Covering food when cooking it in a microwave oven serves several purposes:
Even Cooking: Covering the food helps to distribute the microwave energy more evenly throughout the dish. This prevents certain parts of the food from getting overcooked or dried out while other parts remain undercooked.
Retaining Moisture: Microwave cooking can quickly dry out the surface of food items. Using a microwave-safe lid or cover traps steam and moisture, preventing the food from becoming too dry during the cooking process.
Reducing Splatters: Covering food helps contain any potential splatters or messes that may occur during cooking. This not only keeps your microwave clean but also prevents the loss of flavorful liquids or sauces.
Faster Cooking: Covering food can accelerate the cooking process by creating a sort of mini-oven environment. The trapped steam can help cook the food from both the outside and inside, reducing cooking time.
Safety: Covering certain types of food can also be a safety measure, especially when cooking liquids or foods that have a tendency to explode, like eggs or hot sauces. The cover helps prevent any potential accidents or spills.
When using a cover in the microwave, it's essential to choose microwave-safe materials like microwave-safe lids, microwave-safe plastic wrap, microwave-safe glass or ceramic lids, or microwave-safe microwave steamer bags. Always make sure to leave a small vent or opening for steam to escape, as excessive pressure buildup can be hazardous.