The microwave is a great tool to have in the kitchen. However, if you want to keep you and your family safe there are some can’t miss rules for microwaving foods. You may have done these things here or there but try to create a checklist for yourself and follow it to stay safe and healthy.
Use Microwave Safe Containers
Not all containers can go in the microwave. In fact, if your container or dish doesn’t specifically say that it can go in the microwave, use something else. Microwave-safe containers help prevent harmful chemicals from leaching into the food. It’s not the damage to the container; it's the damage to use that matters.
No Metal or Foil
This one should have been in your microwaving 101 class, but it deserves a spot on this list. If you use metal or foil in the microwave, it can create a spark. That tiny spark can start a fire or completely ruin your microwave. Make sure your kids know this rule, too.
Cover Food With A Microwave Safe Lid
When you cover food with a microwave safe lid you will cook your food more evenly. In addition, the food tends to retain moisture. Drying out the food in the microwave is quite common, this process should help you avoid that and have better tasting leftovers.
Don’t Microwave Whole Eggs
A whole egg is a bit like a sealed container. Guess what? Both whole eggs and sealed containers cannot be microwaved. If you do microwave them, expect that there will be a mess, and it just doesn’t work from a cooking perspective either. Be smart about eggs in the microwave. They take a little prep work.
Don’t Microwave Sealed Containers
Completely sealed containers that have not even been opened should not be microwaved. Even when you make a rice packed in the microwave, it says to open it just a bit. You can cover food with a microwave-safe lid; just be sure not to completely seal it. You’ll save yourself a mess when it comes time to clean up.
Stir Food Halfway Through
If something requires a longer cook time, like soup or a sauce plan to stir halfway through. If you don’t stir your food you end up with an uneven cooking. This is when you may eat your soup, and some areas will be scalding while others are still cold. Just cut your cooking time in half and stir halfway through.
Don’t Microwave Formula
Uneven heating makes it a really bad idea to microwave formula or even breast milk. The problem is that there could be hot spots in the bottle that you are not aware of. Skip the microwave and use warm water or a bottle warmer to ensure that you don’t have hot spots in the bottle.
Arrange Food Evenly On the Plate
If you want to succeed more with microwaving food evenly, spread the food evenly on the plate. If you are going to be cooking something that may be very dry, adding a little bit of water can help. By moving the food around a bit and giving it a little extra moisture, your chance of recreating the original meal is greatly increased.
Let Food Sit In Microwave After Heating
Food can sit in the microwave for a second after microwaving. You’ll reduce the risk of you burning yourself on the plate or even the food. The extra few minutes of rest will also allow heat to distribute evenly across the food.
Don’t Rely on The Microwave to Kill Bacteria
The microwave can heat food up but you cannot rely on it to kill bacteria that you find in raw food. Make sure that food reaches a safe internal temperature without the help of a microwave. Remember to use the microwave more as a tool or assistant than as a true way to cook and prepare your food.
Defrost Food Properly
Your microwave should have a setting that helps you defrost food properly. There is a proper way to defrost that you don’t end up cooking the food. Typically it has to do with weight and the type of food. Use the settings on the microwave so that you don’t ruin whatever it is you are trying to defrost.
Don’t Microwave Fried Foods
Fried foods do not do well in the microwave. They will never regain their crispiness and you will find yourself wondering why you now have a soggy meal on your plate. Save this type of food for the oven if you need to reheat.
Clean Your Microwave Regularly
Finally, make sure to clean your microwave regularly. A clean microwave will lower the chance of bacteria and food buildup. In addition a clean microwave will function better and ensure your food cooks properly.
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