Tips On Using Microwave Oven Efficiently
Microwave oven has made our life easier. Now working men and women can cook delicious foods by spending less time in kitchen. Microwave cooking is healthy and affordable as well. Here are some useful tips to use microwave oven efficiently and save time and energy.
Positioning Food
Food should be placed off-center because in microwave oven energy disperses more on corners and sidewalls. After cooking is over and microwave is switched off, let the food remain inside the shut oven to complete cooking process. Arrange the food in such a manner that thicker part is placed on the outer side and thinner part inside for cooking evenly. To get the food cooked uniformly, stir the food and change the position of the food after few minutes.
Use Microwave Cookware
Do not use metallic utensils and aluminum foil. It can generate sparks. Glass ceramics are ideal cookware for microwave. Glass, plastic and paper bags are also suitable for microwave cooking.
Size of the Container
Proper size of container should be used for cooking in microwave. If the cooking dish is too small in proportion to the liquid used, the food will boil over, if the container is too big, the liquid juice will spread out. Use deep bottom vessel for cooking rice, chicken, meat, cake etc. and round dishes for cooking curry dishes.
How to Cook
Use fewer herbs, less spices and less salt than the quantity you use in conventional cooking because microwave cooking enhances the flavor of spices. Read instruction manual and set time accordingly to cook different food. Use very less amount of oil or butter because food in microwave is prepared by its own natural juices. While cooking cover the food item with plastic wrap or lid to retain moisture and steam to cook fast. But it is necessary to allow the steam to escape by making a hole on the plastic or loosening the lid. Always keep the microwave clean.
Safety Features
• Wear gloves to take out food from the oven.
• Door of the microwave should be closed properly, and should not be subject to strain.
• Strictly follow the measures displayed on the user manual for cleaning and using it.
• If microwave is not working, call the service provider. Do not try to repair on your own.
• While re-heating set the time according to the quantity. Small quantity of food can catch fire if heated for more than required time.
• Do not install the microwave near the gas stove, TV or radio.
By following these safe and easy measures, you can enjoy healthy and tasty cooking and save your time too.
