Ping! Packet rice, ready meals, reheating custard - microwaves already save us so much time and energy. But what if they could save you even more?
Today we're sharing 20 amazing microwave hacks to help you get even more out of this genius little piece of electrical equipment.
Discover how to use your microwave to peel garlic, froth milk and even make two-minute cupcakes today!
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1. How to peel a garlic clove - the easy way!
Garlic is super tasty, hence why it's in so many recipes.
The only problem? Peeling it.
Peeling garlic can be super fiddly unless you use a microwave, that is.
Put the garlic bulb in the microwave for about 20 seconds, and you'll be able to pull the skin straight off.
2. The best way to make scrambled eggs
Whether you opt for butter or oil, we all have our favourite way of scrambling eggs. It's time to forget all you know about scrambling eggs - today we're teaching you how to make them in the microwave.
Scrambling egg in the microwave is so easy. Simply pour your perfect egg mix into a microwaveable container, microwave on high for one minute, stir, then repeat for a further minute.
3. How to soften brown sugar instantly
Have you ever been making a recipe that requires brown sugar, only to find it hard and stuck together?
You can easily remedy this baking catastrophe using your microwave. Pop your brown sugar into a microwaveable container and place a damp sheet of kitchen roll on top.
Zap for 20 seconds and your sugar will look brand new again.
4. Get more juice out of your lemons & limes
Depending on the ripeness of your lemons and limes, getting the juice out of them can be quite a hard task.
Want to save time and energy?
To make things easier, zap your citrus fruit on high for 10 seconds before juicing.
5. How to heat multiple things in the microwave
Have you ever wanted to heat two plates of food at once?
Don't let your meal go cold - we have a clever tip that means you can microwave on multiple levels.
Pop an upturned mug next to the plate in your microwave. Then place the second item on top of the mug.
Voilà: you have a microwave shelf.
6. How to heat food evenly in the microwave
Talking of heating issues in the microwave, have you ever heated a ready meal only to find parts of it cold inside?
Some of this can't be helped, because foods can have a different rate of energy absorption.
However, spreading your food out evenly in the container and making sure it's not stacked too high, will help the microwave do its job more successfully.
We know you're going to love this next tip...
7. How to froth milk in a microwave
We love a frothy cappuccino here at Expert Home Tips. You too? Well, what if we told you it was possible to make a deliciously-frothy, barista-quality cappuccino at home?
All you need is milk and a microwave!
Pour some milk into a microwaveable container, shake for 30 seconds, then place in the microwave with the lid off, and microwave for a further 30 seconds.
Add it to your coffee and you've got a coffee-shop style cappuccino in the comfort of your own home.
8. How to peel fruit & vegetables, the easy way
There are lots of recipes that require fruit and vegetables to first be prepared before you add them to the pot.
To peel the skin off of fruit like peaches or tomatoes, your microwave can help speed things up for you.
Pop the items on a microwaveable plate and heat for 30 seconds on high, then leave to cool for a further two minutes. The skin should glide straight off.
Microwave hacks don't get yummier than this...
9. A healthy mug cake recipe
The idea of a healthy microwave cake may seem too good to be true, but we promise that it's not.
Our healthy, chocolate mug cake recipe calls for just 3 ingredients!
If you have an egg, banana and some bicarbonate of soda to hand, whip one up in your microwave today!
10. How to dry your herbs
If you've bought a whole lot of herbs for a one-off recipe, and are worried you won't use the rest, don't fret.
Want to know how to save your herbs for later?
You can dry your herbs in the microwave. Pop them onto a piece of paper towel and microwave on high for a minute. Turn them over and then repeat at 30-second intervals until dry.
11. How to make healthy potato chips...in the microwave!
Don't let crisps ruin your diet! Learn the secret behind our healthy recipe now...
- Finely slice potatoes with a sharp knife
- Space them out onto a microwaveable plate
- Microwave them for 3 minutes at a time, decreasing the power level and flipping them over each time.
It takes a bit of effort, but we promise they're worth it!
12. How to clean a microwave - in seconds!
Urgh - tomato sauce and goodness knows what else. It's time to get your microwave clean.
What you need, is our clever tip...
Slice a lemon in half, squeeze the juice into a bowl of water, and add the segments too. Microwave on high for three minutes, remove, and all the debris in your gunked-up microwave should wipe clean off.
13. Get toasty, tasty nuts
Toasted nuts don't have to be complicated.
Your microwave can be used to get this job done quickly.
Sound good? Here's how...
Spread nuts onto a microwave-safe plate and zap them for 5 minutes or so, stopping regularly to give them a good mix.
14. How to save crystallised honey
Crystallised honey? Don't worry, there's still time to save it!
With a quick zap in the microwave, you can quickly bring it back to life again.
15. The best way to cook corn on the cob
Corn on the cob can be a tricky thing to cook, but it doesn't have to be.
Watch the video and learn how to cook corn on the cob in the microwave in 3 minutes flat.
16. How to make a warm compress
When you need to soothe a sore muscle, you'll want FAST relief.
That's why we recommend using your microwave to make a warm compress.
It couldn't be easier. All you need to do is wet a flannel, roll it up, then place inside a microwaveable bag. Heat on high for 30-60 seconds, and remove.
Ahhh...that's better!
17. How to rehydrate stale bread
A bacon butty isn't quite the same in a stale roll.
Luckily for you, we have a clever tip to help save your bread.
To try, wrap your bread in a damp sheet of kitchen towel and microwave on high for 10 seconds. It'll be as fresh as the day you bought it again.
18. How to reheat food without drying it out
Let's face it... Reheated pizza is never as good as freshly-cooked.
Want to reheat your day-old takeaway without turning it into a tasteless mess?
Here's the trick: place a half-filled cup of water in the microwave alongside your pizza. It will add moisture to the air and make your pizza taste fresh.
19. Crisp up your bacon
To achieve perfect crispiness, we often choose to microwave our bacon. Not only does it reduce the amount of fat consumed, but it also yields seriously crunchy results!
To try it, place a microwaveable bowl onto a plate, and lay your bacon rashers across the bowl. Place a piece of paper towel on top, then microwave for one minute, flip, and repeat.
20. Homemade microwave parmesan bowls
We're not quite sure what we'd put in these, but we like the idea of them.
The Yummy Life has come up with this amazing way to turn cheese into edible bowls that's surprisingly quick yet so impressive.
Make her Parmesan Cheese Bowls today and surprise your party guests!
Got some cool, microwave tips of your own? Share them with us in the comments below!
So many spelling and grammar mistakes making this article difficult to read.
Hi Claire! Thanks for letting me know. I've now updated the article for clarity.
I always make my gravy and sauces in the microwave, by whisking every minute on high you will never have any lumps.
Interesting idea! I'll have to give this a try.
If you don't have the Corn-on-the-Cob with all the green husk attached, just wrap the cobs in a couple of wet pieces of kitchen roll and microwave for about 3 minutes
Great tip!
Fry your chopped onions in a little oil, uncovered, in the microwave for 2 minutes. Saves 20 minutes or more of sautéing
Interesting idea!