14
Microwave cooking principles
• Arrange the food. Arrange the food so the thickest parts are towards the
outside of the dish, the thinner parts towards the centre, and spread it evenly.
Do not overlap if possible.
• Cover it. Cover the food, but not tightly, as some ventilation is necessary for
even heating. Covering food will prevent spattering and help food cook evenly.
• Turn over. To speed up the cooking time and ensure even cooking, turn pieces
of food over, rearrange them or stir the food from the outside to the centre of the
dish at least once halfway through cooking.
• Watch the cooking time. Cook for the shortest amount of time indicated and
add more time as needed. Severely overcooked food can smoke or ignite.
• Is it done? Colour and hardness of the food help you to determine if it is done.
Indicators include:
• Steam is coming out from all parts of food, not just the edge.
• Joints of poultry can be moved easily.
• Pork or poultry pieces show no signs of blood.
• Fish is opaque and can be sliced easily with a fork.
• Let it stand. After cooking times out, leave the food in the oven for an adequate
length of time. This will allow the food to complete its cooking cycle and cool it
down in a gradual manner.
• WARNING! Do not heat liquids and other food in sealed containers as
they are liable to explode. Baby bottles fitted with a screw cap or teat are
considered to be sealed containers.
• No frying. Do not attempt to fry food in the microwave oven, as hot oil can
damage oven parts and utensils, or cause skin burns.
• No whole eggs. Do not attempt to boil eggs in their shell, as they may
explode, even after microwave heating has ended.
• Pierce skins. Pierce food with nonporous skin such as potatoes, whole
squash, apples, chestnuts or sausages before cooking.
• Take special care to prevent the turntable from breaking.
• Let the turntable cool down before cleaning.
• Do not place hot food or utensils on the cold turntable.
• Do not place frozen food or utensils on the hot turntable.
Getting Started (Cont.)
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