About this video

• Video Title: Your Microwave's Most Underrated Button | Techniquely with Lan Lam
• Channel: America's Test Kitchen
• Speakers: Lan Lam
• Duration: 00:10:46

Overview

This video explores the underutilized capabilities of microwaves beyond simple reheating and defrosting. It explains how microwaves work, focusing on the magnetron and how power levels are controlled. The video then demonstrates various cooking techniques, including softening butter, evenly heating frozen foods, and creating gourmet garnishes like fried capers and shallots, as well as frico and compound butters, all using the microwave.

Key takeaways

• Microwaves are versatile: They can do much more than just reheat or defrost, being effective for heating small amounts of food quickly.
• Understanding microwave operation: Microwaves generate heat by causing water molecules (and to a lesser extent, oils and sugars) in food to vibrate. The power level setting controls how long the magnetron is on and off, affecting heat distribution.
• Even heating: To achieve more even heating, reduce the microwave's power level to allow heat to penetrate the food's center, or physically move/flip the food during cooking.
• Cooking frozen foods: Microwaving frozen items at full power can lead to uneven heating (boiling hot in some spots, still frozen in others) because microwaves primarily act on the water content. Lower power settings are crucial for thawing and cooking frozen items evenly.
• Creating gourmet garnishes: Microwaves can be used to efficiently make "fried" garnishes like capers, shallots, and garlic, as well as frico and compound butters, offering a convenient way to elevate home-cooked dishes.