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Originally ‘The microwave oven’ was seen as a humble reheating device, but has grown into a versatile tool in your kitchen. Beyond merely reheating, it can perform various unexpected yet highly useful tasks, making it a timesaving ally in your culinary endeavours. Here are some surprising microwave hacks that demonstrate the hidden potential of this remarkable appliance. It’s not just for quick dinners; it’s a true kitchen multitasker.
Get more juice from citrus fruits
Refrigerated lemons or limes can be challenging to juice due to their firmness, but your microwave can come to the rescue by softening the fruit and getting every last drop of juice. To get the most juice out of your fruit, microwave it whole for 10 to 20 seconds, roll it between your hands and then squeeze. This technique proves especially handy in the colder months when citrus fruits are not in peak season. Be cautious so as to not overheat the citrus fruit as this can cause it to burst. A brief burst of microwave power is all you need to squeeze out the juice.
Decrystallize honey
Using your microwave to revive crystallised honey is simple yet effective especially considering the cost of good quality honey. When honey becomes grainy or hard over time, you can restore it to its liquid state by heating it on medium power in your microwave. Heat it for 30 seconds and stir clockwise and anti clockwise to mix it well. Repeat this until you’re left with soft and flowing amber liquid. Remember to avoid microwaving honey in plastic containers, use a microwave safe jar instead.
Roast and peel garlic
Roasting garlic can be a time-consuming task. But did you know that your microwave could accomplish this in under eight minutes. Begin by slicing off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Place the head in a deep dish, season it with salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. Add two tablespoons of water to the dish, cover it with plastic wrap or a paper towel and microwave it at medium power for eight minutes. Let it rest briefly, unwrap it and extract the roasted garlicky goodness.
De clump brown sugar
Softening solid brown sugar is a breeze with the help of your microwave. Place the hard sugar lumps in a microwave-safe bowl with a damp paper towel on top. Add a few drops of water to the sugar and microwave it at medium power for 10 to 20 seconds, repeating this process as necessary until the sugar becomes soft and granular.
Cooking bacon
For perfectly crisp bacon without a messy stove or oven cleanup, turn to your microwave. Lay bacon strips on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Microwave for one minute to remove excess fat and you’re left with delicious and crispy bacon.
Drying herbs
To preserve fresh herbs in your fridge, use the microwave to quickly dry them, making them brittle and ready for crushing or grinding. Place herbs like parsley or thyme sprigs between paper towels and microwave it on gentle-medium heat. This method is ideal for parsley, basil, rosemary and celery leaves. Before you microwave your herbs ensure they are pat-dried to avoid cooking. Store your herbs in an airtight container away from light.
Rescue stale bread
In case you forgot to seal your bread, here’s a quick fix. Wrap the bread loaf in a damp paper towel and microwave it for 20-second intervals. The moisture from the towel will rejuvenate the bread’s freshness without making it soggy.
Proofs dough quickly
When making homemade bread, rolls or pizza dough, the process of proofing yeast can be quite lengthy, but the microwave offers a quick solution, reducing the time to approximately 15 minutes. Simply put the dough in a spacious bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and position a cup of boiling water inside the microwave. The limited space in the microwave, combined with the heat generated by the boiling water, will significantly hasten the proofing process.
Froths milk
There’s no need to invest in an expensive cappuccino machine; instead, create frothy milk at home with a mason jar and your microwave. Pour milk into the jar, filling it no more than halfway, screw on the lid, and shake vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds. Microwave for 30 seconds to stabilise the foam and then pour it into your coffee for a barista-style frothy finish. Make sure to serve it promptly to maintain the foam’s quality.
Toasting nuts
Need toasted nuts in a hurry? The microwave can do it in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven. Spread nuts in a single layer on a microwave-safe dish, add half a teaspoon of oil or butter and heat it on high for one minute. Mix the nuts and microwave it again for two to three more minutes. Keep in mind they continue to toast for about a minute after removal, so you don’t want to burn your nuts. On a side note- the nuts won’t have the same colour as traditional toasted nuts but they will have the same deep, toasty flavour and aroma. This method also works for roasting pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
Baking cakes
You can skip the oven and quickly bake moist cakes in the microwave. Whether you prefer individual mug cakes or a whole cake, the microwave serves as a convenient solution. Prepare your cake batter, microwave it in intervals and keep an eye on the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
Soaking lentils and beans
Do you frequently forget to soak your lentils and beans overnight? Fear not, as your microwave is the quick solution you’ve been looking for. Simply place the rinsed beans or lentils in a spacious microwave-safe bowl and fully immerse them in water. Microwave the bowl at full power for 10 minutes and let it sit inside the microwave for an additional 40 minutes or you can remove the beans from the microwave and leave them on your countertop for an hour. Afterward, drain the beans and rinse them with cool water. And there you have it – perfectly soaked beans, hassle-free.
Making jam
Have an abundance of berries, grapefruits, oranges or lemons? Your microwave can help you make jam or marmalade in less than 30 minutes. Always check the bottom of your glass or bowl to ensure it is labelled as microwave safe while making microwave jam and be sure to avoid using plastic containers for cooking jam.
Serves as a disinfectant
Did it occur to you to use your microwave to eliminate harmful bacteria that often lurk on some of the filthiest items in your kitchen? If your kitchen sponges are getting nasty and smelly but are still usable, don’t throw them out— disinfect them! Research shows that microwaving kitchen sponges for 2 minutes at maximum power can eradicate over 99 percent of germs, including E. coli. Soak the sponges in water with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice, and then heat on high for about two minutes in the microwave.
Remember to fully dampen the sponge by putting it in a microwave-safe bowl before microwaving. The sponges will be hot, so let them stand to cool for a bit. After they cool down, remove the sponges from the microwave and they’ll be good as new! Additionally, you can use the microwave to disinfect soft pet toys and baby toys, but it’s essential to test these items beforehand to ensure they won’t melt or get damaged.
While there are undoubtedly moments when spending time in the kitchen is delightful, the busier phases of life can benefit from the microwave’s assistance. There is no shame in embracing modern innovations in a creative way. Give these microwave tricks a go!
