There are more things you can do with a microwave than heating food. Nowadays, microwaves come with a bunch of functions that allow you to cook, bake and grill. However, what most people don’t realize is that you can use it for hacks that save time and effort in the kitchen. This range from peeling garlic to drying herbs. Here are some microwave hacks that will make your life easier.
- Dry Herbs
Say goodbye to waiting for days for your herbs to dry in the sun. The microwave heats up water in food to make them warm. Therefore, if you want to dry your herbs faster, it will do the job. Be careful with delicate herbs such as basil or mint as they may not be able to withstand the strength of a microwave. To dry the herbs, place them in a container and cover with a dry cloth then microwave for about 2 minutes.
- Squeeze Out Lemons
We all know how difficult it is to squeeze lemons with your hands and many times, we end up throwing away a half-squeezed lemon. Well, your microwave can make this task easier. The heat awakens the water molecules in the lemon making the flesh softer. Therefore, you won’t have to struggle to squeeze it and you get more juice out of it. Place the lemon in the microwave for about 10-20 seconds until it becomes tender. 5 Kitchen Hacks That You Need To Try
- Sterilize Kitchen Tools
Kitchen tools are prone to contamination since they come in contact with lots of raw food. You should, therefore, sterilize them every now and then to avoid food poisoning. One simple way of sterilizing your kitchen tools is by placing them in the microwave. After washing them, place the damp tools in the microwave and heat them for a few minutes. The heat will kill the germs and your tolls will be safe to use.
- Steam Fish
Steaming fish helps reduce the cooking time thus ensuring it cooks perfectly. Additionally, this is a healthier way to prepare your fish and preserve delicate nutrients such as Omega-3. You can use your microwave for this method of preparation. Place the fish in a shallow, microwave-friendly bowl then top it with a bit of oil, salt, pepper and other spices. Fill the bowl halfway with water. Cover it with a clear film and poke holes to allow ventilation. Cook for about 6-7 minutes.
- Freshen Soggy Snacks
No one likes soggy cookies or potato crisps. However, you don’t have to throw them away when they become soggy if you have a microwave. Whether your microwave has a dehumidify function or not, it can help make your snacks crunchy again. Simply heat them up for about 1 minute until they become crunchy and you can enjoy your snacks just how you like them.
- Clean Greasy Stains
You can’t avoid spills and stains in the microwave after heating food in it. Luckily, there are cleaning hacks as well to save you a lot of effort. You can use lemon steam that not only removes stains but also gives it a fresh scent. Place a cup of water with 1 freshly squeezed lemon and 1 tablespoon of vinegar in, then heat for about 3 minutes. Check the inside for wetness. If it is, take a dry cloth and clean the surfaces. 5 Ways You Can Use Vinegar To Clean Around The House
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