While most of us use the microwave to warm up leftovers, this underrated appliance is capable of much more. Can this kitchen staple actually enhance our cooking? From juicing citrus to making taco shells, these microwave hacks take some delicious shortcuts while making your life easier.

Wondering how to use a microwave to its fullest potential? You may be surprised at what this labor-saving device can do. While our microwave hacks won’t result in a gourmet meal, they can be vital time-savers and helpful oven substitutes. 

When your recipe calls for citrus juice, don’t labor with lemons or wrestle with an orange. For one of the easiest microwave tricks, heat the whole fruit for 10-20 seconds so it’s warm to the touch. Cut your citrus in half and squeeze with ease!

Steamed vegetables should be part of every microwave cooking guide. That’s because it can perfectly steam most vegetables from broccoli to artichokes in less time than it takes water to boil. Here’s how to steam your way to a healthy and delicious side dish in minutes:

This is one of those microwave hacks that save both time and labor. It can be difficult to peel multiple cloves of garlic by hand when every minute counts. To get the job done quickly, place a whole head of garlic in the microwave and heat for 20 seconds. The cloves should slide out of their skins with no smelly mess.

If chopping onions slows your meal-prep with teary eyes, this is one of those microwave cooking hacks that can save the day. Place a whole onion in the microwave and heat for 30 seconds. This will break down the chemical compounds, allowing you to chop tear-free.

These won’t be as fluffy as the stovetop version but when you want scrambled eggs in minutes, the microwave can do it. Simply beat 2 eggs in a microwave-safe bowl or mug, add a splash of milk, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Heat for 1.5 minutes, stir, and heat for 1-2 minutes more. You’ll have a hot breakfast waiting for you on your way out the door.

When your bread gets stale before you can finish it, don’t throw it away or suffer through a dry slice. Wrap the bread in a damp paper towel, place on a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 10 seconds. This will soften the bread, giving it a fresh taste and texture.

Microwave recipes that result in tacos are sure to be a success. When you’re short on shells, make your own with soft tortillas. Place the tortilla inside a tall, microwave-safe glass and heat for 1 minute. In 60 seconds you’ll have a crispy taco shell to fill with your favorite toppings.

We hope these microwave hacks make your life easier by saving time and effort. When you need microwave repair service , Reliable Appliance Service can also save you time and labour. Call us for a fast and professional repair!