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COOKING TECHNIQUES
Notes:
Should you wish to check if a dish is safe for microwaving, place the empty dish in the oven
and microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds. A dish which becomes very hot should not be used.
•
Straw, wicker, and wood — Use only for short-term heating, such as warming dinner rolls for a few
seconds. Baskets and bowls may be flammable.
Not Recommended
•
Glass jars and bottles — Regular glass is too thin to be used in a microwave. It can shatter and cause
damage and injury.
•
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.
Your microwave makes cooking easier than conventional cooking, provided you keep these considerations in
mind:
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 delicate areas,
such as asparagus tips, 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 dishes.
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 foods such as roasts.
Standing
Foods cooked in the microwave build up internal heat and continue to cook for a few minutes after heating stops.
Let foods stand to complete cooking, especially foods such as cakes 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 at removal 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.
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