If you’re like most Americans, you probably have a microwave oven in your home. In fact, according to one study, over 90% of U.S. households own one! And that’s not surprising, given how handy they are for Microwaved leftovers and cooking quick meals.
But if your microwaved food has been tasting kinda bland lately, don’t worry – we’ve got some tips to help make it taste better!
Cut Food Into Smaller Pieces
Most microwaves can only penetrate food that is an inch thick or less. To get the best results, chef suggests cutting food into pieces that are an inch thick or less.
So, for best results cut the foods you are cooking in the microwave into pieces that are an inch thick or less.
By doing this, you will ensure that the microwaves evenly penetrate your food, cook it evenly, and prevent any surprises when you go to take a bite.
Imagine biting into a piece of chicken only to find that the middle is still raw while the edges are overcooked and dry. Not only is this frustrating, but it can also be dangerous if you eat undercooked chicken.
Place Thicker Items Around The Edge Of The Plate
If you’ve ever heated up a plate of food in the microwave only to find that the food on the edges was piping hot while the food in the center was still cold, then you know how annoying that can be.
The next time you’re preparing thicker items like drumsticks, place them around the outside edge of your plate. That way, the outside edges of the food will be closest to the walls of the microwave, where the heat is generated, and will be heated evenly.
Salt Your Food After Heating Not Before
Have you ever heated up something in the microwave only to find that the top part is dry and crusty? If so, you’re not alone.
This is a common problem that can be caused by the way salt attracts microwaves. When microwaves hit salt, they are concentrated on the surface of the food, which can lead to uneven cooking and drying.
To avoid this problem, simply salt your food after it has been heated, not before. This will help to distribute the salt more evenly and prevent the top of your food from becoming overcooked and dry.
Steam Your Vegetables
Steaming vegetables in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook them evenly while retaining their nutrients. Simply place the vegetables in a microwave-safe dish, add a little water, and cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap.
Then cook on high for two to three minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Be sure to check the vegetables often during cooking, as they can quickly become overcooked and lose their nutrients.
Steam Raw Meat
If you’ve ever cooked meat in the microwave, chances are you were less than impressed with the results. More often than not, meat cooked in the microwave comes out rubbery and dried-up.
However, there is a way to cook meat in the microwave without ending up with a disappointing meal. The key is to use the steaming method. This involves placing the meat on a plate with a small amount of water and then covering it with plastic wrap.
The steam generated by the hot water will help to cook the meat while also keeping it moist. The meat will have a more pleasing texture and will be less likely to dry out.
Use Round or Oval Containers
You may not think twice about which container you use when heating up food in the microwave, but it turns out that the shape of the container can actually have an impact on how evenly the food heats up.
While square or rectangular containers are sometimes more convenient, they can actually cause uneven cooking. Round and oval containers, on the other hand, help to distribute the microwaves more evenly and can result in better-cooked food.
Don’t Trust Popcorn Button
While the popcorn button on your microwave may be tempting to use, it’s actually not the best way to make popcorn. In fact, it can actually lead to burnt popcorn.
Instead, use your ears to listen for the popping to slow down, then stop the microwave and let the popcorn sit for a few seconds. This will give you a much better results and will help to prevent burnt popcorn.
Keep The Food Covered
When you reheat food in the microwave, it’s important to cover it so that your food doesn’t get dry or rubbery. When food is heated, the water inside of it evaporates quickly, which can cause the food to become dry.
If you don’t have a lid that fits your dish, you can use a coffee mug or a bowl turned upside down. Just make sure there’s a little space between the top of the food and the lid so that steam can escape.
You can also use wax paper or plastic wrap, but be sure to poke a few holes in it so that the steam can escape. By covering your food, you’ll be able to heat it evenly and prevent it from drying out.
Add a Glass of Water
Have you ever reheated a piece of bread, only to find that it’s tougher and drier than it was before? Well, there’s an easy way to fix that. Just add a glass of water to the microwave!
The steam will help to rehydrate the bread, making it softer and more enjoyable to eat. In fact, this little trick works for all kinds of bread products, from baguettes to pizza crusts.
Use Microwave Accessories
While the microwave has long been praised for its convenience, it is often criticized for its unsatisfied results. However, there are a few simple accessories that can help to improve the taste of microwaved food.
For example, a microwave crisper pan can help to give food a crispy, fried texture. Similarly, a microwave pasta cooker can help to perfectly cook pasta without any of the hassle.
With just a few simple accessories, you can enjoy delicious, flavor-packed microwaved meals.
Conclusion
Microwaved food doesn’t have to be unhealthy or tasteless. With these tips, you can enjoy delicious, nutritious meals that are quick and easy to prepare. So next time you’re in a hurry, don’t be afraid to reach for the microwave!
