What Cooks Better in a Microwave? (2024)

FAQs

What Cooks Better in a Microwave? ›

Potatoes, rice, and pasta are good in the microwave. It's also great for steaming fresh veggies like corn and broccoli, or par cooking to reduce roasting time.

Microwaves aren't just good for reheating — they can also be convenient and effective tools for cooking. Cheese-centric dishes like macaroni and cheese or queso can be flavorful when prepared in the microwave. You can quickly steam vegetables or cook zoodles (zucchini noodles) in the microwave.

Glass-ceramic ware and heatproof glass ware are safe in the microwave oven. Oven cooking bags, baskets made of straw and wood (without metal), wax paper, parchment paper, and vented plastic bags are all safe to use in the microwave. Paper products that are specifically approved for microwave cooking are safe to use.

Con: poor taste and texture

Some people find that food cooked in a microwave has a different taste or texture than it would if it had been cooked using old-fashioned methods. Because they “essentially steam your food”, said Woman & Home, microwaves can sometimes produce a meal that “feels a little wet or soggy”.

Yes, it is possible to cook pasta in the microwave. Place your pasta in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with water and microwave on High for the same amount of time stated on the packet directions, plus 3 minutes, or until al dente.

Some nutrients break down when they're exposed to heat, whether it is from a microwave or a regular oven. Vitamin C is perhaps the clearest example. But because microwave cooking times are shorter, cooking with a microwave does a better job of preserving vitamin C and other nutrients that break down when heated.

A: There are several advantages of microwave cooking, including speed, efficiency, energy savings, easy cleaning, and versatility. Microwaves cook food faster than conventional ovens, saving time and energy.

Metals including stainless steel and aluminum foil

Anything made of or containing steel, iron, copper or other hard metals should never go in your microwave. Metal surfaces reflect microwaves, which increases the heat inside the appliance and could lead to a fire.

Stick to a smaller model if you'll mostly be using the unit for reheating and defrosting. If you will be using the microwave to cook meals for a large family, it follows that bigger will be more beneficial.

Can you cook an egg in the microwave? ›

Microwave the egg for 30 seconds. Remove the egg and check for doneness by gently poking it with your finger. If you'd like your egg more well done, microwave it for 10 more seconds and check it again. Continue microwaving it in 10 second increments until it reaches your desired doneness.

This is a quick method when you're pressed for time or don't have a stove available. Foods that reheat well in a microwave include rice, pizza, fish, pasta and chicken. Use microwave-safe dishes or bowls and add liquid if necessary.

Using containers that are round or oval in shape can help to heat food more evenly. With square or rectangular shaped containers, the corners tend to receive more energy, which can cause the food to overcook in these areas.

This is especially important, even for defrosting. Round is the best shape. Food may overcook in squared corners. Ring shapes permit maximum microwave penetration.

Microwaves rock. I can make anything from tasty bread to quick maitre d' butter in them, I can heat water or pre-cook sausages that I just have to crisp up on the grill. I can make desserts and re-heat soups without fear of burning the sediment.