Microwave Tips and Tricks to Make Life Easier
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Whether you're reheating leftovers, cooking a full meal, or defrosting frozen food, the microwave saves time and energy. But did you know that with a few simple tips and tricks, you can maximise its efficiency and functionality? Here are some microwave hacks that can make your life a whole lot easier!
The first rule of microwave safety and efficiency is using the right containers. Avoid plastic containers that aren't labelled as microwave-safe, as they can release harmful chemicals into your food when heated. Opt for glass, ceramic, or microwave-safe plastic containers that are designed to withstand heat. When reheating food, always use containers with lids to prevent splattering and keep your microwave clean.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a microwave-safe lid, a damp paper towel placed over the top of your container can help keep moisture in and prevent messes.
Leftover pizza is a common microwave challenge. If you microwave it without any tricks, you often end up with a soggy, chewy crust. But here’s a quick fix: place a microwave-safe cup of water next to the pizza in the microwave. The steam from the water will help rehydrate the crust, keeping it soft and tender, while the cheese melts perfectly.
Pro Tip: Try reheating pizza slices for 30 seconds to 1 minute on medium heat to avoid overcooking and making it tough.
Microwaving veggies is one of the fastest and healthiest ways to cook them. To steam vegetables, place them in a microwave-safe dish with a little bit of water (about 2 tablespoons per cup of vegetables), cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leaving a small vent), and cook for 2-4 minutes depending on the vegetable. You can steam broccoli, carrots, spinach, or even green beans without needing a steamer.
Pro Tip: If you have frozen veggies, you can microwave them directly from the freezer without thawing, which helps retain nutrients and makes meal prep easier.
Need softened butter or cream cheese but forgot to take it out of the fridge? Don’t worry, the microwave has got your back! Cut the butter into small cubes and microwave it for 5-10 seconds. For cream cheese, cut it into chunks and microwave for 10-15 seconds. You’ll have softened butter or cream cheese in no time—perfect for baking or spreading.
Pro Tip: For even softening, rotate the item halfway through microwaving to ensure even heat distribution.
If you're cooking with garlic, you know how tricky it can be to peel. Instead of struggling with your garlic press or knife, microwave the garlic cloves for about 10-15 seconds. This will loosen the skins, making them much easier to peel off. Plus, the microwave will help release the garlic’s aromatic oils, making your kitchen smell amazing!
Pro Tip: For even quicker results, place the garlic cloves under a damp paper towel while microwaving.
If your bread has gone a bit stale, don't throw it away just yet! Place a damp paper towel around the bread and microwave it for 10-15 seconds. The steam will soften it and bring back some of its original texture. It's a quick fix that makes stale bread more palatable again for sandwiches, toast, or dipping into soups.
Pro Tip: This method works best with smaller portions of bread, like rolls or slices. For larger loaves, try microwaving individual slices.
Melting chocolate in the microwave is simple, but it’s easy to burn if you’re not careful. Break the chocolate into small, even pieces and microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring well after each. This allows the heat to distribute evenly without overheating or burning the chocolate.
Pro Tip: Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or butter to the chocolate before microwaving. This will make it smoother and easier to work with.
If you’re in a rush and don’t have time to cook rice on the stovetop, you can easily make fluffy rice in the microwave. Combine 1 cup of rice with 2 cups of water in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 10 minutes. Then, let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. You’ll have perfectly cooked rice without the wait.
Pro Tip: For extra flavour, add a pinch of salt, a splash of olive oil, or a teaspoon of butter before microwaving.
The microwave’s defrost setting can save you time when you're in a pinch. Place frozen meat in a microwave-safe dish and use the defrost function based on the weight of the meat. Be sure to check the meat regularly to ensure its defrosting evenly and not starting to cook in spots. For larger cuts of meat, it’s better to defrost in the fridge overnight, but for small cuts like chicken breasts or ground meat, the microwave is a convenient option.
Pro Tip: If your meat starts to cook on the edges while defrosting, pause and let it sit for a few minutes to cool down before continuing.
The microwave can easily get messy with spills and splatters but cleaning it doesn’t have to be a chore. Place a microwave-safe bowl of water with a few slices of lemon or a tablespoon of vinegar inside the microwave and heat it on high for 3-5 minutes. The steam will loosen grime and odours, making it easy to wipe everything down with a clean cloth.
Pro Tip: For an extra fresh scent, add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to the bowl of water.
Microwaving coffee can be tricky because it often heats unevenly. To avoid that, place a microwave-safe spoon in your mug while reheating your coffee. The spoon helps to distribute heat more evenly, preventing hot spots and helping your coffee heat up more consistently.
Microwaves aren’t just for reheating leftovers—they’re multi-functional kitchen tools that can make life easier in countless ways. With a few simple tricks, you can use your microwave to cook, defrost, steam, soften, and even clean, all while saving time and energy. So next time you’re in a pinch, remember these microwave tips and hacks to make your life a whole lot easier!