Sanyo EM-S2588B EM-S2588W/B Owners Manual English - Page 18

COOKING GUIDE COOKING PRINCIPLES AND TECHNIQUES Advantages of microwave cooking are speed and efficiency. For warming, heating, and defrosting, nothing compares. Here are a few tips that will make microwaving easier and more enjoyable. Reheating: Cooked food reheats extremely well by using a low level of microwave energy. Place denser foods near the outer edge of the dish when reheating. Microwave Cooking Principles Because microwave cooking requires only one-quarter to one-third the time of conventional cooking, cooking principles become even more important. Quantity In microwave cooking, the cooking time is dependent on the amount of food in the oven. If you double the recipe, plan on doubling the cooking time. Density Dense foods, such as potatoes, need more cooking time as they take longer for microwave energy to penetrate and for the heat to be conducted through them. Covering: Most foods will cook and reheat better when covered. Pierce plastic wrap to vent steam. Stirring: Stirring foods help them cook more quickly and evenly. Turning Over: To promote more even cooking, turn large, solid items such as roasts or baked potatoes over halfway through the cooking time. Shielding: Use small, smooth strips of aluminum foil to prevent corners, thin or bony areas from overcooking. Shape and Size Standing Time: Cut food into uniform shapes and sizes for even cooking in the microwave. When cooking irregular shapes (such as Foods continue cooking even after removal from the oven. Standing time is necessary to allow foods to complete 5 chicken pieces), place the thicker parts to cooking/defrosting. the outer edge of the dish. Converting Recipes: Moisture, Sugar and Fat Microwave recipes will likely call for less Food high in moisture, sugar or fat liquid and cooking time. 0 O cook faster. Add a minimum of liquid to moisten foods. An excess amount of water slows cooking. Starting Temperature Microwave Thermometers: A microwave-safe thermometer can be used to achieve the best results. Insert the thermometer carefully and properly Frozen or refrigerated foods take longer into the food. The guide below gives to microwave than food at room suggested thermometer readings for temperature. meat and poultry. Keep in mind that Delicate Ingredients Delicate foods such as eggs, cheese, standing time is essential for most food to reach its proper serving temperature. mayonnaise, etc., cook very quickly, and Guide to Internal Temperatures should be watched carefully. 140°F (60°C) Rare beef Microwave Cooking Techniques Arranging: Arrange food in a circular pattern, with denser, thicker items at the edge of the dish. Piercing: Pierce the membrane of foods such as eggs, oysters, snails, sausages, livers, clams and whole vegetables, so they do not burst. 150°F (66°C) 160°F (71°C) 165°F (74°C) 170°F (77°C) 185°F (85°C) Vegetables, hot drinks, soups, casseroles Medium beef, lamb, veal Well-done beef, Iamb Whole fish Well-done pork, poultry pieces or roasted bird 18