17 Smart Microwave Shortcuts to Simplify Your Cooking

Unlock the full potential of your microwave with these 17 smart shortcuts! From reviving stale bread to quickly proofing dough, these clever tips will save you time and make your kitchen tasks easier. Discover new ways to streamline your cooking process and get the most out of your microwave with these practical hacks.

Peel Garlic in Seconds

Pop a clove of garlic in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The heat loosens the skin, making it easy to peel off without any hassle.

Revive Stale Bread

You can bring stale bread back to life by wrapping it in a damp paper towel and microwaving it for 10-15 seconds. The moisture from the towel softens the bread, making it taste fresh again.

Juice Citrus Fruits Effortlessly

Get more juice from your lemons, limes, or oranges by microwaving them for 10-15 seconds. The heat helps break down the fibers, making it easier to squeeze out every last drop.

Steam Vegetables Without a Steamer

Quickly steam vegetables by placing them in a microwave-safe bowl with a small amount of water. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave for 2-4 minutes, depending on the vegetable.

Soften Brown Sugar

If your brown sugar has hardened, place it in a microwave-safe bowl with a damp paper towel over it. Microwave in 20-second intervals until the sugar is soft and easy to use again.

Cook Bacon Quickly

Lay bacon strips on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Cover with another paper towel and microwave for 4-6 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon. You’ll have crispy bacon without the mess!

Melt Butter Without Splattering

Cut butter into small pieces and place it in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to prevent splatters, then microwave in 10-15 second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even melting.

Rehydrate Dried Herbs

Need to freshen up dried herbs? Sprinkle them with a bit of water and microwave for 10-15 seconds. The moisture revives their flavor, making them taste almost like fresh herbs.

Quickly Toast Nuts

Spread nuts on a microwave-safe plate and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until they’re toasted and fragrant. This is a fast way to bring out their flavor without using an oven.

Rescue Crystallized Honey

If your honey has crystallized, microwave the jar (with the lid removed) in 15 to 30-second bursts until it’s smooth and runny again. Make sure to remove any metal lid or transfer the honey to a microwave-safe container first.

Warm Plates for Serving

Warm plates in the microwave by stacking them with a damp paper towel between each. Microwave for 1-2 minutes to ensure your food stays warm when served.

Poach an Egg in a Minute

Fill a microwave-safe mug with water, crack an egg into it, and cover with a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 1 minute for a quick and easy poached egg.

Speed Up Proofing Dough

For faster dough proofing, first microwave a bowl of water on high for 2 minutes. Then, place your dough in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and set it inside the microwave with the bowl of hot water. Allow the dough to sit in this setup for 20-30 minutes.

Make Frothy Milk for Coffee

Pour milk into a jar with a lid and shake until frothy. Remove the lid and microwave for 30 seconds. The heat stabilizes the foam, giving you frothy milk for your coffee or latte.

Blanch Tomatoes for Easy Peeling

Score the skin of tomatoes with an “X,” then microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. The heat makes the skin easy to peel off, perfect for sauces and soups.

Cook Rice Without a Stove

Cooking rice in the microwave is simple and mess-free. Combine 1 cup of rice with 2 cups of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and microwave on high for 10-12 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Temper Chocolate Like a Pro

For perfectly tempered chocolate, place chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 15-30 second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. This method ensures the chocolate doesn’t overheat, giving it a shiny, smooth finish perfect for dipping or drizzling.