How To Use a Microwave Browning Dish: Easy Instructions

Categorized as Microwave
How To Use a Microwave Browning Dish

You love your microwave, but sometimes you feel like it doesn’t quite meet all of your needs. For example, you really wish you could get that perfect browning on top of your food like you can in the oven.

But what if I told you that there is a way to get that same level of browning…in the microwave?

Yes, it’s true! All you need is a microwave browning dish. These handy little dishes are designed to evenly distribute microwaves, so you’ll get perfectly browned food every time.

In this I, we’ll show you how to use a microwave browning dish and give you some tips on getting the perfect results. I’ll also share some foods that work well with this cooking method.

So, let’s get started!

What Is a Microwave Browning Dish?

Microwave browning dishes are specially designed to help brown food in the microwave. Unlike regular microwaves, which can struggle to brown food evenly, browning dishes make it easy to achieve a perfect crispy finish.

They work by stimulating a fry pan or skillet so that what you never thought possible to cook in a microwave can now be cooked with beautiful results.

The great thing is that these dishes are usually safe to put in the dishwasher, so cleanup is a breeze.

How To Use a Microwave Browning Dish

Here are the basic steps to using a microwave browning dish:

1. Place the browning dish in the microwave and preheat it according to the owner’s manual

The first step is to place the browning dish in the microwave and preheat it

Most browning dishes will have specific instructions on how to pre-heat them. However, as a general rule, the recommended time is 2.5 minutes on high power in a 900-watt microwave

If your microwave is lower in wattage, you will need to preheat for a longer time about 3 to 4 minutes. To be sure, check your owner’s manual for the recommended pre-heat time.

If you want to add butter or oil to the dish, do so before preheating.

2. Put your food browning side down in the center of the dish

Once your browning dish is preheated, it’s time to add your food. Place the food browning side down in the center of the dish. This will encourage the microwaves to focus on browning that side of the food.

3. Set the microwave settings on high

Now it’s time to cook your food. Set the power to high. You can’t use a medium or low setting when browning food in the microwave. In lower settings, the microwaves will not be intense enough to brown the food.

4. Set the timer according to the food you’re cooking

The next step is to set the timer. How long you cook your food will depend on what you’re cooking. The owner’s manual that came with your browning dish should have recommended cooking times for various foods.

However, if your manual doesn’t have these recommendations, you can browse online for some recommendations. Many helpful resources can tell you how long to cook various foods in the microwave.

Here are some general guidelines:

Chicken breastfrozen16 min
Chicken breastfresh7 min
Beef rump steak7 min
Beef burgerfrozen8 min
Beef burgerfresh6 min
Pork steak (boneless)frozen10 min
Pork steak (boneless)fresh7 min
Sausages (pork/beef)fresh8 min
Salmon steaksfrozen9 min
Salmon steaksfresh7 min
Panini fresh4 min

Please note the times on the list are based on a 900-watt microwave. If you’re unsure how long to cook your food, it’s better to start with a shorter cooking time and then add more time as needed.

5. Check for browning

Once the timer goes off, check your food to see if it’s done. If it hasn’t browned to your liking, you can continue cooking in short increments until it reaches the desired level of browning. Be sure to keep an eye on your food so that it doesn’t overcook.

6. Carefully remove the browning dish from the microwave

Once your food is cooked to perfection, carefully remove the browning dish from the microwave. Use oven gloves or a pot holder to avoid getting burned.

Let the dish sit for a few minutes before handling it. This will give the hot dish time to cool down slightly and will make it easier to handle.

7. Serve your food immediately

Serve your food immediately. Browning dishes are not meant to be used as storage containers. Once your food is cooked, transfer it to a plate.

Tips for Using a Microwave Browning Dish

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using a microwave browning dish:

  • Always wash the dish before using it. Use hot soapy water and a sponge. Rinse it well and dry it with a clean towel.
  • For the best result, slice your food into even pieces. This will help to ensure that all sides of the food are cooked evenly.
  • If you’re cooking multiple pieces of meat, be sure to space them out evenly in the dish. This will help to ensure that they cook evenly.
  • You can cook partially frozen food in a browning dish but it’s always recommended to cook thawed food for best results.
  • Check the owner’s manual for the maximum capacity of your particular browning dish. Do not exceed this amount.
  • Do not cover the browning dish while it’s in the microwave.
  • Do not use harsh abrasive cleaners on the dish. This can damage the surface.
  • If you cook meat or poultry with excess moisture, drain it before cooking. You can use a paper towel to blot it dry. Excess moisture can decrease the browning effect.
  • Flattening your food with a spatula several times before microwaving will help to encourage even and consistent browning.
  • Always use caution when removing the browning dish from the microwave. Use oven gloves or a pot holder to avoid getting burned.

What Can You Cook With a Microwave Browning Dish?

You can cook all sorts of things that require a hot surface with a microwave browning dish, including meat patties, sausages, salmon, chicken breasts, pork chops, grilled sandwiches, frozen pizza, and paninis. You can also use it to reheat leftovers that you want to crisp up.

Conclusion

A microwave browning dish is a handy tool to have in your kitchen if you want to cook food that requires a hot surface. It’s easy to use and can help you achieve perfectly cooked food every time.

You can use it to microwave many types of food that would normally require cooking on a stovetop or oven, including meat patties, sausages, salmon, chicken breasts, and so on.

Just be sure to follow the tips and guidelines above for the best results. Thanks for reading.

By Rosie Elliott

I’m Rosie. I’m a professional chef with experience in Western, Mediterranean, and Italian cuisine. I’ve been cooking for over 15 years, and I have two daughters that keep me busy!