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Beyond the basic features, microwave ovens harbor numerous functions waiting to be fully explored by users.
1. Unlocking the Potential: 12 Handy Functions of Microwave Ovens
Beyond the basic features, microwave ovens harbor numerous functions waiting to be fully explored by users.
'Pre-Soften' Onions Before Cutting
Placing onions in the microwave before cutting makes handling them easier and, most importantly, reduces eye irritation. The ideal time is around 30 seconds.
Peel Garlic Easily
Peeling garlic is often considered a daunting task for many. Try placing garlic in the microwave for 10 seconds. The cells in garlic will absorb moisture, making peeling them much easier.
Thinning Honey
Over time, honey tends to crystallize. Users can liquefy honey as usual by opening the jar and placing it in the microwave at medium temperature for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Steam Vegetables
For a quick and efficient way to steam vegetables, users don't need a complicated steamer. Simply stab the surfaces of the vegetables with a fork, place them in a bowl covered, and steam for about 3-4 minutes in the microwave. This method preserves nutrients better than boiling or stir-frying.
Microwaving Potatoes
Potatoes can be easily prepared using the microwave. First, poke a few small holes in the potato, then place it in a bowl in the microwave. Cook for 2 minutes at high temperature. Remove the bowl, leave the potato, and continue microwaving for about 2 more minutes. The cooked potato can be mashed for soup or used in various dishes as desired.
Clean Cutting Board
Apart from cooking, the microwave is also useful for kitchen cleaning. For example, to clean a cutting board, users only need to wash it thoroughly, rub a cut lemon on the board's surface, and then place it in the microwave for one minute to kill bacteria.
Alternatively, users can sterilize and deodorize a sponge by soaking it in a mixture of water with a little white vinegar or lemon, then microwaving it for a minute at high temperature. This method effectively sterilizes and deodorizes the sponge.
Fermenting Wheat Dough
To ferment wheat dough for regular baking, users usually need about an hour or more. However, with the microwave, users only need a maximum of 10-15 minutes. First, place the dough in a large bowl and cover it with plastic wrap placed in between. Put a cup of water around 240ml next to the bowl containing the dough. Next, turn on the microwave for 3 minutes (at the lowest power) and leave the dough in the microwave for about 3 minutes. Then continue to heat for an additional 3 minutes and leave it in the microwave for another 6 minutes. At this point, the dough will have doubled in size compared to the initial state.
Beauty Care Support
Microwaves can assist users in their beauty routines by warming hair treatment oils and moisturizing masks. This aids in better absorption of nutrients into the user's skin.
To execute, users simply place these products in the microwave and set the temperature to medium heat for 10 to 20 seconds, making them ready for immediate use.
With just a few simple steps using the microwave, you can create a flavorful popcorn.
First, put a spoonful of butter in a bowl and add a cup of popcorn kernels, mix this mixture together, and cover the bowl. Then, place it in the microwave and set it to operate at a medium power of about 600W and wait for 4 minutes.
Easier Citrus Juicing
When citrus fruits are cold from the fridge, they are challenging to squeeze, and the amount of juice extracted is minimal. Therefore, to make juicing citrus fruits easier and extract more juice, users should put them in the microwave for about 20 seconds.
Restore Crispiness to French Fries
French fries left for a long time become soft and lose their crunchiness. To bring back the crispiness, simply place them on a paper towel and put them in the microwave for 30 seconds. Repeat until the paper absorbs all the moisture from the fries, and the hot fries regain their crunchiness.
Soften Stale Bread
If bread is left for too long, it becomes dry and hard. To remedy this issue, users can wrap the bread loaf or slices in a clean damp cloth, use the bread oven function in the microwave for 10 seconds. Repeat several times until the bread is soft again.
As per the internet
