kitchen. From quick reheating to innovative cooking techniques, your microwave oven can be your best friend, simplifying your meal preparations and making that investment in your microwave oven price truly worthwhile. So, embrace these tips for hassle-free cooking and discover the joy of making your time in the kitchen a breeze while reaping the benefits of your microwave oven’s value.
Happy cooking!