TIPS & ADVICE
COVERING
Covering the food retains the moisture within it and shortens the cooking time. Use a lid, microwave cling film or a cover. Foods which are to be crispy, e.g. roasts or chickens, should not be covered. As a general rule, whatever would be covered in a conventional oven should also be covered in a microwave oven. Whatever would be uncovered in a conventional oven can also be left uncovered in a microwave oven.
ARRANGEMENT OF FOOD
Place a number of individual portions, such as small pudding moulds, cups or potatoes in their jackets, in a circle on the turntable. Keep the portions at a distance from each other so that the microwave energy can reach the food from all sides.
TURNING
Medium-sized items, such as hamburgers and steaks, should be turned over once during cooking, in order to shorten the cooking process. Large items, such as roasts and chickens, must be turned, since the upper side receives more microwave energy and could dry out if not turned.
IRREGULAR FOOD
SHAPED
Place the thicker, more compacted end of the food pointing towards the outside. Place vegetables (such as broccoli) with the stalks pointing outward.
STANDING TIME
Keeping to the standing time is one of the most important rules with microwaves. Almost all foods, which are thawed, heated or cooked in the microwave, require a certain amount of time to stand, during which temperature equalisation takes place and the moisture in the food is evenly distributed.
STIRRING
Stirring the food is necessary, since the microwaves begin by heating the outer areas. The temperature is thereby equalised and the food heats up evenly.
