9
Recommended Use
Glass and glass-ceramic bowls and dishes - Use
for heating or cooking.
Microwave browning dish - Use to brown the exterior
of small items such as steaks, chops, or pancakes.
Follow the directions provided with you browning dish.
Microwaveable plastic wrap - Use to retain steam.
Leave a small opening for some steam to escape
and avoid placing it directly on the food.
Wax paper - Use as a cover to prevent spattering.
Paper towels and napkins - Use for short term
heating and covering; they absorb excess moisture
and prevent spattering. Do not use recycled paper
towels, which may contain metal and can catch fire.
Paper plates and cups - Use for short-term heating
at low temperatures. Do not use recycled paper,
which may contain metal and can catch fire.
Thermometers - Use only those labeled “Microwave
Safe” and follow all directions. Check the food in
several places. Conventional thermometers may be
used once the food has been removed from the oven.
Limited Use
Aluminum foil - Use narrow strips of foil to
prevent overcooking of exposed areas. Using too
much toil can damage your oven, so be careful.
Ceramic, porcelain, and stoneware - Use these if
they are labeled “Microwave Safe”. If they are not
labeled, test them to make sure they can be used
safely. Never use dishes with metallic trim.
Plastic - Use only if labeled “Microwave Safe”.
Other plastics can melt.
Straw, wicker, and wood - Use only for short-term
heating, as they can be flammable.
Not Recommended
Glass jars and bottles - Regular glass is too thin to
be used in a microwave, and can shatter.
Paper bags - These are a fire hazard, except for
popcorn bags that are designed for microwave use.
Styrofoam plates and cups - These can melt and
leave an unhealthy residue on food.
Plastic storage and food containers - Containers
such as margarine tubs can melt in the microwave.
Metal utensils - These can damage your oven.
Remove all metal before cooking.
Stirring
Stir foods such as casseroles and vegetables while
cooking to distribute heat evenly. Food at the
outside of the dish absorbs more energy and heats
more quickly, so stir from the outside to the center.
The oven will turn off when you open the door to
stir your food.
Arrangement
Arrange unevenly shaped foods, such as chicken
pieces or chops, with the thicker, meatier parts
toward the outside of the turntable where they
receive more microwave energy. To prevent
overcooking, place thin or delicate parts toward the
center of the turntable.
Shielding
Shield food with narrow strips of aluminum foil to
prevent overcooking. Areas that need shielding
include poultry wing-tips, the ends of poultry legs,
and corners of square baking sdishes. Use only
small amounts of aluminum foil. Larger amounts
can damage your oven.
Turning
Turn foods over midway through cooking to expose
all parts to microwave energy. This is especially
important with large items such as roatsts.
Standing
Foods cooked in the microwave build up internal
heat and continue to cook for a few minutes after
the oven stops. Let foods stand to complete
cooking, especially foods such as roasts and whole
vegetables. Roasts need this time to complete
cooking in the center without overcooking the outer
areas. All liquids, such as soup or hot chocolate,
should be shaken or stirred when cooking is
complete. Let liquids stand a moment before
serving. When heating baby food, stir well and test
the temperature before serving.
Adding Moisture
Microwave energy is attracted to water molecules.
Food that is uneven in moisture content should be
covered or allowed to stand so that the heat
disperses evenly. Add a small amount of water to
dry food to help it cook.
COOKING GUIDE
COOKING UTENSILS
COOKING TECHNIQUES