Microwave cooking

8 top tips for perfect microwaving

 

1. Cut foods into even-sized small pieces, they will cook more quickly than large ones.

 

2. Arrange foods so that they cook evenly. Face the thickest parts, like broccoli stalks, outward towards the oven walls. Microwaves cook from the outside in.

 

3. Cover dishes with microwave-safe clingfilm and always pierce the film before cooking.

 

4. Stir, turn, and rotate foods frequently during cooking to ensure heat is distributed evenly. Do this even if your microwave plate rotates during cooking.

 

5. Allow cooked food to rest for a minute or two after the cooking time. This ensures the heat is evenly distributed through the food.

 

6. Pierce foods that have skins, such as sweet potatoes or whole apples, to allow steam to escape.

 

7. Use the defrost power setting to ensure that foods defrost in a slow and even manner. To assist with even defrosting, turn and rotate the food every so often. Be aware that defrosting on full power, rather than the defrost setting, may result in raw, still-frozen areas in the food even though some parts may be piping hot.

 

8. Don't use metal or foil as it reflects microwaves and may cause sparks to fly.

Recipes for you to try:

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes can be easily cooked in the microwave. Just scrub them, wash and prick and cook for 4 minutes turn the potatoes over and give them another 3-4 minutes. Depending on size, repeat until cooked.

A healthier way to cook

When you microwave, you don't need to add fat to your food, which is great news if you're managing your weight. When microwaving items such as vegetables in water, as with traditional boiling, nutrients are lost into the water, so it's important not to overcook or use too much water.

Saving money

Microwaves use far less energy than traditional cooking methods, mainly due to the speed at which they cook. Estimates vary, but you could save up to £5 a month by cooking with your microwave.

How do microwave ovens work?

Molecules of water in food are agitated by microwaves which makes them generate heat. Microwaves can pass through plastic, glass and ceramic containers and into the food. Metal containers reflect the microwaves and can cause sparks, so are not suitable. Only use containers that are labelled 'microwave safe'. 

Remember, the more in volume you microwave the longer it takes. For example, with conventional cooking, boiling 4 portions of broccoli takes the same time as cooking one portion, but in a microwave 1 portion takes 1-2 minutes while 4 portions require 2-3 minutes, depending on the power of your microwave.

Are they safe?

Microwaves do not always cook evenly and sometimes leave cold spots, which could harbour bacteria, while a hot spot could burn you. This is why it's really important to stir or move food around when cooking or reheating it, to ensure an even distribution of heat. Also, letting food stand or rest for a minute or two after cooking allows heat to distribute evenly through the dish. Again, be sure to give your food a good stir.

What can you cook?

Many people only use their microwave for defrosting and reheating leftovers, but you can cook a whole host of things from quick snacks to gourmet treats.

Vegetables

For example, broccoli, purple sprouting, carrots, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower cook well in the microwave. Simply place in a microwave-proof bowl and cover with microwave-safe cling film. Prick the cling film with the point of a knife and microwave on full power (800watts) for 2-2 ½ minutes then leave to stand for 1 minute. (1000 watt microwaves will take slightly less cooking time so check your handbook.)