Microwave ovens have been warming up meals for over 50 years, but most people use them for basic reheating and defrosting. However, your microwave is capable of so much more. The quick-cooking technology that makes microwaves ideal for boiling water or melting butter also enables innovative shortcuts that can enhance your cooking. Below are some surprisingly clever microwave hacks that save time in meal prep, reduce waste in the kitchen, and unlock the true potential of this often under-appreciated appliance. With the right techniques and recipes, you can use your microwave to simplify everything from cooking eggs to preserving garden herbs.
Clever Microwave Cooking Hacks
Microwaves can cook food far faster than conventional ovens. While microwaved dishes won’t brown or crisp the same way, the following tricks take advantage of speedy cooking times while still producing delicious results.
Perfect Poached Eggs
Poaching eggs can be tricky, but the microwave eliminates messy boiling water and timers. Simply crack an egg into a microwave-safe mug or ramekin filled with a little water. Cook on high for 30 seconds to a minute, depending on preferred doneness. Season and enjoy!
Quick Oatmeal
Skip the stovetop and microwave oats in under 5 minutes. Combine 1⁄2 cup oats with 1 cup liquid like milk or water. Microwave 2-3 minutes, then mix in fruit, nuts, or other toppings.
Easy Rice
Forget watching a pot. Just combine rice and double the water or broth in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and microwave on high, 12-15 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving. White rice takes less time than brown.
Baked Spuds
No need to turn on the oven for baked potatoes. Prick whole, scrubbed russet potatoes with a fork to allow steam to escape. Microwave on high, flipping once halfway through:
- Medium spud: 7-9 minutes
- Large potato: 10-12 minutes
Sheet Pan Meals
Assemble chicken, vegetables, and seasonings on a microwave-safe roasting pan or ceramic dish. Cover with parchment paper and vent one corner. Microwave 5 minutes to quickly roast dinner.
Speedy Steamed Veggies
Place chopped veggies like broccoli, carrots, or green beans in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons water. Cover and microwave on high 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain any remaining water before seasoning and serving.
Reheating Leftovers
Leftovers sometimes need a little help. For quick, even reheating, cover plates and arrange food in a ring around the edges, leaving the center empty. Heat 1-3 minutes depending on quantities. Let stand 2 minutes before serving.
Kitchen Maintenance Hacks
From sterilizing dish sponges to softening butter, the microwave can also tackle all kinds of kitchen maintenance tasks. These shortcuts reduce waste and minimize money spent on disposable goods.
Sanitize Dish Sponges
Kitchen sponges harbor lots of germs. Eliminate odors and disinfect them by placing a wet sponge in the microwave and heating on high for two minutes. Let cool completely before removing. Replace monthly.
Soften Brown Sugar
Microwave hardened brown sugar with a cup of water for 30 seconds to return it to a soft, moldable texture for baking. Be careful when removing the hot cup from the microwave.
Soften Butter
Cold butter is difficult to cream into batter or spread onto bread. Soften a stick quickly by microwaving 5-10 seconds on high. Watch carefully to prevent melting.
Freshen Stale Breads
Revive bread bags gone dry by placing them in the microwave with a cup of water. Heat 1-2 minutes until warmed through, then enjoy. Works for crackers, chips and cereal too.
Steam Clean Microwave
Fill a microwave-safe bowl halfway with water and vinegar and heat on high 2-3 minutes. Steam loosens dried food bits so they can be wiped away easily with a cloth. No scrubbing necessary!
Innovative Cooking Techniques
In addition to handy shortcuts, the microwave’s rapid heating makes possible some unexpectedly innovative cooking techniques. Master these tricks to unlock your microwave’s gourmet potential.
“Fried” Bacon
Crisp up bacon without popping grease on the stovetop. Place strips between paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Cook at 1 minute intervals on high until desired crispness is reached, adjusting time as needed.
DIY Microwave Chips
Thinly slice potatoes, rinse in cold water then pat dry. Arrange in a single layer on paper towel lined plates and microwave uncovered on high 4-5 minutes. Flip once and continue microwaving 2-3 minutes until crispy.
Roasted Garlic
Roasted garlic packs a sweet, savory punch. To make it in the microwave, trim tops from garlic bulbs to expose tops of individual cloves. Place bulbs in microwave-safe ramekins, cut-side up and drizzle with olive oil. Microwave on high 5 minutes until soft and golden.
Poached Fruit
Simmer fruit in sweet poaching liquid right in the microwave. Combine diced fruit, sugar, spices and juice like wine or lemon in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes until fruit is tender. Enjoy over yogurt or ice cream.
Rapid Jam
No need to labor over hours of stirring boiling jam on the stove. Simply combine chopped fruit and sugar in a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high, stirring every minute, until thickened to desired consistency. Refrigerate in airtight containers.
Money-Saving Microwave Hacks
In addition to opening up quick cooking possibilities, the microwave can also help you waste less food and save more money with these practical hacks.
Extend Herbs
Don’t throw out that limp parsley or wilted cilantro! Wrap herbs loosely in barely damp paper towels and microwave 10-15 seconds until revived. Trim ends and place freshly perked herbs stem-side down in water.
Rescue Overripe Produce
Place wilty veggies in a microwave-safe bowl with 1⁄4 cup water. Steam on high for 1 minute intervals until crisp again. This restores cell structure through hydration. Works great for limp celery, carrots and more.
Decrystalize Honey
Don’t toss out granulated honey. Remove lid and microwave 20-30 seconds to warm and restore smooth, pourable consistency. Let cool before using.
Dry Breadcrumbs
Transform stale bread into crispy breadcrumbs. Tear bread into pieces and process in a food processor into fine crumbs. Spread on a microwave-safe plate and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring frequently, until dried out completely. Store in an airtight container.
Helpful Tips For Microwave Mastery
- Use microwave-safe cookware. Glass, ceramic and plastic containers labeled microwave safe will not melt or leach chemicals when heated. Metal pans can damage microwaves.
- Adjust cook times as needed based on wattage. Lower wattage equals slower cooking. Get to know your appliance.
- Arrange food in a ring around edges of plates or bowls, not stacked in center. This allows microwaves to penetrate food evenly.
- Cover foods with vented lids or paper towels so steam can escape. Trapped steam creates soggy meals.
- Let food rest after microwaving to allow heat to continue cooking interior and kill bacteria.
Also Read: How to Install and Replace a Microwave
Conclusion
The humble microwave no longer deserves its reputation as simply a reheating appliance. With a dash of creativity and a few simple techniques, this kitchen workhorse can poach, steam, roast, bake and so much more. Plus, handy microwave hacks reduce waste, save time, and breathe new life into limp produce and leftovers just when you’re ready to throw them out.
Once you realize all that your microwave is capable of, you’ll never look at it the same way again. It’s time to transform your microwave from boring to brilliant and discover just how handy this gadget can be.