The phenomenon you described, where the food doesn't seem to cook adequately but the plate becomes scalding hot, is a common occurrence in microwave cooking. This happens due to the way microwaves heat food and the differences in how various materials absorb and retain heat.
Microwaves work by emitting electromagnetic waves that are absorbed by water molecules in the food. When these water molecules absorb the microwaves, they start vibrating, generating heat, and thus cooking the food. However, not all parts of the food may contain the same amount of water or be equally effective at absorbing microwaves.
Here are some reasons why you may experience this issue:
Uneven distribution of water: If some areas of the food have higher water content than others, those parts will heat up more quickly, while drier areas may not heat up as much. This can lead to an unevenly cooked dish.
Microwave-safe dishes: Microwave-safe dishes are designed to allow microwaves to pass through and heat the food. However, they are not meant to absorb microwaves themselves. Instead, they may get hot indirectly from the hot food touching the plate or through conduction.
Poor microwave absorption: Some materials, like ceramics or glass, may not absorb microwaves effectively, resulting in the food not getting as hot as the plate.
Standing time: After the microwave cooking cycle is complete, the food may continue to cook through residual heat. Allowing the food to sit for a few minutes after microwaving can help it cook more evenly.
To improve the evenness of cooking in the microwave, you can try the following tips:
- Stir or rotate the food during cooking to distribute heat more evenly.
- Use microwave-safe cookware that is designed to heat food effectively.
- Cut food into smaller, uniform pieces to ensure more consistent cooking.
- Use microwave-safe covers or wraps to help retain moisture and promote more even heating.
Keep in mind that microwave cooking can be quite different from conventional methods, and it may take some trial and error to find the best approach for different types of food and dishes.