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Cookware Guide
To cook food in the microwave oven, the microwaves must be able to penetrate
the food, without being reflected or absorbed by the dish used.
Care must therefore be taken when choosing the cookware. If the cookware is
marked microwave-safe, you do not need to worry.
The following table lists various types of cookware and indicates whether and
how they should be used in a microwave oven.
Cookware
Aluminium foil
Browning plate
China and earthenware
Disposable polyester
cardboard dishes
Fast-food packaging
•
Polystyrene cups
containers
•
Paper bags or newspaper
•
Recycled paper or metal trims
Glassware
•
Oven-to-table ware
•
Fine glassware
•
Glass jars
Metal
•
Dishes
•
Freezer bag twist ties
Paper
•
Plates, cups, napkins and
Kitchen paper
•
Recycled paper
Plastic
•
Containers
•
Cling film
•
Freezer bags
Wax or grease-proof paper
Comments
Can be used in small quantities to protect
areas against overcooking. Arcing can occur if
the foil is too close to the oven wall or if too
much foil is used.
Do not preheat for more than eight minutes.
Porcelain, pottery, glazed earthenware and
bone china are usually suitable, unless deco-
rated with a metal trim.
Some frozen foods are packaged in these dish-
es.
Can be used to warm food. Overheating may
cause the polystyrene to melt.
May catch fire.
May cause arcing.
Can be used, unless decorated with a metal
trim.
Can be used to warm foods or liquids. Delicate
glass may break or crack if heated suddenly.
Must remove the lid. Suitable for warming only.
May cause arcing or fire.
For short cooking times and warming. Also to
absorb excess moisture.
May cause arcing.
Particularly if heat-resistant thermoplastic.
Some other plastics may warp or discolour at
high temperatures. Do not use Melamine plas-
tic.
Can be used to retain moisture. Should not
touch the food. Take care when removing the
film as hot steam will escape.
Only if boilable or oven-proof. Should not be
airtight. Prick with a fork, if necessary.
Can be used to retain moisture and prevent
spattering.
Microwave-Safe
✓ ✗
✓
✓
✓
✓
✗
✗
✓
✓
✓
✗
✗
✓
✗
✓
✓
✓ ✗
✓
Cooking Guide
MICROWAVES
Microwave energy actually penetrates food, attracted and absorbed by its water, fat
and sugar content.
The microwaves cause the molecules in the food to move rapidly. The rapid move-
ment of these molecules creates friction and the resulting heat cooks the food.
COOKING
Cookware for microwave cooking:
Cookware must allow microwave energy to pass through it for maximum efficiency.
Microwaves are reflected by metal, such as stainless steel, aluminium and copper, but
they can penetrate through ceramic, glass, porcelain and plastic as well as paper and
wood. So food must never be cooked in metal containers.
Foods suitable for microwave cooking:
Many kinds of food are suitable for microwave cooking, including fresh or frozen veg-
etables, fruit, pasta, rice, grains, beans, fish, and meat. Sauces, custard, soups,
steamed puddings, preserves, and chutneys can also be cooked in a microwave
oven. Generally speaking, microwave cooking is ideal for any food that would normal-
ly be prepared on a hob. Melting butter or chocolate, for example (see the chapter
with tips, techniques and hints).
Covering during cooking
To cover the food during cooking is very important, as the evaporated water rises as
steam and contributes to cooking process. Food can be covered in different ways: e.g.
with a ceramic plate, plastic cover or microwave suitable cling film.
Standing times
After cooking is over the standing time is important to allow the temperature to even
out within the food.
Cooking Guide for frozen vegetables
Use a suitable glass pyrex bowl with lid. Cook covered for the minimum time - see
table. Continue cooking to get the result you prefer.
Stir twice during cooking and once after cooking. Add salt, herbs or butter after
cooking. Cover during standing time.
Food
Portion
Power
Time
Standing
Instructions
(min.)
Time (min.)
Spinach
150 g
600 W
5-6
2-3
Add 15 ml (1 tablespoon)
cold water.
Broccoli
300 g
600 W
8-9
2-3
Add 30 ml (2 tbsp.)
cold water.
Peas
300 g
600 W
7-8
2-3
Add 15 ml (1 tbsp.)
cold water.
Green Beans
300 g
600 W
7
1
/
2
-8
1
/
2
2-3
Add 30 ml (2 tbsp.)
cold water.
Mixed Vegetables
300 g
600 W
7-8
2-3
Add 15 ml (1 tbsp.)
(carrots/peas/corn)
cold water.
Mixed Vegetables
300 g
600 W
7
1
/
2
-8
1
/
2
2-3
Add 15 ml (1 tbsp.)
(Chinese style)
cold water.
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