10 Useful Life Hacks With A Microwave

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

10 useful life hacks with a microwave: expanding the potential of technology

A microwave, or microwave oven, is now in almost every kitchen. Such popularity is understandable to everyone - why dirty unnecessary dishes and waste time if you can reheat food right on the plate in a few minutes. But this is just one way to use the capabilities of technology, even in the absence of additional functions, an ordinary microwave oven can become an indispensable assistant.

The second life of bakery products

Dough products dry out and harden rather quickly, and the same slice of pizza on a yeast crust a few hours after baking will no longer be as tender and tasty. A microwave will correct the situation - just place a bun or bread in the oven for 30-40 seconds along with a glass of water. Due to the increased humidity that forms during heating, the dough becomes soft and fluffy again.

Crunchy baked goods can be microwaved for 30 seconds and soften again

Poached egg effortlessly

Poached is an egg that is cooked whole, but without the shell. It is not always cooked in water smoothly - it will be digested, then the protein will spread. But with the help of a microwave oven, you can greatly simplify and speed up the process:

1. Pour 300 ml of water into a glass bowl or deep dish.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of vinegar.
3. Gently pour the egg into the water.
4. Put in the microwave for 1 minute and you're done.

Poached egg can be microwaved in a bowl of water and vinegar

Down with the peel from the tomatoes

The tomato peel in dishes is often superfluous - it does not boil over and can stick to the palate unpleasantly while eating. Therefore, before using the vegetable, it is blanched - a cross-shaped incision is made, placed in boiling water for 1 minute, and then immediately into cold water. After this procedure, the skin is easily removed. But you can go the simpler way, using a microwave - it will be enough to place cut vegetables in it for 1-2 minutes, and the skin will be easily cleaned without difficulties with water of different temperatures.

Cut the tomato skin with a cross before placing it in the microwave.

Sterilization of cans

Sterilizing jars is a tedious task, especially when you have to do it over steam, 1 each. A microwave oven will help simplify the process:

1. Banks must be washed thoroughly.
2. A damp container, without wiping off water drops, must be put in the microwave.
3. For evaporation of moisture and sterilization, 1.5-2 minutes at maximum power will be enough.

You can sterilize empty jars in the microwave

Crispy potatoes

Making potato sticks or crispy chips for maximum benefit is possible thanks to the microwave, and also quickly. The vegetable chopped in the desired way should be dried well on a paper towel, and then poured with a tablespoon of vegetable oil and sprinkled with your favorite spices (black and red peppers, dried garlic, paprika, Provencal herbs are suitable). Having laid out on a plate in one layer, you can send the dish to the microwave. For thin slices, 5 minutes at 1000 W will be enough, and for bars - 10 minutes.

Microwave Crispy Potato Chips

Harvesting herbs

In summer, when there is a mass of various greenery around, you want to keep as many bright tastes and aromas as possible. Drying herbs naturally is not an easy task, it takes time and space. But with a microwave, the process can be simplified, especially if you prepare in small portions as they appear at home. The chopped greens or leaves must be rinsed and completely dried on paper towels, and then placed in the oven chamber, spread out in a thin layer on parchment paper. Usually 2-3 minutes is enough for drying, but it is better to periodically check the condition of the herbs - they may be ready sooner.

You can dry herbs in the microwave

Homemade croutons

Croutons are great for soups and salads, and sometimes they are simply irreplaceable as an appetizer. It is not always convenient and advisable to light a gas or electric oven for one portion, but you should not be left without tasty food either. You can put slices of bread, laid out on a plate, in the microwave for 3 minutes (this time can be more or less depending on the power of the oven, you need to check the readiness). Sprinkle the finished croutons with salt and spices.

The microwave will do a great job of preparing a portion of crackers

Crispy bacon

Preparing crispy strips of bacon without having to rinse the pan afterwards is possible with the microwave. You need to take 2 flat plates and place one (smaller in diameter) upside down on the second. It remains to put raw bacon on this structure and cover it on top with a piece of parchment for baking. After 2–3 minutes, the crispy strip will be ready and the excess fat will drain into the lower plate.

Microwave crispy bacon strips

Easy cleaning of the microwave

It is not always easy to wash the microwave oven inside; numerous nets, filters, grates, dried pieces of food make this process difficult. But there is a way to get rid of the bulk of the dirt in just a couple of minutes. To do this, place a plate with 200 ml of water in the microwave, into which squeeze the juice of one lemon and grate its zest. After 1–2 minutes of operation at maximum power, it remains to walk along the walls of the stove with a damp sponge and collect all the dirt.

To clean the microwave, you need a bowl of water and lemon

Air aromatization

Microwaved spices greatly enhance their flavor. Why not take advantage of this property to quickly fill your kitchen or any other room with a pleasant scent. It is enough to put spices on a plate (cinnamon sticks, cloves or any others) and send to the oven for 15–20 seconds. The hot saucer will remain to be taken to the desired room, and it will quickly fill with a pleasant aroma.

Heating spices in the microwave can significantly enhance their aroma

There are many more ways to use a microwave than just heating food. You can use the technique both for the quick preparation of individual dishes, and for simplifying household processes, for example, sterilizing cans or blanching tomatoes.