Microwave Recipe Preparation and Techniques

Covering

Covering food minimises the microwave cooking time. Because microwave cooking is done with time and not direct heat, the rate of evaporation cannot be easily controlled. However, this can be corrected by using different materials to cover dishes. Plastic wrap is the best substitute for a lid as it creates a tighter seal and so retains more heat and steam. Wax paper and paper towels hold the heat in, but not the steam. These materials also prevent splattering. Use a paper towel, wax paper or no cover, when steam is not needed for tenderising.

Browning

Meats and poultry, cooked longer than 10 to 15 minutes, brown from their own fat. Foods cooked for shorter periods of time can be aided with the help of a browning sauce, worcestershire sauce, or soy sauce. Simply brush one of these sauces over meat or poultry before cooking. Baked goods do not need long cooking time and therefore, do not brown. When cakes or cupcakes are iced, no one will notice this visual difference. For cakes or cupcakes, brown sugar can be used in the recipe in place of caster sugar or the surface can be sprinkled with dark spices before baking.

Standing Time

The moisture molecules continue to vibrate in the food when the microwave oven has turned itself off. After all, the molecules had been vibrating at 2,450,000,000 times per second during cooking. So cooking continues even after the food is no longer being exposed to the microwaves in or outside your microwave oven. Standing time refers to the time it takes (after the microwave time is completed) to allow the interior of the food to finish cooking. The amount of standing time varies with the size and density of the food. In meat cookery the internal temperature will rise between 5˚C and 10˚C if allowed to stand covered for ten to fifteen minutes. Casseroles and vegetables need a shorter amount of standing time, but this time is necessary to allow foods to complete cooking in the centre without overcooking on the edges. The power level used in microwave cooking also determines the standing time. For example, when using a lower power level the standing time is shorter because of a lower concentration of heat in the food. Foods should always be kept covered while standing in order to retain the heat. If a longer standing time is required (while you cook another food to serve with the first, for instance), cover with aluminium foil.

Converting Your Favourite Conventional Recipes for Microwave Cooking

When adapting conventional recipes for microwave cooking, reduce the conventional cooking time to one quarter or a third.

e.g. A chicken which takes 1 hour to cook in a moderate oven will take 15 to 20 minutes on a medium power in your microwave oven.

Use similar microwave recipes to help you adapt conventional recipes. Remember it is always best to undercook a recipe and then add an extra minute or two to finish it off.

Here are some other tips that may help:

Reduce liquids in a conventional recipe by one half to two thirds. e.g. 1 cup should be reduced to 1/2 cup.

Add more thickening such as flour or cornflour to sauces and gravies if you do not reduce the liquid.

Reduce seasonings slightly in a recipe where ingredients do not have time to simmer by microwave.

Do not salt meats, poultry or vegetables before cooking otherwise they will toughen and dry out.

If one ingredient takes longer to cook than the others, precook it in the microwave oven first. Onion, celery and capsicum (green/red peppers) are examples.

If meat or vegetables are not being browned before cooking, omit any oil or fat that would have been used for browning.

Reduce leavening agents for cakes by one quarter and increase liquids by one quarter.

Biscuits require a stiff dough. Increase flour by about 20 percent. Substitute brown sugar for white sugar, and use biscuit recipes that have dark spices or require icing. Because of the short cooking time, biscuits don't have time to brown. Chill dough for half an hour before baking. This produces a crisper biscuit. Bake biscuits on a glass tray lined with greaseproof paper.

Since microwaves penetrate foods about two centimeters from the top, bottom and sides, mixtures in round shapes and rings cook more evenly. Corners receive more energy and may overcook.

Items with a lot of water, such as rice or pasta, cook in about the same time as they would on a conventional stove. (Refer to Rice and Pasta

chapter.)

Select recipes that convert easily to microwave cooking such as casseroles, stews, baked chicken, fish and vegetable dishes. The results from foods such as grilled meats, cooked soufflés or two-crust pies could be less than satisfactory. Never attempt to deep fry in your microwave oven.

Cooking Guide

31

Page 33
Image 33
Panasonic NN-C2000W manual Covering, Browning, Standing Time

NN-C2000W specifications

The Panasonic NN-C2000W is an advanced microwave oven that exemplifies the perfect blend of technology, versatility, and user-friendliness. Designed to meet the demands of modern kitchens, this countertop microwave features a sleek and attractive design that fits seamlessly into any kitchen decor. Its 2.2 cubic feet capacity offers ample space for cooking large meals, making it ideal for families or anyone who enjoys entertaining guests.

One of the standout features of the NN-C2000W is its Inverter Technology. Unlike traditional microwave ovens that use a pulsing mechanism to control power levels, Inverter Technology delivers a steady stream of cooking power. This ensures that food is cooked evenly and retains its moisture, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of dishes. Whether you are defrosting meat, reheating leftovers, or preparing a gourmet meal, this technology guarantees consistent results.

In addition to its innovative cooking technology, the NN-C2000W is equipped with a range of pre-programmed cooking options. These one-touch settings simplify meal preparation by allowing users to select the appropriate cooking function without guesswork. With options for various types of food including popcorn, baked potatoes, and more, cooking has never been more straightforward.

The microwave also features a combination cooking option that engages both microwave and convection heating, expanding the culinary possibilities. This feature allows for baking, roasting, and browning foods, offering the flexibility of traditional oven cooking while harnessing the quickness of a microwave.

With a powerful 1250 watts of cooking power, the NN-C2000W heats food rapidly, significantly reducing cooking times. Additionally, the oven incorporates a child safety lock, ensuring peace of mind for families with young children, and a user-friendly control panel that is easy to navigate.

The NN-C2000W is designed with an easy-to-clean interior and a durable turntable, making maintenance a breeze. Its stylish appearance, advanced cooking technologies, and robust features make the Panasonic NN-C2000W a worthy addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and impressive cooking capabilities for everyday use. Whether you are a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this microwave oven caters to all cooking needs with efficiency and style.