5
Microwave cooking principles
1.
Arrange food carefully. Place thickest areas towards the outside of dish.
2.
Watch cooking time. Cook for the shortest amount of time indicated and add more
time as needed. Food that is severely overcooked can smoke or ignite.
3.
Cover food while cooking. Covers prevent spattering and help foods cook evenly.
4.
Turn food over once during microwave cooking to speed the cooking process of
foods such as chicken and hamburgers. Large items such as roasts must be turned
over at least once.
5.
Rearrange foods such as meatballs halfway through cooking, both from top to bottom
and from the centre of the dish to the outside.
Utensils guide
1.
The ideal material for a microwave utensil is transparent to microwave energy. This
allows energy to pass through the container and heat the food.
2.
Microwaves cannot penetrate metal, so metal utensils or dishes with metallic trim
should not be used.
3.
Do not use recycled paper products when microwave cooking, as they may contain
small metal fragments which may cause sparks and/or fires.
4.
Round /oval dishes rather than square/oblong ones are recommended, as food in
corners tends to overcook.
The list below is a general guide to help you to select the correct utensils.
Heat–Resistant Glass
Heat–Resistant Ceramics
Microwave–Safe Plastic Dish
Kitchen Paper
X Non Heat–Resistant Glass
X Metal Tray
X Metal Rack
X Aluminium Foil & Foil Containers*
* Narrow strips of aluminium foil may be used to prevent overcooking of exposed areas. Be
careful not to use too much foil, and keep a distance of 1 inch (2.54cm) between foil and
cavity.
