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10 Unique Ways to Use Your Microwave Beyond Reheating Leftovers
When it comes to microwaves, most people think of using them solely for reheating leftovers. However, microwaves can be used for much more than that. Here are 10 unique ways to use your microwave:
- Softening Brown Sugar: Place the hardened brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl with a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 seconds.
- Peeling Garlic: Microwave a whole bulb of garlic for 20 seconds and the cloves will slide right out of their shells.
- Drying Herbs: Place herbs on a paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds to dry them out.
- Cleaning Your Cutting Board: Microwave a damp sponge or cloth for 30 seconds and then use it to wipe down your cutting board.
- Roasting Nuts: Spread nuts in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Making Popcorn: Tired of buying pre-packaged popcorn? Make your own by placing kernels in a microwave-safe bowl with a vented cover and microwaving for 2-3 minutes.
- Disinfecting Your Kitchen Sponge: Microwave a damp sponge for 1-2 minutes to kill any bacteria.
- Steaming Veggies: Place your veggies in a microwave-safe dish with some water and microwave for a couple of minutes to steam.
- Melting Chocolate: Microwave chocolate chips or chopped chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
- Reviving Stale Bread: Wrap the bread in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10 seconds to bring it back to life.
With these unique uses for your microwave, you’ll be able to save time & effort while taking advantage of the appliance’s versatility. Try one of these methods and discover a new way to use your microwave today!
Introduction
Microwaves are an essential appliance in every kitchen. They are mainly used for reheating leftovers, but did you know that you can use your microwave to do much more than that? In this post, we’re going to explore ten unique ways in which you can use your microwave.
1. Cooking Bacon
Cooking bacon in the microwave is not only quick and easy, but it’s also less messy than cooking it on a stovetop. Place the bacon strips on a paper towel-lined plate and cover them with another paper towel. Then, microwave for 4-6 minutes until crispy.
2. Steaming Vegetables
Steaming vegetables in the microwave is a healthy way to cook them. Place your vegetables in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on high for about 3-5 minutes until tender.
3. Making Popcorn
Microwaving popcorn is a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic snack. Simply place a bag of popcorn in the microwave and follow the instructions on the packaging. Within minutes, you’ll have a crunchy, buttery snack.
4. Softening Brown Sugar
If your brown sugar has hardened over time, you can soften it in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl with a damp paper towel on top. Microwave for 20-30 seconds and check the consistency. Repeat until the sugar is soft.
5. Drying Herbs
You can easily dry herbs in the microwave by placing them between two paper towels and microwaving for 1-2 minutes. The herbs will come out dry and ready to use in your favorite recipes.
6. Roasting Nuts
Roasting nuts in the microwave is a simple process. Place your nuts in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 2-3 minutes until toasted. Be sure to stir the nuts every 30 seconds to ensure they are evenly toasted.
7. Disinfecting Sponges
Sponges can harbor bacteria, but you can disinfect them in the microwave. Wet the sponge and microwave it for 2 minutes on high. This will kill most of the bacteria and leave you with a clean sponge.
8. Making Mug Cakes
You can make simple and delicious cakes in a mug using your microwave. Just mix together your ingredients in a microwave-safe mug and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. Top with whipped cream or frosting and enjoy!
9. Softening Ice Cream
If you find yourself with rock-hard ice cream, you can soften it in the microwave. Remove the ice cream from the container and place it in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high for 20-30 seconds until soft.
10. Cleaning Your Microwave
You can clean your microwave with ease using vinegar and water. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water and one tablespoon of vinegar. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, then wipe down the interior with a sponge or cloth.
Conclusion
Your microwave can do more than just reheat leftovers. Try out these ten unique ways to use your microwave and see how versatile this kitchen appliance can be.
Related Articles:
10 Cool Microwave Tricks You Need to Know
1. Make Crispy Bacon
Did you know you can make crispy bacon in the microwave? Simply place bacon between two paper towels and microwave for 4-6 minutes on high power.
2. Revive Stale Bread
If your bread has gone stale, wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-20 seconds. The moisture from the towel will soften the bread.
3. Make Potato Chips
Thinly slice potatoes and place them on a piece of parchment paper. Microwave for 3-5 minutes, or until crisp.
4. Steam Vegetables
Add a tablespoon of water and your favorite vegetables to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes.
5. Soften Brown Sugar
If your brown sugar has hardened, place it in a microwave-safe bowl with a damp paper towel on top and microwave for 10-20 seconds.
6. Make Hot Chocolate
Mix cocoa powder, sugar, and milk in a microwave-safe cup. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until heated through.
7. Toast Nuts
Spread nuts on a piece of parchment paper and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until lightly browned.
8. Cook Rice
Add 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 12-15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.
9. Melt Chocolate
Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and repeat until melted.
10. Disinfect Sponges
Soak sponges in water, then microwave for 1-2 minutes to kill bacteria.
If you’re interested in more microwave tips and tricks, check out this Wikipedia page on microwave ovens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique ways to use my microwave?
1. Sterilize kitchen sponges
2. Dry herbs
3. Poach eggs
4. Cook bacon
5. Make homemade potato chips
6. Soften brown sugar
7. Toast nuts
8. Make popcorn
9. Melt chocolate
10. Steam vegetables
How can I sterilize kitchen sponges in the microwave?
Wet the sponge and place it in the microwave for 2 minutes on high power. This will kill any bacteria or germs on the sponge.
Can I dry herbs in the microwave?
Yes, you can dry herbs in the microwave. Place the herbs on a paper towel and microwave them for 1-2 minutes on high power until they are dry.
Can I poach eggs in the microwave?
Yes, you can poach eggs in the microwave. Crack an egg into a microwave-safe bowl or mug filled with water. Microwave on high for 1 minute, remove from the microwave, and let it sit for 30 seconds before removing the egg with a slotted spoon.
How can I cook bacon in the microwave?
Place bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Microwave on high power for 1 minute per slice of bacon. Check the bacon and continue microwaving for 30-second intervals until it is crispy.
What is the process for making homemade potato chips in the microwave?
Slice potatoes thinly and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high power for 3-5 minutes, checking and flipping the chips every minute, until they are crispy and golden brown.
How can I soften brown sugar in the microwave?
Place the brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high power for 20-30 seconds.
Can I toast nuts in the microwave?
Yes, you can toast nuts in the microwave. Spread the nuts on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high power for 1 minute. Stir the nuts and continue microwaving for 30-second intervals until they are toasted.
What is the process for making popcorn in the microwave?
Place popcorn kernels in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate. Microwave on high power for 2-3 minutes, or until the popping slows down. Be sure to listen for popping sounds and stop the microwave when there are a few seconds between pops.
How can I melt chocolate in the microwave?
Place chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high power for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each interval. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn easily.
How can I steam vegetables in the microwave?
Place washed and chopped vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl with a small amount of water. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate and microwave on high power for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked to your liking.
10 Unique Ways to Use Your Microwave Beyond Reheating Leftovers
- Cooking Vegetables: Microwaving vegetables can be quick and easy, and it helps preserve the nutrients.
- Making Potato Chips: Thinly slice potatoes, season and microwave until crispy for a healthier version of potato chips.
- Softening Brown Sugar: Place hardened brown sugar in the microwave with a damp paper towel for a quick solution.
- Steaming Fish: Place seasoned fish in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water and steam until cooked through.
- Candying Nuts: Coat nuts in sugar and microwave until toasted and candy-coated.
- Popping Popcorn: Skip the movie theater and pop your own popcorn in the microwave with kernels and a brown paper bag.
- Baking Breads and Cakes: Use a microwave-safe dish and your microwave’s baking setting to create quick breads and cakes.
- Disinfecting Sponges: Place your kitchen sponge in the microwave for a few seconds to kill bacteria and eliminate odors.
- Drying Herbs: Detach herb leaves from their stems and microwave them until they’re dry and crumbly, perfect for seasoning.
- Sterilizing Soil: Place soil in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for a few minutes to sterilize it before planting.
