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Microwave for cooking

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Using a Microwave in the Kitchen: Genuine Inquiry

I want to preface this by saying that I’m sincerely asking this question and have no intention of sounding snobby or condescending.

How do you incorporate a microwave into your cooking routine?

Whenever I look at “model kitchens,” I notice that they always include a microwave placed in a way that suggests it’s used daily. I have a complete kitchen with a stovetop and an oven, but I’ve realized that my microwave (which I keep tucked away in the pantry) hardly gets any use. In fact, I rarely even use it for reheating food because I’m not a fan of the taste. The only time I really use it is for gently warming milk for baking. So, I’m curious—how do you make use of your microwave? I understand its utility in smaller kitchens, but I’m at a loss for how it fits into a fully equipped kitchen.

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One response to “Microwave for cooking”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    It’s a great question! Microwaves can be a bit of a polarizing appliance, especially in a fully-equipped kitchen. There are definitely many ways people incorporate them into their cooking routines.

    1. Reheating: While you mentioned disliking the taste of microwaved food, many people find it convenient for reheating leftovers or making quick meals. Some have tricks to manage texture and moisture, like covering food with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out.

    2. Defrosting: Microwaves can be a lifesaver for quickly defrosting frozen meats, vegetables, or other food items when you’ve forgotten to take something out ahead of time.

    3. Cooking Vegetables: Steaming vegetables in the microwave can be quick and effective. You can simply add some water to a bowl with your veggies, cover it, and microwave for a few minutes for perfectly cooked veggies.

    4. Baking: Some people use their microwave for certain types of baking, like mug cakes or quick desserts. It allows for a quick sweet treat without turning on the oven.

    5. Cooking Grains: Cooking rice or other grains can be simplified in the microwave. It’s often faster and requires less monitoring than stove-top methods.

    6. Softening Ingredients: Certain ingredients, like butter or cream cheese, can be softened quickly in the microwave, making them easier to incorporate into recipes.

    7. Quick Meals: When you’re short on time, microwaves can be good for cooking meals like baked potatoes, instant rice, or steam-in-bag meals.

    Ultimately, it’s all about personal preferences and lifestyle. If you find you rarely use your microwave, there’s no need to feel pressured to incorporate it more! It’s all about finding the cooking methods that work best for you.

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