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8 Surprising Microwave Hacks You Need to Try
If you think your microwave is just for reheating leftovers, think again! Here are eight surprising hacks that will make you love your microwave even more:
- Crispy bacon: Place bacon strips on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a paper towel, and microwave on high for 4-6 minutes for perfectly crispy bacon.
- Egg poaching: Crack an egg into a microwave-safe bowl of water, cover with a plate, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes for a perfectly poached egg.
- Corn on the cob: Place corn on the cob in a microwave-safe dish with a little bit of water, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 3-5 minutes for perfectly cooked corn.
- Cake in a mug: Mix together cake mix, water, and oil in a microwave-safe mug, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes for a quick and easy single serving dessert.
- Crispy potato chips: Slice potatoes thin, sprinkle with salt, and microwave on high for 5-6 minutes for crispy homemade potato chips.
- Artichokes: Place artichokes in a microwave-safe dish with a little bit of water, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 8-10 minutes for perfectly cooked artichokes.
- Softening brown sugar: Place a damp paper towel on top of a bowl of brown sugar, and microwave on high for 20-30 seconds for soft, clump-free brown sugar.
- Garlic peeling: Microwave a head of garlic on high for 20-30 seconds, and the cloves will easily peel away from the skin.
Try out these hacks and see how versatile your microwave can be!
1. Cook Crispy Bacon
Place bacon on a plate lined with paper towels. Cover the bacon with another paper towel and microwave for 1-2 minutes per slice. The paper towels will absorb excess grease and the bacon will come out crispy.
2. Revive Stale Chips
If your chips have gone stale, place them in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 20-30 seconds. This will remove moisture and make them crispier.
3. Dry Herbs Quickly
Place herbs on a paper towel and microwave for 1-2 minutes on high. This will remove moisture and dry them out quickly.
4. Peel Garlic Easier
Microwave garlic cloves for 15-20 seconds and the skins will come off easily.
5. Soften Brown Sugar
If your brown sugar has hardened, place it in a microwave-safe container with a wet paper towel on top. Microwave for 20-30 seconds and it will become soft again.
6. Grill Sandwiches
Place your sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwaveable lid or another plate. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes and your sandwich will come out as if it were grilled.
7. Poach an Egg
Crack an egg into a microwave-safe bowl filled with 1/2 cup of water. Microwave for 30-60 seconds, depending on the wattage of your microwave. The egg will come out perfectly poached.
8. Disinfect Your Sponge
If your kitchen sponge has collected bacteria, place it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high. This will kill off any germs and make your sponge clean again.
Conclusion
Who knew that the microwave could be so versatile? With these hacks, you can save time and effort in the kitchen, and maybe even discover some new cooking methods along the way!
Sources:
https://www.buzzfeed.com/jessicaprobus/surprising-things-you-can-make-in-a-microwave
https://www.delish.com/food/g2660/microwave-hacks/
Microwave Tricks for Cooking Food
Quick Defrosting with a Paper Towel
If you need to defrost something quickly in the microwave, place it on a plate with a layer of paper towels underneath and on top of it. This will absorb the moisture and help the food defrost faster.
Crispier Pizza Crust
To get a crispier pizza crust in the microwave, place a piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil underneath the pizza. This will help to absorb the moisture and prevent the crust from getting soggy.
Softening Brown Sugar
If your brown sugar has hardened, place it in a microwave-safe bowl with a damp paper towel on top. Microwave it for about 10 seconds, and the brown sugar should soften right up.
Frothy Milk for Your Latte
You can easily froth milk in a microwavable jar with a lid. Shake the milk vigorously in the jar for about 30 seconds, remove the lid and microwave the milk for about 30 seconds. The heat from the microwave will stabilize the milk froth, producing a perfect latte.
Don’t forget to check out the Wikipedia page on microwave ovens for more information about microwave technology and how it can be used for cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are “Microwave Hacks?”
Microwave hacks refer to creative ways to use your microwave beyond its basic function of heating up food.
What are some surprising microwave hacks?
Here are eight surprising microwave hacks you need to try:
- Making crispy bacon
- Cooking perfect scrambled eggs
- Reviving stale bread
- Making homemade potato chips
- Cleaning your microwave
- Steaming vegetables
- Melting chocolate
- Cooking fish fillets
How can I make crispy bacon in the microwave?
Place bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Cover bacon with more paper towels and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes per slice.
Can I really cook scrambled eggs in the microwave?
Yes, you can! Whisk eggs and milk together in a microwave-safe bowl, microwave on high for 30 seconds then give it a stir. Repeat until eggs are fully cooked.
How long should I microwave stale bread to revive it?
Wrap bread in a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 10 seconds at a time until bread is soft and warm.
Can’t I just buy potato chips from the store?
Of course you can, but making homemade potato chips in the microwave is both fun and cost-effective. Simply slice potatoes thinly, arrange them on a microwave-safe plate, and microwave on high for 3-5 minutes or until crispy.
What’s the best way to clean my microwave?
Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl, microwave on high for 5 minutes, then wipe down the inside of the microwave with a soft cloth.
Can I really steam vegetables in the microwave?
Yes, you can! Place vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl with a small amount of water, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, then microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
What’s the secret to melting chocolate in the microwave?
Microwave chocolate in short bursts of 15-20 seconds, stirring between each burst until chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
How can I cook fish in the microwave without it drying out?
Place fish fillets in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water or broth, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes or until fish is opaque and flaky.
8 Surprising Microwave Hacks You Need to Try
- Pre-heat tortillas: Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15 to 20 seconds on high to make them soft and pliable before stuffing
- Revive stale bread: Wet a paper towel, wrap it around the bread and microwave it for 10 seconds to revive stale bread
- Soften sugar: Place a slice of bread in a container with hardened brown sugar and microwave for 10 seconds to soften it
- Cook bacon: Place the bacon between two paper towels and microwave for one to two minutes for crispy bacon
- Roast nuts: Roast nuts in a microwave-safe dish by microwaving them for one to two minutes until they become fragrant
- Steam vegetables: Chop vegetables and put them in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water. Cover the dish and microwave for three to five minutes to steam them
- Dry herbs: Place herbs between two paper towels and microwave them for one to two minutes to dry them quickly
- Make boiled eggs: Add water to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for one to two minutes. Then add eggs and microwave for another two minutes for perfect boiled eggs
