Top Five Uses For Your Microwave

The microwave is a versatile kitchen appliance that can do far more than just reheating leftovers or popping popcorn. Whether you’re pressed for time or looking for an easy way to prepare meals, your microwave can be a valuable tool for a variety of tasks. Here are the top five uses for your microwave that go beyond the basics.

1. Quickly Steam Vegetables

Steaming vegetables in the microwave is fast, easy, and helps retain their nutrients and vibrant colours. This method is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a healthy side dish in minutes.

How to Steam Vegetables:

Place your chopped vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl.
Add a small amount of water (about 2-3 tablespoons).
Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or cling film (leave a small gap for steam to escape).
Microwave on high for 2-5 minutes, depending on the vegetable and quantity.
Carefully remove the cover and check for tenderness. Drain any excess water and season as desired.

Popular Vegetables to Microwave:

Broccoli
Carrots
Green beans
Spinach
Peas

2. Melt Butter or Chocolate Without Burning

When baking, it’s important to melt ingredients like butter or chocolate evenly without scorching them. The microwave provides the perfect low-and-slow heat to ensure a smooth consistency, saving you time over stovetop methods.

How to Melt Butter or Chocolate:

Place the butter or chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.
Heat in short bursts (10-20 seconds) at 50% power to prevent burning.
Stir between each burst to ensure even melting.
Continue heating and stirring until fully melted.

This method is ideal for preparing baking recipes, drizzling chocolate over desserts, or making sauces like ganache.

3. Make Mug Cakes for Instant Desserts

Craving dessert but don’t have time to bake a full cake? Your microwave can deliver a quick and delicious mug cake in just a few minutes. This is a perfect single-serving dessert option when you want something sweet without the fuss.

How to Make a Microwave Mug Cake:

In a microwave-safe mug, combine 4 tablespoons of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder (for a chocolate cake), a pinch of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Stir in 3 tablespoons of milk, 1 tablespoon of oil, and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth.
Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, depending on the power of your microwave.
Let it cool slightly before digging in. Add toppings like whipped cream, berries, or ice cream for extra indulgence.

Microwave mug cakes are customisable, so feel free to experiment with flavours such as vanilla, peanut butter, or even lemon.

4. Revive Stale Bread and Pastries

If your bread or pastries are starting to go stale, the microwave can bring them back to life by restoring their softness. This trick is especially handy for rolls, croissants, and even doughnuts.

How to Revive Stale Bread:

Wrap the bread or pastry in a damp paper towel.
Microwave on low or medium power for 10-20 seconds.
Remove and check if the item has softened. If not, heat in short intervals until it reaches the desired texture.

Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the bread rubbery. This method works best for items that have only slightly dried out and are still edible.

5. Disinfect Kitchen Sponges

Kitchen sponges can harbour bacteria, and the microwave offers a quick and easy way to disinfect them. By microwaving a damp sponge, you can kill bacteria and extend its usable life.

How to Disinfect a Sponge:

Thoroughly wet the sponge with water.
Place the damp sponge in the microwave.
Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, depending on the size of the sponge.
Let it cool before removing, as it will be very hot.

This method is not only great for sponges but also for cloths or scrubbers that need freshening up.

Conclusion

Your microwave is capable of far more than you might think. From steaming vegetables to reviving stale bread and even making desserts in minutes, the microwave is a versatile and time-saving kitchen tool. Next time you need a quick solution for cooking or prepping, don’t overlook the microwave as your go-to appliance.