Microwave Cooking
The microwave can reduce cooking time considerably. Forget to take those pork chops out of the freezer no problem the microwave is there to help speed up the defrosting process. Leftovers they say always taste better the next day, heat them up in the microwave and supper is on the table in a matter of minutes. Of course certain rules must be observed.
Safety First
- Plastic covering must be punctured before opening to avoid being burned by the steam. Foods microwaved with a tight fitting lid must always be opened with the lid facing away from you.
- Always use oven mitts or a pot holder when removing items from the microwave because microwave cooking dishes may be hot after microwaving.
Choosing the right container
- Never use metal pans, dishes or utensils in the microwave.
- Never use any gold or metal trimmed decorated containers.
- Aluminum foil must never be used to cover dishes or for cooking in the microwave.
- Plastic wrap, waxed paper, paper towels and heavy-duty paper plates and bowls may be used in the microwave.
- Cookware or containers made from glass or microwave-safe material should be used for larger meals.
- If you are a microwave junkie (the microwave is your best friend) you should invest in some good quality microwave cookware. Some all-in-one microwave containers are used to cook, serve and even store your leftovers.
Cooking Times
- Cooking time of course will be affected by the initial temperature of your food. Room temperature items require less time than frozen or cold foods.
- Internal temperature of meat or poultry must be checked with a cooking thermometer right after removing from the microwave to avoid undercooking. Microwave a little longer if not hot enough.
- Microwave cooked foods continue to cook even after being removed from the microwave. This ranges from a few minutes to 10-15 minutes for larger cuts of meat..
- Larger amounts of food cooked at one time of course require longer cooking times.
- To speed cooking, avoid splattering and keep foods moist a cover can be used.
- 100% power usually equals 425 degrees.
- 50% is equivalent to 350 degrees.
Cooking Techniques
- To obtain even cooking results you must stir, turn or rearrange microwave cooked foods. Rotate the dish, stir contents or rearrange food at least 1 time during cooking time.
- Stirring - The food outside of the microwave container heats faster than the center. When cooking vegetables, liquids, sauces or casseroles, stir occasionally to redistribute the heat.
- Arranging - If cooking more than two items, place them in a circle. Arrange food with space between individual items. The center should be open and free of food. Do not pile food in the microwave. The food should be uniform in size, whenever possible. When cooking foods.
- Foods which contain baking powder such as cakes should be let stand for a few minutes to allow the leavening agents to work.
Browning
- Some pre-packaged foods are made especially for cooking in the microwave but as previously mentioned foods you prepare yourself are better nutritionally and taste better. Nonetheless products available include single serving pizzas, pasta dishes, popcorn, hot drinks, fish sticks, pocket sandwiches, noodle meals, hot dogs etc.
- Because food cooks so quickly in the microwave it does not have the time to brown. Color may be added to pork chops, hamburger and steak by putting on the meat while cooking some gravy, browning sauce, soy sauce, dry gravy mix. Poultry may be sprinkled with paprika to give it some extra color.
- Microwave browning sleeves, pockets, microwave grill or wrap may also be used. Food can also be placed under the broiler of a conventional oven to give it a touch of color.
- Turkeys and large cuts of meat usually brown themselves naturally because they take a longer period of time to cook.
Handy Covers
- Coffee filters placed over dishes or bowls make great covers and will prevent food splatters all over the microwave.