Food characteristics &
Microwave cooking.
19
Stirring
Stirring is one of the most important of all microwaving techniques. In conventional cooking,
food is stirred for the purpose of blending. Microwaved food, however, is stirred in order to
spread and redistribute heat. Always stir from the outside towards the centre as the outside
of the food heats first.
Turning over
Large, tall foods such as roasts and whole chickens should be turned so that the top and
bottom will cook evenly. It is also a good idea to turn cut up chicken and chops.
Placing thicker portions facing outwards
Since microwaves are attracted to the outside portion of food, it makes sense to place
thicker portions of meat, poultry and fish to the outer edge of the baking dish. This way,
thicker portions will receive the most microwave energy and the food will cook evenly.
Shielding
Strips of aluminium foil (which block microwaves) can be placed over the corners or edges
of square and rectangular food to prevent those portions from overcooking. Never use too
much foil and make sure the foil is secured to the dish or it may cause ‘arcing’ in the oven.
Elevating
Thick or dense foods can be elevated so that microwaves can be absorbed by the underside
and centre of the foods.
Piercing
Foods enclosed in a shell, skin or membrane are likely to burst in the oven unless they are
pierced prior to cooking. Such foods include yolks and whites of eggs, clams and oysters
and whole vegetables and fruits.
Testing if cooked
Food cooks so quickly in a microwave oven, it is necessary to test it frequently. Some foods
are left in the microwave until completely cooked, but most foods, including meats and
poultry, are removed from the oven while still slightly undercooked and allowed to finish
cooking during standing time. The internal temperature of foods will rise between 5
0
F (3
0
C)
and 15
0
F (8
0
C) during standing time.
Standing time
Foods are often allowed to stand for 3 to 10 minutes after being removed from the
microwave oven. Usually the foods are covered during standing time to retain heat unless
they are supposed to be dry in texture (some cakes and biscuits, for example). Standing
allows foods to finish cooking and also helps flavour blend and develop.
To Clean Your Oven
1 Keep the inside of the oven clean
Food spatters or spilled liquids stick to oven walls and between seal and door
surface. It is best to wipe up spillovers with a damp cloth right away. Crumbs and
spillovers will absorb microwave energy and lengthen cooking times. Use a damp
cloth to wipe out crumbs that fall between the door and the frame. It is important to
keep this area clean to assure a tight seal. Remove greasy spatters with a soapy cloth
then rinse and dry. Do not use harsh detergent or abrasive cleaners. The glass tray
can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher.
2 Keep the outside of the oven clean
Clean the outside of your oven with soap and water then with clean water and dry
with a soft cloth or paper towel. To prevent damage to the operating parts inside the
oven, the water should not be allowed to seep into the ventilation openings. To clean
control panel, open the door to prevent oven from accidentally starting, and wipe a
damp cloth followed immediately by a dry cloth. Press STOP after cleaning.
3 If steam accumulates inside or around the outside of the oven door, wipe the panels
with a soft cloth. This may occur when the microwave oven is operated under high
humidity conditions and in no way indicates a malfunction of the unit.
4 The door and door seals should be kept clean. Use only warm, soapy water, rinse
then dry thoroughly.
DO NOT USE ABRASIVE MATERIALS, SUCH AS CLEANING POWDERS OR
STEEL AND PLASTIC PADS.
Metal parts will be easier to maintain if wiped frequently with a damp cloth.
