Microwave Oven: Some Really Amazing Tricks
If you think that the microwave is only useful for reheating the leftovers of the previous day and making popcorn, you are wrong. There are many different ways that the microwave can help you.
Its main advantage is the speed with which you can prepare some dishes that would otherwise take much longer.
Check out these cool tricks that will reveal the wonderful powers that lurk in your microwave.
Corn
Instead of waiting for the ears to cook on some stove, why not use the microwave?
In this case it is better not to peel the cob. Its casing will trap moisture and heat inside and the corn kernels will cook evenly.
Turn on the microwave at maximum power and let the corn on the cob cook for 3 to 5 minutes.
This will make it much easier to remove the leaves. You just need to remember to let them sit for a couple of minutes if you don’t want to burn your fingers.
No more tears from the onion
If cutting onions makes you cry, then you’ll love this trick. Heat the onions in the microwave for about 30 seconds and you will cut them without shedding a tear.
Why does it work? Simple! When you reheat the onions before cutting them, you break down some of the enzymes that allow the onion to release its sulphurous gases, which make your eyes water.
New life to chips
When you leave a pack of chips open, they are likely to turn mushy and a little rancid after a while. Try placing the fries on a plate, put them in the microwave and heat them for 30 or 45 seconds.
Then take them out of the oven and let them rest for a minute. When you eat them, you will notice them crunchy and delicious again. This trick also works with popcorn.
Dry the herbs in the microwave
There are some herbs that are best not used immediately after harvesting them from the garden or while they are still fresh.
If you need to use them right away and don’t have time to wait for them to dry, then the microwave will be your salvation.
Heat the herbs at maximum power for 2 to 3 minutes to dry them.
Remember that, after washing them, you have to eliminate the excess water. Otherwise, instead of dried herbs, you will end up with cooked herbs.
Juicier citrus fruits
This is a wonderful trick that allows you to get the most out of citrus juice. It can be very difficult to squeeze fruits such as grapefruit, lime, lemons, oranges, etc.
If you put them in the microwave for about 20 seconds and then squeeze them, you will get much more juice as the inside of the fruit becomes softer. This way the juice will come out without the need to exert much pressure.
Hard bread
Few people like to eat bread when, after a while, it has become hard and a little rancid. To avoid having to throw away a loaf of bread for this reason, you can simply try putting it in the microwave.
Wrap the bread in a slightly damp cloth and turn the microwave on to maximum power for about 10 to 12 seconds. Afterwards, check if the bread has become softer.
If not, repeat the process until you get the desired result.
This process allows the bread to recover its moisture and maintains the softness and freshness of the one just made.
Scrambled eggs
Put your pan aside and take advantage of the power of the microwave oven to prepare a quick and easy breakfast.
- Beat some eggs with a little milk.
- Add salt and pepper and heat to high for about 45 seconds.
- Remove them and shake vigorously with a fork. Then put it back in the microwave for another 30 to 45 seconds.
- Repeat the process until the eggs are the way you want them.
Chips
You’re probably thinking you need a deep fryer for this, but you can give the microwave a chance. You might have a nice surprise.
Cut the potatoes as thin as possible and then place them in a microwave-safe dish.
The cooking time varies according to the power of your microwave but, generally, at maximum power it will take from 3 to 5 minutes to brown the potatoes.
When they are ready, you just have to take them, put some salt and enjoy them.
Poached eggs
Preparing poached eggs is not easy at all, and the microwave oven can facilitate this process. Just fill a microwave-safe container with half a cup of water and a pinch of salt.
Break the egg into the bowl and make sure it is completely submerged.
Cover the top with a small plate, turn on the microwave at maximum power for about a minute and let yourself be surprised by the results.
