While most of us use the microwave to warm up leftovers, this underrated appliance is capable of much more. Can this kitchen staple actually enhance our cooking? From juicing citrus to making taco shells, these microwave hacks take some delicious shortcuts while making your life easier.
7 Microwave Hacks That Can Change the Way You Cook
Wondering how to use a microwave to its fullest potential? You may be surprised at what this labor-saving device can do. While our microwave hacks won’t result in a gourmet meal, they can be vital time-savers and helpful oven substitutes.
Squeeze More Citrus Juice
When your recipe calls for citrus juice, don’t labor with lemons or wrestle with an orange. For one of the easiest microwave tricks, heat the whole fruit for 10-20 seconds so it’s warm to the touch. Cut your citrus in half and squeeze with ease!
Steam Vegetables
Steamed vegetables should be part of every microwave cooking guide. That’s because it can perfectly steam most vegetables from broccoli to artichokes in less time than it takes water to boil. Here’s how to steam your way to a healthy and delicious side dish in minutes:
- Make sure fresh or frozen vegetables are in uniform pieces of about 1 inch in length.
- Place vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl and add 2-3 Tbsps of water.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe dish.
- Microwave for 2.5 minutes and check for your preferred level of doneness. Cook for 1-2 minutes more if needed.
- Remove the lid carefully, as steam will be hot.
Peel Garlic
This is one of those microwave hacks that save both time and labor. It can be difficult to peel multiple cloves of garlic by hand when every minute counts. To get the job done quickly, place a whole head of garlic in the microwave and heat for 20 seconds. The cloves should slide out of their skins with no smelly mess.
Cut an Onion, Tear-Free
If chopping onions slows your meal-prep with teary eyes, this is one of those microwave cooking hacks that can save the day. Place a whole onion in the microwave and heat for 30 seconds. This will break down the chemical compounds, allowing you to chop tear-free.
Scramble Eggs
These won’t be as fluffy as the stovetop version but when you want scrambled eggs in minutes, the microwave can do it. Simply beat 2 eggs in a microwave-safe bowl or mug, add a splash of milk, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Heat for 1.5 minutes, stir, and heat for 1-2 minutes more. You’ll have a hot breakfast waiting for you on your way out the door.
Soften Stale Bread
When your bread gets stale before you can finish it, don’t throw it away or suffer through a dry slice. Wrap the bread in a damp paper towel, place on a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 10 seconds. This will soften the bread, giving it a fresh taste and texture.
Make Hard Taco Shells
Microwave recipes that result in tacos are sure to be a success. When you’re short on shells, make your own with soft tortillas. Place the tortilla inside a tall, microwave-safe glass and heat for 1 minute. In 60 seconds you’ll have a crispy taco shell to fill with your favorite toppings.
We hope these microwave hacks make your life easier by saving time and effort. When you need a microwave repair servicel, High’N Appliance repair Services can also save you time and labor. Call us for a fast and professional repair!