Microwave Cooking Problems & Possible Solutions

 

PROBLEM #1: Food cools quickly

CAUSE:  Food not cooked through or cooked unevenly. Container absorbs heat from food or from microwaves

SOLUTION: Cover food during standing time then cooks for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

PROBLEM #2: Boils over

CAUSE: The container is too small. The food was cooked too fast.

SOLUTION: The appearance

PROBLEM #3: The appearance of food is different from conventionally prepared

CAUSE: Food cooks too quickly to brown.No external heat to aid in browning.

SOLUTION: For meat, use browning agents or toppings. For pies, brush pastry with golden syrup, maple syrup, vanilla, or beaten egg yolk, or prepare pastry using dark spices.

PROBLEM#4: Food cooks too slowly

CAUSE·Overloaded electrical circuit

SOLUTION: The oven should be on a separate 13-amp circuit.

 

PROBLEM#5 Meat is tough

CAUSE: Power setting too high. Salting of meat before cooking.Too little fat in the meat.

SOLUTION: Use reduced power level for meat.Salt before serving.Select well-marbled meat(fat)

 

PROBLEM#6: The cake remains uncooked in the center

CAUSE: Too short a cooking and/or standing time. Too large a dish

SOLUTION: Cool for 10 to 15 minutes on a flat surface, covered loosely. Cook in a round dish or baking ring Recommend 20 cm diameters

 

PROBLEM#7: Eggs are tough and rubbery

CAUSE: Power setting too high

SOLUTION: Use reduced power levels for delicate foods.

PROBLEM#8:  Cheese is tough and stringy

CAUSE: Type of cheese. The power setting is too high

SOLUTION: Use processed cheese in place of natural. Use a reduced power setting.

 

PROBLEM #9:  Vegetables are dry

CAUSE: Cooking uncovered.Low moisture content.Salting before cooking

SOLUTION: Cover with a lid or cling film. Add 2-4 tablespoons water per 450 g (1 lb.) of vegetables. Salt after cooking

 

PROBLEM#10: Condensation appears on the door of your microwave oven 

CAUSE: This is normal and means the food is cooking faster than the moisture can be expelled from the oven.

SOLUTION: Wipe it off with a paper towel or any soft cloth.

Also Read: Heating Frozen Food By Power & Time In Microwave