Let’s talk about those silent kitchen rebels – foods that throw a bit of a tantrum in the microwave. If you’re aiming to avoid any culinary catastrophes, sticking to traditional cooking methods might be your best bet. Before you hit that microwave button, consider these 15 foods you should probably keep out of your trusty kitchen appliance. Remember, it’s all about keeping your kitchen adventures safe and delicious!
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Microwaving them just won’t cut it for honey garlic chicken thighs. You’d miss out on that perfect crispiness and the juicy tenderness inside. The air fryer? It’s a game changer, giving you that crunchy exterior and keeping the meat juicy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Chicken Paprikash
This classic dish needs time to simmer, allowing those flavors to really come together. Microwaving Chicken Paprikash just wouldn’t do it justice. It takes a bit longer to cook on the stove, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Skipping the oven and opting for the microwave? Not a good idea. You’d miss out on that crispy skin and the perfectly cooked meat underneath. Why rush it when you can let your oven work its magic and enjoy a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy?
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Mediterranean Chicken Bake
Mediterranean Chicken Bake truly shines when baked in the oven. Baking allows the chicken to soak up all those delicious Mediterranean flavors. Plus, the oven gives everything a lovely caramelization that adds depth to the dish.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake
Steak & Pasta Salad
This is a dish that simply begs to be enjoyed fresh and vibrant, not reheated in the microwave. Grilling the steak gives it that irresistible smoky flavor and tender texture that just can’t be replicated in the microwave. It’s worth taking the time to prepare it properly.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs
This dish is a comfort food classic that demands to be cooked low and slow, not hurried in the microwave. Braising them in the oven allows the meat to become incredibly tender and flavorful. Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs is definitely worth the wait!
Get the Recipe: Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs
Smoked Pork Belly Tacos
Smoking the pork belly infuses it with that irresistible smoky flavor and creates a crispy exterior that’s simply divine. It’s worth firing up the smoker for these delicious tacos. Treat yourself to a culinary trip and savor every bite of these smoked pork belly tacos!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Tacos
Turkey à la King
Turkey à la king is a classic comfort food dish that deserves to be cooked with care, not hurried in the microwave. So, why rush it? Take your time and enjoy the process of cooking this hearty and delicious meal. It’s worth it in the end!
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King
Dutch Oven Carnitas
Carnitas are all about that slow-cooked, tender goodness. But if you try to speed up the process with a microwave, you’ll end up with tough, chewy meat instead of that melt-in-your-mouth texture. So, take the time to let them simmer away in the Dutch oven until they’re perfect.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Carnitas
Ham & Asparagus Pizza
When it comes to pizza, it’s all about that crispy crust and gooey cheese, right? So, if you even think about microwaving it, you’ll miss out on all that deliciousness. Pop it in the oven instead and let the magic happen.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza
Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup
Creamy soups like Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup need time to develop those rich flavors. Microwaving it will only result in a sad, unevenly heated mess. So, put away the microwave and let the stove work its magic.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup
Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops
Nothing beats the taste of slow-cooked pork chops. Microwaving them would be a mistake – you’d miss out on that juicy, tender goodness. So, ditch the microwave and let the slow cooker do its thing. Guaranteed that it’s worth waiting for!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops
Baked Spanish Rice
Baked Spanish Rice is all about that crispy layer on top and fluffy texture inside. But if you try to nuke it in the microwave, you’ll end up with soggy, sad rice. Take the time to bake it in the oven until it’s perfectly golden brown and you won’t regret it.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice
Turkey Pot Pie Soup
Soup is the epitome of comfort food, but microwaving it would be a mistake. You’d end up with unevenly heated soup and a loss of that creamy, velvety texture. Your patience will be rewarded with a bowl of pure comfort with Turkey Pot Pie Soup.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie Soup
Seafood Stuffed Salmon
Stuffed salmon is all about that delicate balance of flavors. But if you try to microwave it, you’ll end up with dry, overcooked salmon. Bake it in the oven instead until it’s perfectly cooked and that stuffing is golden and crispy.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Stuffed Salmon