Chances are you have a microwave sitting somewhere in your kitchen. They’ve gotten smaller over the years, but even the most svelte version takes up precious real estate. It’s time to put that baby to work. Here are 5 unexpected things you can do with your microwave

1. Cook Fish

Cook a steak in the microwave and you’ll end up with shoe leather. Fish, on the other hand, can be cooked perfectly in the microwave. Simply wrap your fish in microwave-safe plastic with a little seasoning (salt and pepper and some lemon, perhaps) and cook for about 2 minutes on high. (The time for doneness will vary depending on the strength of your microwave and the size and shape of your fillet. Watch it closely to prevent overcooking.)

2.Steam Vegetables

Steam vegetables with your microwave – google image 

Steam vegetables quickly and easily using your microwave! Start by arranging your veggies in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate, then cover the plate in three layers of damp paper towels. Cook the covered veggies for 2 1/2-6 minutes until they are done to your liking. (The amount of time will vary based on the power of your microwave and the size and type of veggie you’re cooking.)

3.Sanitize Your Kitchen Sponge

Sponges are a breeding ground for germs. It’s easy to just throw them away, but they’re not cheap, so extend the use of your sponge by zapping away harmful bacteria in your microwave daily! Just place your (wet) sponge in the microwave and nuke it for 2 minutes on High. That should be enough to kill 99% of the harmful bacteria that set up camp there.

4.Make Potato Chips

Make potato chips  with your microwave – google image 

It’s hard to believe anything can get as crispy as a potato chip in the microwave, but believe it! Thinly sliced potatoes crisp up beautifully in the microwave and since these crispy chips aren’t fried, they’re healthier for you, too, with around 8 grams less fat per serving than regular chips. Who knew?

5.Peel Garlic

Your microwave can make peeling garlic so much easier! Just microwave a head of garlic for 20 seconds, then pull the cloves apart. Microwaving garlic creates steam that breaks the bond between the cloves and their skins, so you’ll be able to slide them right off! I picked up this trick relatively recently, and now I use it every time I need to peel garlic!

Bonus Microwave Tips & Tricks

• Be sure to use nonmetal utensils in the microwave.
• Paper plates, cups, and napkins can be used in the microwave. But don’t use foil-lined paper products, paper towels that include nylon or synthetic fibers, or newspaper.
• To ensure that food cooks fully and evenly in the microwave oven, stir food and turn dishes periodically while they’re cooking.
• Remove large bones from meat before microwaving it because the dense bone may keep the area around it from cooking.
• Thick-skinned foods, such as potatoes, squash, and tomatoes, trap steam during microwave cooking. Pierce the skins before cooking to allow steam to escape.

Microwave is quite useful for our kitchen. After reading 5 unexpected things you can do with your microwave, you can make use of it.

Source: Eatingwell, onegoodthingbyjillee

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