Gordon Ramsay, the famous chef and TV personality, rarely uses a microwave for cooking, but he does use it for reheating and some desserts. He has expressed his dislike for microwaves in many occasions, especially when he sees restaurants using them to serve subpar food to their customers. In this article, we will explore why Ramsay hates microwaves so much, what he uses them for, and what alternatives he suggests for better cooking.
Ramsay is known for his high standards and passion for quality food. He believes that microwaves are for lazy cooks who don’t care about the texture, flavor, and presentation of their dishes. He told Insider that he doesn’t even have a microwave in his own kitchen, and that he only uses them for reheating or giving something a head start on reaching a boiling temperature more quickly.
He has also criticized many restaurants that use microwaves to cook their food, especially frozen or pre-made meals, on his shows like Kitchen Nightmares and Hell’s Kitchen. He thinks that microwaves ruin the food by making it soggy, dry, rubbery, or bland. He also thinks that microwaves are a sign of poor management and lack of creativity in the kitchen. He once said, “If you want to become a good chef, you have to work with fresh ingredients, not with frozen food in bags.”
What does Ramsay use microwaves for?
Despite his hatred for microwaves, Ramsay does admit that they have some uses, as long as they are not the main tool for cooking. He uses microwaves for reheating leftovers, such as pasta, soup, or pizza, but he always adds some extra ingredients or seasoning to make them more appetizing. He also uses microwaves for some desserts, such as sticky toffee pudding, which he showed how to make in 10 minutes on his YouTube channel. He uses dates, butter, sugar, syrup, egg, flour, cream, and creme fraiche to make a moist and rich cake, which he bakes in the microwave and then tops with a caramel sauce.
However, Ramsay does not use microwaves for cooking meat, fish, vegetables, or anything that requires a crispy or seared surface. He prefers to use a pan, an oven, a grill, or a steamer to cook these foods, as he believes that they retain more flavor, moisture, and nutrients that way. He also likes to use fresh herbs, spices, oils, and sauces to enhance the taste and appearance of his dishes.
What alternatives does Ramsay suggest for better cooking?
Ramsay is a firm believer that anyone can cook well with some basic skills, techniques, and ingredients. He has shared many tips and recipes on his website, books, and videos, to help people improve their cooking and enjoy it more. Some of his suggestions are:
Use a sharp knife and a cutting board to chop, slice, dice, and mince your ingredients. This will make your preparation faster, easier, and safer.
Season your food well with salt, pepper, and other spices. Taste your food as you cook and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and combinations.
Use a non-stick pan and a medium-high heat to cook your food. Don’t overcrowd the pan or move the food too much, as this will prevent browning and caramelization. Let the food cook for a few minutes on each side, until it develops a nice color and crust.
Use a thermometer to check the doneness of your meat or fish. Don’t cut into it or poke it with a fork, as this will release the juices and make it dry. The ideal temperature for rare beef is 125°F, for medium 145°F, and for well done 160°F. For chicken, it should be 165°F, and for fish, it should be 145°F or flaky.
Use a wooden spoon or a spatula to stir, flip, or scrape your food. Don’t use metal utensils, as they can scratch your pan and damage your food. Also, don’t use plastic utensils, as they can melt or release harmful chemicals when exposed to high heat.
Use a wire rack to rest your meat or fish after cooking. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the fibers to relax, making your food more tender and juicy. Cover it loosely with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Use fresh herbs, lemon juice, vinegar, or wine to add some acidity and brightness to your food. This will balance the richness and fatness of your food and make it more refreshing and appetizing.
Use butter, cream, cheese, or yogurt to add some creaminess and richness to your food. This will make your food more satisfying and comforting. However, use them sparingly and moderately, as they can also add a lot of calories and fat to your food.
Use nuts, seeds, breadcrumbs, or cheese to add some crunch and texture to your food. This will make your food more interesting and enjoyable to eat. You can also toast them lightly in a pan or an oven to bring out their flavor and aroma.
Gordon Ramsay is not a fan of microwaves, as he thinks that they ruin the quality and taste of food. He only uses them for reheating or some desserts, but he prefers to use other methods and tools for cooking, such as a pan, an oven, a grill, or a steamer. He also uses fresh ingredients, seasoning, and sauces to make his food more delicious and appealing. He encourages people to learn some basic skills and techniques to cook better and have more fun in the kitchen.
