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16_ cooking guide
cooking guide
Microwave energy actually penetrates food,
attracted and absorbed by the water, fat and
sugar in the food. The microwaves cause the
molecules in the food to move rapidly. The rapid
movement of these molecules creates friction
and the resulting heat cooks the food.
GENERAL MICROWAVE TIPS
Dense foods, such as potatoes, take longer to heat than
lighter foods. Foods with a delicate texture should be
heated at a low power level to avoid becoming tough.
Foods with a non-porous skin such as potatoes or hot
dogs, should be pierced to prevent bursting.
Putting heating oil or fat in the microwave is not
recommended. Fat and oil can suddenly boil over and
cause severe burns.
Some ingredients heat faster than others. For example,
the jelly in the jelly doughnut will be hotter than the dough.
Keep this in mind to avoid burns.
The altitude and the type of cookware you are using
can aect the cooking time. When trying a new recipe,
use the minimum cooking time and check the food
occasionally to prevent overcooking.
Home canning in the microwave oven is not
recommended because not all harmful bacteria may be
destroyed by the microwave heating process.
Although microwaves do not heat the cookware, the heat
from the food is often transferred to the cookware. Always
use pot holders when removing food from the microwave
and instruct children to do the same.
Making candy in the microwave is not recommended as
candy can be heated to very high temperatures. Keep this
in mind to avoid injury.
Cooking techniques
If the oven is set to cook for more than 25 minutes, it
will automatically adjust to 70 percent power after 25
minutes to avoid overcooking.
Stirring
Open the microwave door and stir foods such as
casseroles and vegetables occasionally while cooking
to distribute heat evenly. Food at the outside of the dish
absorbs more energy and heats more quickly, so stir
from the outside towards the center. The oven will turn o
when you open the door to stir your food.
Arrangement
Arrange unevenly shaped foods, such as chicken pieces
or chops, with the thicker, meatier parts toward the
outside of the turntable where they can receive more
microwave energy. To prevent overcooking, place thin or
delicate parts towards the center of the turntable.
Shielding
Shield food with narrow strips of aluminum foil to prevent
overcooking. Areas that need shielding include poultry
wing-tips, the ends of poultry legs, and corners of square
baking dishes. Use only small amounts of aluminum foil.
Larger amounts can damage your oven.
Turning
Turn foods over midway through the cooking cycle
to expose all parts to the microwave energy. This is
especially important with large items such as roasts.
Standing
Foods cooked in the microwave build up internal heat
and continue to cook for a few minutes after the oven
stops. Let foods stand to complete the cooking process,
especially foods such as roasts and whole vegetables.
Roasts need this time to complete cooking in the center
without overcooking the outer areas. All liquids, such as
soup or hot chocolate should be shaken or stirred when
cooking is complete. Let liquids stand a moment before
serving. When heating baby food, stir well and test the
temperature before serving.
Adding moisture
Microwave energy is attracted to water molecules. Food
that is uneven in moisture content should be covered or
allowed to stand so that the heat disperses evenly. Add a
small amount of water to dry food to help it cook.
Venting
After covering a dish with plastic wrap, vent the plastic
wrap by turning back one corner to let excess steam
escape.
COOKING MEAT
Place the meat fat side down on a microwave-safe
roasting rack in a microwave-safe dish. Use narrow strips
of aluminum foil to shield any bone tips or thin pieces of
meat. Check the temperature in several places before
letting the meat stand the recommended time.
The following temperatures are the removal temperatures.
The temperature of the food will rise during standing time.
Food
Cooking time/
Power level
Instructions
Roast beef
(boneless)
Up to 4 lbs.
Cooking Time:
10-15 min./lb. for
145 °F - Rare
12-17 min./lb. for
160 °F - Medium
14-19 min./lb. for
170 °F - Well Done
Place the roast fat-
side down on the
roasting rack and
cover with wax paper.
Turn over halfway
through the cooking
process. Let stand for
10 to 15 minutes.
Power Level:
High (10) for first
5 minutes, then
Medium (5).
Pork
(boneless
or bone-in)
Up to 4 lbs.
Cooking Time:
15-20 min./lb. at
170 °F Well Done
Place the roast fat-
side down on the
roasting rack and
cover with wax paper.
Turn over halfway
through cooking
process. Let stand for
10 to 15 minutes.
Power Level:
High (10) for first
5 minutes, then
Medium (5).
The following temperatures are the removal temperatures.
The temperature of the food will rise during standing time.
Expect a 10 °F rise in temperature during the standing
time.
SMH1611_XAA_03898A_EN-02.indd 16 2011-10-13 4:04:55