Why is a “rest period” or “standing time” included in microwave recipes?

Microwave Recipe Rest Period

A rest period or “standing time” is often included in microwave recipes.  This is different from typical recipes such as recipes for rice cookers which include no such provision for a rest period.  This standing time is in the recipe to allow your recipe to rest.  After all, cooking in the microwave is stressful for most ingredients – how would you feel after being nuked in a microwave?  Not too spiffy I would imagine.  So, don’t be impatient – allow your recipe to rest after cooking and the end product will be much better.

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3 Responses to “Why is a “rest period” or “standing time” included in microwave recipes?”

  1. Sam says:

    Certain things will burn if you cook them in the microwave for the full period of time without having a rest period.

  2. quizzard123 says:

    Microwaves heat the food unevenly, which is why they usually incorporate rotary plate. By letting the food sit, those uneven heat areas can settle out, so that all areas have approximately the same hotness.

  3. msjantastic says:

    So the item can finish cooking and also so you do not burn yourself.

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