Filter
Top Products
2
1. THE ARRANGEMENT
Arrange foods carefully. Place thickest areas toward outside of dish.
3. COVERING
Cover foods in the microwave if you would normally cover the food in your
ordinary oven, or to retain moisture. Cover foods such as Vegetables, Casse-
roles, or when Reheating.
Use to cover foods:
5. SHIELDING
Shield using small pieces of aluminium foil to shield thin areas of meat, fish
and poultry or edges of cakes to prevent overcooking.
7. STIRRING
Stir foods from the outside to the centre of the dish, once or twice during
cooking if possible.
Eg. Casseroles and Sauces.
9. DENSITY
The depth to which microwaves penetrate food varies depending on the food's
density. Porous foods like minced beef or mashed potatoes microwave faster
than dense ones like steak or whole potatoes.
11.STARTING TEMPERATURE
Frozen or refrigerated food takes longer to heat than food at room temperature.
Cooking times in this book are based on normal storage temperatures. Since
rooms, refrigerators and freezers differ in temperature, check for doneness at
the minimum time.
13.CONDENSATION
Condensation is a normal part of microwave cooking. The humidity and
moisture in food will influence the amount of condensation in the oven.
Generally, covered foods will not cause as much condensation as uncovered
foods. Ensure that the ventilation openings are not blocked.
2. TURNING
Foods such as poultry and joints of meat should be turned over after half the
cooking time.
4. PIERCING
Pierce potatoes, eggs, tomatoes or any foods with a skin or membrane to
allow steam to escape.
6. STANDING TIME
Standing time is important. After cooking or defrosting ensure adequate
standing time. This allows the food to continue cooking or heating. Refer to
cooking guides for each menu or according to manufacturers instructions.
8. SIZE
Small pieces cook faster than large ones. To speed cooking, cut pieces
smaller than 5 cm so microwaves can penetrate to the centre from all sides.
For even cooking, make all the pieces the same size.
10. FAT AND BONE
Marbling within meat, or a thin, even layer of fat on a roast, speeds cooking.
Large fatty areas or excess drippings in dish attract energy away from meat,
and slows cooking. Centre bones do not affect cooking, but bone on the side
of meat conducts heat to the areas next to it.
12. QUANTITY
Microwave cooking times are directly related to the amount of food in the
oven. Because energy is absorbed by the food itself, one potato or a single
piece of chicken cooks rapidly. When the energy is divided among several
items, cooking takes more time.
TOMATO
EGG
LID PAPER TOWELPLASTIC WRAP
FISH
CHICKEN
HELPFUL HINTS