Buzz
Microwaves do more than just heat, defrost, and melt food; they can also save you a lot of cooking time.
1. Uncover Lesser-Known Microwave Cooking Tips
Microwaves not only heat, defrost, and melt food but also save you a lot of cooking time.
Here is a list of 10 microwave hacks to make your cooking easier.
Squeeze more juice from your lemons and oranges
Revitalize Stale Citrus for More Juice
For citrus fruits stored in the fridge, microwaving them for about 10 seconds makes squeezing them for juice easier. The microwave softens the fiber, allowing for effortless extraction.
Peel Garlic in Seconds
Instead of painstakingly peeling garlic cloves, microwave them for about 10 seconds. The heat and steam make the peel easily come off, allowing for easy peeling.
Steam/Boil Vegetables
Most vegetables can be steamed in the microwave without water. Layer the vegetables on a plate, cover tightly, and microwave at a high temperature for optimal retention of vitamins.
Enhance Vitamin Retention in Vegetables
Peel Onions Tear-Free
Microwaves are a savior for those tearing up while peeling onions. An effective tip to avoid tears is to cut both ends of the onion and heat it at medium temperature in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
Easily Slice Green Onions with the Microwave
Revive Clumpy Sugar
If your sugar has clumped, place a damp paper towel in the sugar container, seal it, and microwave at the highest heat for about 20-30 seconds.
Peel Tomato and Cucumber Skin
If your goal is to peel cucumber or tomato without crushing them, or you simply want to slice them quickly, rotate them for 1 - 2 minutes on low mode. Let them cool for a few seconds, then peel or slice. This trick works well with pumpkins and carrots too.
Quickly Melt Chocolate
Instead of spending a lot of time melting chocolate using a double boiler, you can use the microwave to melt chocolate without burning it. Just put chocolate in a heat-resistant glass bowl and place it in the microwave, select medium power for 2 to 2.5 minutes. Note that after melting, you should stir the chocolate for a smoother texture.
Soften Beans in 10 Minutes
If your recipe calls for soaked beans overnight, and you forget about it, make use of your microwave to salvage the situation.
Procedure: Place chickpeas in a bowl, add a pinch of baking soda (purchase from a baking supply store, this powder is safe for consumption) and cover with water. Microwave on high for 10 minutes, then let it cool for 30-40 minutes. Ready to use.
Honey
Before discarding crystallized honey, try this tip. Microwave the honey for 40 seconds (or longer for larger jars) until it becomes liquid and smooth. Crystallized honey is still healthy and edible.
