18 Microwave Hacks You Need to Know (Nicole's Best Tips & Tricks!) | Allrecipes, by Allrecipes on YouTube. 22 min 45 s.
- Video length
- 22 min 45 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Microwave the whole butternut squash for 3 to 5 minutes, until the skin softens. Let it cool a little, then peel and cut it. The softened rind is much easier to handle.
Cut the top off a head of garlic and microwave it for 15 to 20 seconds. Squeeze each clove and the skin slips off without sticky fingers.
Microwave corn on the cob in its husk for 3 to 4 minutes. Cut off the stem end and squeeze from the top so the cob slides out clean.
Wrap stale bread in a slightly damp paper towel and microwave it for 10 to 15 seconds. Eat it right away, since it firms up again as it cools.
Soften cold butter in short bursts at low power, checking every 10 seconds. Stop while it is still holding its shape so it does not melt.
Poach an egg by adding half a cup of water to a mug, cracking in the egg, and piercing the yolk. Cover with a plate and cook for about 1 minute.
Toast nuts by spreading them in a single layer on a plate and cooking in 30-second bursts. Stir between bursts and stop when they smell nutty.
Make crispy chips by slicing potatoes very thin, laying them on parchment paper, and microwaving until they turn crisp and dry.
Clean the microwave by microwaving a bowl of water with lemon juice for 5 minutes. Let it sit, then wipe the loosened mess away.
Sanitize sponges by soaking them in water until fully wet, then microwaving for 1 to 2 minutes. Never microwave a dry sponge.
Tips and common mistakes
Always use microwave-safe dishes and leave lids or covers slightly open for steam to escape.
Stir or turn food halfway through cooking so it heats evenly and avoids cold spots.
Microwave in short bursts rather than one long run, especially with butter, nuts and eggs.
Pierce egg yolks and squash skins before cooking so they do not burst.
Questions
Can I microwave a whole butternut squash safely?
Yes. Pierce the skin a few times first and cook in short bursts until it softens, then let it cool before cutting. It saves a lot of effort when peeling.
Is microwaving food bad for you?
No. Microwaving heats food with water molecules and does not make it radioactive. Use microwave-safe containers and heat food thoroughly.
How long does it take to soften butter in the microwave?
Usually 10 to 20 seconds at low power for a cold stick. Check every few seconds, because butter turns to liquid fast.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
