The microwave is one of the most essential appliances in any
modern kitchen. It’s quick, convenient, and versatile.
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!
1. Use
Microwave-Safe Containers
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.
2. Reheat
Pizza with a Cup of Water
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.
3. Steam
Vegetables for Easy Meal Prep
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.
4. Soften
Butter and Cream Cheese Quickly
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.
5. Peel
Garlic with Ease
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.
6. Revive
Stale Bread
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.
7. Easily
Melt Chocolate
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.
8. Make
Fluffy Rice
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.
9.
Defrost Meat Efficiently
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.
10. Clean
Your Microwave in Seconds
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.
Bonus
Tip: Use the Microwave to Reheat Coffee
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.
Final
Thoughts
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!
