What are some things you should NEVER put in the microwave?!
What are some things you should NEVER put in the microwave?
I just got a microwave,...tons of questions..like can I cook an egg in the microwave? What type of containers can I put in there (plastic, paper, glass, aluminum foil)?
Anything I shouldn't ever do..please let me know:)))
4 weeks ago
also, should I keep it unplugged when not using it?
Answers:
4 weeks ago
also, should I keep it unplugged when not using it?
You should never put in anything metal that didn't come with it unless it is designed for microwave use (like a turntable). That includes aluminum foil and jar lids. No plastic unless you are sure it is microwaveable. Melamine plates are not microwaveable. Most recently made plastic and plates have information as to whether or not they are microwavable. Pyrex is excellent. Don't use the fine china. You should get a plastic food cover to contain spattering and prevent cleanup.
You can poach eggs in a microwave and a special holder is made for this purpose. Be sure to puncture the yolk. I can see no reason for trying to cook eggs in the shell and it could create a real mess. Other egg dishes that are cooked in a pan should continue to be cooked in a pan.
Microwaves cook by increasing the molecular movement of water, which creates heat. That's why foods cook all the way through. Foods that have little water don't cook well. I think the best thing is that we no longer throw away leftovers.
Source(s):
73 years of experience and a pretty good cook
You do not have to unplug it when it isn't in use. Don't EVER put any kind of metal in there--it will explode, not even joking. As for containers, check the bottom of the bowl/whatever. It should say "microwave safe" or "not for use in microwave." Yes, you can cook an egg in the microwave...you have to scramble it up in a microwave safe bowl, then put it in for 60 seconds. When it comes out, use a spoon to get it out of the bowl. You can eat it like that, but I like to take the egg and stick it with some toast, cheese, and ketchup to have a nice egg sandwich.
Anyway, good luck with your new microwave!
Never put any metal as it wil arc and fry the oven.
It can stay plygged in all the time
Hard boild eggs are not a good idea as they can explode.
Make sure anything you put in there is microwave safe per the manufacturer
Everything cook from the inside out as opposed to traditional cooking.
never put a cat in the microwave, jk.
-never ever put an egg in the microwave, it will explode.......similarly dont keep any items that have liquid contained in them( e.g. the egg).....
-also make sure any glassware u put in the micro is microwave proof
-make sure no metal stuff gets into it
-when not in use keep it unplugged.....saves power if nothing else....
You can leave it plugged in.
Do not put in ANY metal, unless it is in a package specifically made for microwaves. i.e. there are some microwave pastas,soups,and stews that come in a container that has a metal rim.
Use ONLY plastic containers that say they are microwave safe.
Glass is o.k. if it says that it is microwave safe
Aluminum foil is NOT safe
cds,grapes,toothpicks,matches,... peppers,dry kitchen sponges,lightbulbs,metal,foil,... lysol shouldnt be microwaved
eggs are okay
glass&plastic bowls&containers are oka
NO METAL!
Yes, you can cook an egg in the microwave, but DO NOT TRY TO BOIL it!.
NEVER put anything metal.......including aluminum foil in there. Some plastic containers are not microwave safe either. Your best bet is to use a glass container, and loosely cover with plastic wrap or even a paper towel.
I don't recommend using paper plates in the micro....food comes out tasting "off" sometimes, and those styrofoam containers often melt.
Another tip: chicken, fish and meat do not brown and can come out icky. It's fine to heat those up for a min. or so after cooking, but microwaving will dry meat out.
If your new microwave didn't come with an instruction manual or cook-book, contact the manufacturer and they will send you one. You can also buy some great micro cook-books, or just go to your local library, and check out some good microwave cook-books.
My 2 favorite micro things..........Baked potatoes and popcorn!
Remember.........the food does come out HOT, and often the dishes do, too. If you covered anything with plastic wrap, that steam is hot.......so don't forget your potholder.
Eggs are definitely good microwaved but they must be out of the shell (scrambled) otherwise it will burst.
I heard you can hard boil an egg in the microwave in a big mug of water but personally I wouldn't test that theory.
A recent trend in the summer was to microwave your kitchen sponge to sanitize it... again do not try this, it's too much trouble for what it's worth. If it's not done properly it can produce fumes and/or cause fire.
Until you are used to it's power levels try to microwave things at the minimum time required (there are usually directions on some prepared food boxes and even on the microwave itself, usually on the inside part of the door).. you can always put stuff in longer but you cannot un-burn food :)
Enjoy!
No metal. Also, definitely ensure your plastics are microwave safe and do not reuse. Certain plastics can release chemicals at high temperatures. There is a lot of misinformation about this subject on the internet, however, we decided that we would avoid using plastics in the microwave altogether. We now use glass and paper (paper plates and napkins/towels) only in the microwave. Better safe than sorry.
As a lot have already said DO NOT put aluminum or metal or anything of this sort in the microwave as it will ignite.
Here's a good cleaning tip:
To easily clean the microwave, place 2 Tbsp. of lemon juice in 1 cup of water in a 2 cup liquid measuring cup. Microwave on HIGH for 2-3 minutes, until the liquid is boiling. Let the liquid remain in the microwave, without opening the door, for 5 minutes. Remove the measuring cup. The microwave will easily wipe clean with a paper towel.
And here are some easy & tasty recipes I have collected from a few websites:
Easy Microwave Poached Egg
Fill a 1-quart microwave safe bowl 1/2 full with water. Crack the eggs into it and poke a hole in the yolks with a skewer or toothpick. Microwave on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until the whites are set and the yolks are still soft. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Microwave Fudge
1 lb. confectioners sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 tablespoon vanilla
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Blend sugar and cocoa into 8 x 8 inch casserole. Top with butter. Pour milk over butter. DO NOT STIR! Microwave on High power (100%) for 2 minutes. Stir well. Add vanilla and nuts, and stir until blended. Refrigerate until set. Freezes well. This may be made in a bowl and placed into a buttered pan if desired.
Spinach Dip
(Broccoli may be substituted in this dip if desired…yummy!)
1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, cubed
1/3 cup Picante Sauce
1/3 cup chopped green onions including tops
? teaspoon ground cumin
1 tomato, seeded and chopped
? cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Place spinach into microwave casserole. Cook at 100% power for 2-5 minutes until very hot. Drain well. Mix in cream cheese, Picante sauce, onions and cumin. Heat at 70% power for 2-5 minutes until cheese melts. Stir in tomato and bacon. Cook additional 1-2 minutes at 70% power until bubbly. Sprinkle with cheese
Party Mix
Ingredients
1 stick of butter or margarine
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
7 shakes hot sauce
3 cups Corn Chex
3 cups Rice Chex
2 cups Wheat Chex
2 cups small pretzels
2 cups cheese square crackers
1 can mixed nuts
Method
In small bowl combine butter, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce; cover with wax paper and cook on high until melted 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Combine rest of ingredients in a large bowl. Pour liquid mixture over dry mixture and stir well. Cook for 6 minutes on high, stirring every 2 minutes. Remove and pour out onto paper towels and let cool.
Microwave Fish Secret
2:22.......that's what you set the microwave on...put a piece of fresh fish a plate, scatter a little lemonpepper on it and set the microwave on 2min.22sec....push start....when the oven shuts off....let it sit for a minute or two...pull it out, dash it with tarragon and butter and set the microwave on 60 secs...again, leave it in the microwave for a minute or two, pull it out and squeeze some fresh lime or lemon on it....this is a dynamic recipe...and will work on just about any fish that swims except a Monk Fish.....through him out the window of a tall building and watch him jiggle when he hits the sidewalk....
Enjoy & Good luck!