The foods that are most successfully cooked in a microwave oven are those that have high water content, such as vegetables, fruits, soups, sauces, and grains. These foods can be heated quickly and evenly in a microwave, without losing much of their flavor, texture, or nutrients. On the other hand, foods that are dry, dense, or crispy, such as meats, breads, pastries, and fried foods, tend to fare poorly in a microwave, as they can become tough, rubbery, soggy, or burnt.
In this article, we will explore the science behind microwave cooking, the benefits and drawbacks of using a microwave oven, and some tips and tricks for making the most of your microwave meals.
A microwave oven is a device that uses electromagnetic waves to heat food. The waves are generated by a magnetron, a tube that converts electricity into microwaves. The microwaves travel through a waveguide and enter the cooking chamber, where they bounce off the metal walls and penetrate the food.
The microwaves interact with the water molecules in the food, causing them to vibrate and rotate rapidly. This creates friction and heat, which raises the temperature of the food. The heat is then transferred throughout the food by conduction and convection, resulting in even cooking.
What are the advantages of using a microwave oven?
Microwave ovens have several advantages over conventional ovens, such as:
Speed: Microwave ovens can cook food much faster than conventional ovens, as they heat the food directly, without having to preheat the oven or use additional cookware. For example, a potato can be cooked in a microwave in about 5 minutes, compared to 45 minutes in a conventional oven.
Energy efficiency: Microwave ovens use less energy than conventional ovens, as they only heat the food, not the surrounding air or the oven itself. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a microwave oven uses about 80% less energy than a conventional oven for the same task.
Convenience: Microwave ovens are easy to use and maintain, as they have simple controls and do not require much cleaning. They are also ideal for reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen foods, and making quick snacks and beverages.
Nutrition: Microwave ovens can preserve more of the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in food, as they use less heat and time than conventional ovens. They also reduce the need for added fats and oils, as they can cook food without drying it out.
What are the disadvantages of using a microwave oven?
Microwave ovens also have some disadvantages, such as:
Quality: Microwave ovens can compromise the quality of some foods, especially those that rely on browning, caramelization, or crispiness for their flavor and texture. For example, meats, breads, pastries, and fried foods can lose their juiciness, tenderness, crunchiness, and color in a microwave, as they do not reach high enough temperatures to trigger the Maillard reaction, a chemical process that produces complex and delicious flavors.
Safety: Microwave ovens can pose some safety risks, such as burns, fires, and explosions, if not used properly. For example, metal objects, such as utensils, foil, or twist ties, can spark and damage the microwave or cause a fire. Some plastics, such as styrofoam, can melt and release harmful chemicals into the food. Some foods, such as eggs, hot dogs, or potatoes, can explode if not pierced or cut before microwaving, as the steam pressure can build up inside them.
Health: Microwave ovens can affect the health of some people, such as those who are sensitive to electromagnetic fields, or those who have pacemakers or other medical devices. Some studies have suggested that microwave radiation can alter the molecular structure of food, reduce its nutritional value, or create harmful substances, such as acrylamide or heterocyclic amines, which are linked to cancer. However, these claims are not supported by conclusive evidence, and the World Health Organization states that microwave ovens are safe to use as long as they are operated and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
How to cook food successfully in a microwave oven?
To cook food successfully in a microwave oven, you need to follow some basic guidelines, such as:
Choose the right food: As mentioned earlier, foods that have high water content, such as vegetables, fruits, soups, sauces, and grains, are best suited for microwave cooking, as they can be heated quickly and evenly. Foods that are dry, dense, or crispy, such as meats, breads, pastries, and fried foods, are better cooked in a conventional oven, as they can benefit from higher temperatures and longer cooking times.
Choose the right container: You need to use microwave-safe containers, such as glass, ceramic, or plastic, that can withstand high temperatures and do not react with the food. You also need to avoid metal containers, such as aluminum, steel, or copper, that can reflect the microwaves and cause sparks or fires. You can check if a container is microwave-safe by placing it in the microwave with a cup of water and heating it for a minute. If the container is hot, it is not microwave-safe. If the container is cool, it is microwave-safe.
Choose the right power and time: You need to adjust the power and time settings of your microwave oven according to the type, size, and quantity of food you are cooking. Generally, the higher the power, the shorter the time, and vice versa. You can refer to the manual of your microwave oven or the instructions on the food package for the recommended power and time. You can also use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the food, which should reach at least 165°F for most foods, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Choose the right technique: You need to use some techniques to ensure even and thorough cooking of your food in a microwave oven, such as:
Stirring: You need to stir the food halfway through the cooking process, to distribute the heat and avoid hot spots or cold spots.
Rotating: You need to rotate the food or the container halfway through the cooking process, to compensate for the uneven distribution of the microwaves in the oven.
Arranging: You need to arrange the food in a single layer or in a circular pattern, leaving some space between the pieces, to allow the microwaves to penetrate the food evenly.
Covering: You need to cover the food with a lid, a plastic wrap, or a paper towel, to trap the steam and moisture, and prevent splattering or drying out of the food.
Standing: You need to let the food stand for a few minutes after the cooking process, to allow the heat to equalize and the food to finish cooking.
Microwave ovens are a convenient and efficient way to cook food, especially those that have high water content, such as vegetables, fruits, soups, sauces, and grains. However, they also have some limitations and risks, and require some care and skill to use properly. By following the tips and tricks in this article, you can make the most of your microwave meals, and enjoy delicious and nutritious food in no time.
