Microwave Cooking

1
Microwave Cooking

• How a Microwave Oven Works
• They vary in
• Size
• Power
• Features
• They produce microwaves or energy waves that
  penetrate food and agitate its molecules
• Heat only the food
• The container usually does not get hot .
• They are a fast and convenient way to cook
• Foods cook up to 75 faster than conventional
  ovens

2

• Used to
• Reheat leftovers
• Cook food
• Defrost frozen food
• Thawing or unfreezing frozen foods
• Microwaves use less electricity.
• Nutrients in food are better preserved.
• Quick cooking time
• Foods such as vegetables require little or no
  added water.

3

• Using a Microwave Oven
• Amount of power is measured in watts.
• Most microwaves use a maximum of 500-700 watts.
• The higher the wattage, the faster foods will
  cook.
• Choosing Cookware
• Containers should be labeled microwave safe.
• Dont get too hot
• Dont melt
• Dont crack
• Dont shatter

4

• Round containers allow more even cooking.
• Metal containers should never be used.
• Aluminum foil should not be used as a cover.
• Microwaves cant pass through metal.
• Metal can cause arcing.
• Electrical sparks that can damage a microwave and
  start a fire.
• Brown paper bags and other products from recycled
  paper should also be avoided.
• They can catch fire.

5

• Cooking Preparation
• Choose a container that will fit into the
  microwave.
• Use containers with extra space so foods wont
  boil over.
• Arrange the food so that it can heat up or cook
  evenly.
• Cut into pieces of the same size.
• Place thickest pieces toward the outside of the
  container.
• That is where the most energy is.

6

• Use a fork or knife to pierce foods that are
  encased in a skin.
• Whole potatoes
• Hotdogs
• Cover foods so they hold in moisture and do not
  spatter.
• Paper towels
• Waxed paper
• Plastic wrap
• Covers that come with microwavable containers
• Cover food loosely to let steam escape.

7

• The Cooking Process
• Stirring
• Soups and stews to cook evenly.
• The outside cooks first.
• Stir outer edges toward the center.
• Rearranging
• Some foods might have to be turned after a few
  minutes.
• Baking potatoes
• Rotating
• Turning the dish a quarter-turn or a half-turn.
• Follow package directions.
• Some microwaves have a turntable that
  automatically rotates whenever the oven is in
  use.
• Standing Time
• To let temperatures equalize
• Very important
• Foods continue cooking

8

• Variables in Microwave Cooking
• Conditions that determine how long a food needs
  to be cooked and at what power level.
• Density
• The denser the food, the longer it takes to cook.
• Heavy for its size
• Volume of food
• Amount or number of servings determines power and
  time needed.
• Small amounts cook faster.
• Shape of food
• Round foods cook more evenly than foods with
  corners.
• Thin pieces cook more quickly than thick pieces.
• Temperature of food
• If at room temperature, it will heat faster than
  food taken from the refrigerator or freezer.

9

• Safe Use of Microwave Ovens
• To avoid fires and other accidents
• Use dishes labeled microwave safe.
• Remove covers slowly after food is cooked
• Tilt the cover or remove plastic wrap so that
  steam escapes away from you.
• Dont microwave foods in containers that are
  completely sealed.
• Pressure from steam builds and the container
  could burst.
• Dont use an extension cord with a microwave.
• Give it its own outlet.
• If the oven door does not close tightly or if you
  hear unusual sounds coming from the oven, tell an
  adult.
• If there are sparks inside the oven or if there
  is a fire
• Turn off the oven or unplug it immediately and
  get help.
• Microwaves are generally safe to use.