Unmissable tips for cooking in the microwave

The microwave is one of the most famous appliances we are familiar with, as it is very useful for reheating food or preparing snacks like popcorn quickly and easily. However, the possibilities of this appliance go far beyond instant food. Did you know that you can prepare all kinds of dishes in the microwave? From defrosting meat and cooking vegetables to preparing delicious desserts, the microwave oven is a marvel that will make your cooking life easier. That’s why at kiwilimón, we want to share our must-know tips for cooking in the microwave that will help you master the use of this appliance in no time. You can also read: Christmas dishes in the microwaveHow does a microwave oven work?The microwave oven is one of the most common appliances in households, but do you know how it works? Below, we explain everything about how microwaves work so you can learn more about this ingenious device. According to the Federal Consumer Protection Agency, this appliance can heat food quickly thanks to the microwaves it is named after, which heat food from the inside out.Microwaves are a type of energy generated by a magnetron and are dispersed throughout the oven with the help of a fan. The energy from the microwaves makes the water, fat, and sugar molecules in food vibrate, producing heat and cooking the food. Additionally, thanks to the design of this appliance, microwaves can bounce off the walls, penetrating the food from different angles, which, combined with the rotating plate, helps achieve more even heating. You can also read: How to deep clean your microwave oven?Tips for using the microwaveWhether you use it to defrost, reheat, or cook, it is undeniable that the microwave oven is a highly practical appliance. However, to make the most of it, you need to follow these tips. Use microwave-safe containersTo ensure your safety and that of the food you consume, you should always use microwave-safe containers when using this appliance. This is because certain materials, specifically some types of plastic, can release harmful chemicals into the food. Therefore, you should use containers that clearly specify they are microwave-safe. These containers can be made of materials like plastic, ceramic, glass, or even paper, as noted by the Institute of Food Technologists. You should never use metal containers in your microwave.Use a microwave coverWhile it is not an essential item for using the microwave, a microwave cover is a very practical addition. On one hand, it will help keep your microwave clean for longer by preventing splatters. On the other, it will help retain moisture in the food, preventing it from drying out while heating. Additionally, they help food heat more evenly and are reusable, so you won’t have to worry about running out of plastic or paper to cover your containers. Just remember to wash your microwave cover after each use to maintain food hygiene. Adjust the power of your microwaveNot all foods require the same power level to heat in the microwave, so if you want to ensure they heat as evenly as possible without drying out or burning, it's essential to learn how to adjust the power. According to Steamy Kitchen, you can use high power to heat foods with a high water content, such as soups and even vegetables, while medium power is ideal for denser foods, like proteins or frozen items.Use your microwave's functionsDare to go beyond simply setting a random time and hoping for the best when heating different types of food. Microwave ovens come with multiple preset functions that will help you heat different types of food based on their characteristics, automatically adjusting the power and time for you, making the job much easier and yielding better results. Ensure food heats evenlyAlthough they are extremely useful appliances, microwaves often have trouble heating food evenly. That's why sometimes food can be extremely hot in some areas while remaining cold in others. To avoid this problem, you can place your food on a large plate and spread it out to heat better. On the other hand, as suggested by Choice, if you are heating foods that can be stirred, like soup or beverages, it's a good idea to stop the microwave halfway through the cycle, stir the liquid, and restart the cycle to ensure proper heating. If you are heating foods that cannot be stirred, it is ideal to let them rest for 5 minutes inside the microwave to ensure the heat disperses better.With the tips above, you will be able to make the most of your microwave and quickly and easily heat, defrost, and cook all kinds of foods and dishes. At kiwilimón, you can always find the best tips and secrets for using your appliances like an expert and impress in the kitchen.