Microwave Guide: Tips for beginners on how to use a microwave, how to clean it, and 5 easy Indian dishes to try in it

The Union Budget 2026-27 came with a mixed bag of good and bad news. If we talk about the good news for Indian kitchens, the news of microwave ovens getting cheaper has surely drawn a lot of attention. As per the budget news, the oven range will become more affordable as basic customs duty has been exempted on specified parts used in their manufacture. This move is aimed at increasing the value addition within the domestic consumer electronics sector and reducing dependence on imported components, bringing down manufacturing costs. So, if you are planning to buy a new microwave, here's a complete beginner's guide, tips on cleaning and five easy Indian dishes one can try in a microwave.

As per experts, when cooking in the microwave, it is important to let the food rest before cooking and after cooking too. As the basic use of a microwave is to heat the food, so it is of prime importance to let the food rest for a while to let the flavours get absorbed rightly.

In Indian homes, mostly steel, iron, or aluminum utensils are used and it is important to understand that none of these can be used for cooking or reheating food in a microwave. So, when you plan to buy a microwave, always invest in a few microwave-safe utensils, bowls and cups.

Cooking or reheating food in a microwave calls for mixing and stirring a lot. So always cook in a bigger dish, so that it is easy to stir and mix the ingredients.

As per experts, one of the best ways to clean a microwave is to use baking soda. Make a paste of baking soda with water and spread it all over the insides of the oven, avoiding the heating areas. Leave it overnight. Next morning spray some white vinegar and use a damp cloth to wipe off the stains.

This is one of the easiest and simplest dishes to make in a microwave. Simply wash the rice and add it in a deep microwave-safe bowl along with double the quantity of water. Microwave on high for 10 minutes and then on medium for 5 minutes. Let it stand inside for 5 minutes and your fluffy rice is ready.

To make this, combine besan, curd, water, ginger–chilli paste, salt, turmeric, and sugar and let it rest for a while. Add it in a greased microwave-safe glass or silicone dish and lastly add baking soda to it. Microwave on high for 3½–4 minutes, add the tempering of oil, mustard seeds, sugar, green chilli, and water and your dhokla is ready.

For this dish, make deep cuts on the chicken pieces and marinate them with a mixture of curd, spices, lemon juice, oil, and ginger garlic paste. Let them rest for an hour and then add the chicken pieces to a microwave-safe glass dish. Cook on high for 12-15 minutes and turn pieces once halfway. For a smoky finish, heat a small piece of charcoal till red hot, place it in a bowl inside the dish, drizzle ghee, cover for 2 minutes for dhungar effect. Serve hot.

Wash and soak rice for 10 minutes. Add it to a deep microwave safe bowl along with milk and microwave on high for 10 minutes. Once the kheer thickens, shift it to medium for 10 minutes. stirring every 3 minutes to avoid skin formation. Add sugar, saffron and nuts and microwave again for 2-3 minutes on medium. Let it stand for 5 minutes. Enjoy.

To begin with, grease a microwave safe bowl with oil or butter. In the bowl, whisk egg, milk, salt, pepper and chilli until slightly frothy. Add in onion, tomato, and coriander. Cook for high for 45 seconds, stir and cook again for 30-45 seconds until it sets. Let it stand for 30 seconds and your omelette is ready.

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