Simplify Cooking with 10 Microwave Hacks, Including a Garlic Peeling Trick!

By: Ene Ayegba | Last updated: Nov 05, 2023

The invention of the microwave has made meal preparation quick and easy. This kitchen staple was invented in the 1950s, but there had been public health concerns regarding the quality of meals made in a microwave.

Other hazards, such as fire, also worried some users about their safety while using the microwave. Through decades of tech advancements, microwaves are now secure and aid a lot of preparation in the kitchen. Here are 10 microwave hacks that make cooking a more enjoyable experience.

Peeling Garlic In Seconds!

Peeling garlic can be a massive hassle during meal prep. This is because the peels on the bulb are tough and take time to get off since they can be very thin. A much easier route is utilizing a microwave to get that tough layer off.

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Take the bulb, place it in the microwave, and then heat it for 10-15 seconds. This process makes the garlic easier to come out of the once-tough shell. Garlic can be used as a spread in some baked products like bread.

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Ready-To-Use Heating Pads

Heating pads are a form of heat therapy used in relieving pain, aches, and cramps. They also aid circulation throughout the body. When unavailable, there is another DIY alternative—using a microwave.

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All it entails is taking a sock and putting a bit of rice in it and microwaving it for a few minutes, and voila, your heating pad is ready for use.

Chopping Onions Without Tearing Up

Onions are vegetables that contain certain substances that are released when the onions are cut. These compounds react with enzymes in the air, causing the eyes to tear up.

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To prevent this occurrence, which can be painful for some people, onions can be placed in a microwave for a few seconds prior to cutting. The heat destroys the substances and prevents them from reacting with enzymes to cause tearing of the eyes.

Keeping Hot Dishes Warm for Longer

Ever made a dish that becomes cold before you’ve finished it? To ensure your meals are kept warm for a long time, place the chinaware into the microwave and heat it for about 5-10 minutes.

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This also improves the texture of the meals and provides a better taste than if it was served on a cold plate.

When Life Gives You Lemons, Make More Lemon Juice

Lemons can be a bit difficult to juice. Even with great effort, we do not get much juice from them. To make it easier, put your lemons in the microwave and heat them for about 15 seconds.

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This measure softens up the lemons and makes the juicing process easier. It also ensures the release of more lemon juice. You can also apply this technique to juicing other citrus fruits.

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Peeling Tomatoes Like a Pro

Some fruits and vegetables have exteriors that are hard to digest and are removed before eating. When it comes to tomatoes, many people have attested to the fact that it tastes better when the thin outer layer is removed.

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To quickly remove the outer layer, pop some of your tomatoes into the microwave and heat for 20-30 seconds. The removed skin can be used in preparing soups and stews.

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Cooking Potatoes With Ease

Potatoes can also be easily done using a microwave. It is super easy and does not require intense manpower. First, put your potatoes in a bowl with a little water.

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Next, put it into the microwave and heat it for five minutes on each side. No need to add any oils while baking it in the microwave. Finally, serve with any choice of sauce.

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Quick and Easy Cake Baking

Many people have adopted the use of microwaves in cake baking. Some have even attested to microwave baking being faster than ovens. The use of mugs to bake cakes has also become increasingly popular.

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To bake your cake in the microwave, simply mix your recipe together and place the cake in the microwave for the time required, and presto—a cake Betty Crocker would be jealous of!

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Preserving Herbs

Herbs are healthy plants that add flavor and color to meals. Different herbs have distinctive qualities and come with various health benefits. Storing herbs can be a hassle because poor storage can result in waste or even cause food poisoning.

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A microwave can be used to dehydrate herbs and preserve them. To do it, put your herbs in a paper towel and heat for 30 seconds. Repeat this five times to ensure they are properly dehydrated.

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Making Tastier Nuts

Nuts are healthy delicious snacks that aid good health. Doctors encourage people to consume them to prevent the risk of diabetes and heart diseases. To improve their quality and taste, nuts are often roasted or toasted.

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This process can also be done using a microwave. Put some nuts in a bowl and add some oil before placing them in the microwave. Cook for 3-8 minutes while stirring periodically to prevent them from getting burned.

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