Why Does Soup Explode in the Microwave?

Why Does Soup Explode in the Microwave?

Microwave dishes are not only quick and easy, but they also save time and money since they don’t require the use of pots and pans.

There are also many different brands available, and most of them come with a reasonable price tag.

In addition to the price, most of these microwaves have several additional features, such as timers, child locks, and dishwasher safe.

As microwave approach molecules in a soup solution, the molecules become excited and, consequently, more likely to make more hydrogen ions. These hydrogen ions react with the oxygen in the surrounding air, making them reactive towards each other before exploding.

A similar reaction happens when you take a bite of your soup, and it burns on your tongue.

This is because energy from the microwave goes into the ‘food,’ but not necessarily just one molecule:

There are many reactions taking place as energy from the microwave interacts with different molecules in food or water.

This then makes reactions more likely as the molecules interact with each other.

The responses are most violent on the water’s surface because the microwaves are most concentrated, causing many reactions.

How Do You Microwave A Bowl Of Soup?

Here is a step to step guide to how you can microwave a bowl of soup:

1. Put all the ingredients for your soup in a bowl or a microwave-safe container.
2. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, or close the lid of your cooking vessel to prevent splatters.
3. Heat on eminent power until the liquid boils, then reduce heat and cook for 5 to 10 minutes depending on how hot you like it and how much liquid is in the bowl.
4. Serve soup in a bowl with a spoon.

How Do You Keep The Soup From Exploding In The Microwave?

You can keep the soup from exploding in the microwave by using a microwave-safe mug or container. Also, turn the timer on high, not medium.

You might also consider adding an ice cube or two depending on what you’re cooking and even some water, this will help keep the soup from boiling over and spilling into your oven.

Remember to use common sense; however, quick ratios are appropriate if the soup is bubbling too much for your taste (and you can’t lower it in temperature).

Only use an oven mitt to remove the container from the microwave.

Are Whole Foods Soup Containers Microwavable?

Yes. With one caveat: you must use a low heat setting (i.e., around or below 700 of) to prevent the plastic from melting or cracking.

Ensure to use a plate if the container isn’t microwavable, which should extend the life of your product.

But please do not turn your microwavable container upside down. Always place the lid on the container, fill it with water, and microwave it that way.

It’s important to note that microwaving is only one of many ways to reheat your soup.

Whatever method you choose (microwave, convection oven, stovetop), ensure you do so carefully to prevent scorching or burning.

How Do I Microwave Soup Without Making A Mess?

Microwaving soup is an easy way to eat it without heating your kitchen. Here’s everything you need to know:

1. Heat the microwave for 3 minutes at full power.
2. Place a few tablespoons of water in the mug’s bottom, then pour your soup on top. (The water will help keep the food moist and prevent burning).
3. Be careful with the bowl when you remove it from the microwave. The sides will be very hot.
4. Let the soup cool for 1 minute before eating.

How Do You Make Campbell’s Soup In The Microwave?

You can make Campbell’s soup in the microwave without heating it with a pot and stove. First, mix 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 cup of milk, 3 tablespoons of flour in a small bowl.

Stir the mixture together so that the lumps are out. Place it in the microwave for three minutes on high power and beat it until smooth.

Next, put your spoon back into the pot with 4 cups of vegetable broth and stir in 6 tablespoons of dry onion soup mix as well as 2 teaspoons of sugar with a wooden spoon until dissolved.

After 15 minutes (you can go another five minutes if you wish), put 2 tablespoons of soup mix into a microwave-safe container and microwave for two minutes on high with the soup mix on top.

Cook for another two minutes, stirring once or twice. Next, add one cup of vegetable broth, stir until smooth, and put the soup into containers, leaving a little room at the top.

Microwave again for five to six minutes on high power until heated through.

Is It Better To Heat Soup On The Stove Or Microwave?

It’s better to heat soup on the stove than a microwave. The reason is that stove will heat soup faster than the microwave would.

Besides, it’s healthier because there are no harmful effects on your body when you heat soup on the stove.

It’s advisable to use a pot or pan to keep the temperature under control and avoid burning the soup. If you don’t have a pot or pan, buy one online easily at a low price.

Why Does Vegetable Soup Explode In The Microwave?

Vegetable soup explodes in the microwave because it’s boat-trapped in steam underneath the lid that has nowhere to escape.

When you place soup in the microwaves, it boils a lot faster, and the pot traps the moisture.

The pressure builds until eventually, it grows so high that it pops out at you when you open your microwave door and screams, “Scare me.”.

Also, if you’re microwaving soup in a plastic container, be sure to put some water inside with it so that it doesn’t get too hot.

What Foods Explode In The Microwave?

Did you know certain foods can explode in a microwave? This is because microwaves cause water molecules to vibrate more quickly and forcefully.

Suppose there’s not enough water, which can happen with heavy sauces like chili, tomato sauce, and even chocolate chips.

In that case, the food heats up too quickly inside the microwave, causing it to simply boil over out of the container and onto your counters.

There’s also the possibility that the food can merely explode.

The best way to avoid having your food boil over or explode is to put some water in with the food.

If you’re cooking something with a lot of sauce or oil, put it in a glass bowl and cover it with plastic wrap instead of a paper towel.

Also, try adding more time if the recipe calls for less liquid than usual.

Here Are 10 Foods That Can Go Boom In Your Microwave

1. Beets – Beets are a great vegetable that you can roast, boil or steam for a healthy side dish. However, beets boom in microwaves because their high sugar content can cause them to explode before cooking thoroughly.

So when you’re cooking your beets in the microwave(Amazon Link) monitor them so you can take them out before they explode.

2. Corn – Corn is another side dish that can explode in the microwave. The high sugar content of corn causes it to expand while cooking, which will eventually cause it to bust out of the container.

One can do this either by leaving it in the microwave too long or by using a paper towel, muslin, or other cloth over the container.

3. – Steaming greens is a great way to cook them, and they’ll be more nutritious than just eating them raw. However, if you cook them in the microwave, they get soggy and soggy greens don’t hold up well.

Another problem with cooking greens in the microwave is that they can rustle around inside the package, and that can cause your greens to get burned, which will make them taste awful.

4. Green Beans – Green beans are another vegetable that is notoriously easy to blow up in the microwave. The reason is that green beans are very low in water, so they can get limp and flaky when boiled.

To avoid this, simmer your green beans first before putting them in the microwave, which will infuse them with plenty of water before cooking.

Another way to keep them from blowing up is to put a paper towel, muslin, or other cloth over the container before putting them in the microwave.

5. Peppers – Pepper plants are capsaicin-filled, making peppers spicy. However, when you cook them in the microwave, they become very hot and lose their pepper flavor.

Cover your container with a paper towel, muslin, or other cloth to keep peppers from boiling over to absorb excess moisture.

If you’d rather not cover your container with a cloth, then always put your peppers into the microwave on its side so that it doesn’t burn.

6. Potatoes – Potatoes are a great side dish and versatile. However, they can also cause many problems in the microwave if you’re not careful.

The problem is that microwaves don’t penetrate very well into dense materials, so your potatoes can turn black while cooking outside but remain uncooked on the inside.

To avoid this, always poke your potato with a knife to let steam escape before putting it in the microwave.

7. Bacon – Bacon is a favorite among breakfast lovers, and it’s delicious when cooked in the microwave. However, if you don’t put it in the microwave correctly, you can blow yourself up.

When microwaving bacon, ensure to pierce each piece with a fork several times.

Also, only put one layer of bacon on a plate or in your container to prevent injuries from splattering fat and fire from dripping grease.

8. Chocolate – Chocolate doesn’t just store well; it also cooks up nicely. There are many types of chocolate that you can microwave, and they all react differently.

Dark chocolate usually has the highest melting point, so you can put as much as a bar into the microwave at a time without having to worry about it boiling over.

The only problem is that most dark chocolate has an off-putting bitter taste, which means you can’t eat it without adding extra sugar to mask the intense flavor.

9. Frying Pans. – Frying pans(Amazon Link) are great if you’re making French fries or other cooked dishes, but they can cause explosions in the microwave as well.

The problem with frying pans is that they are non-stick, meaning that the oil inside them will cause the food to heat up enough to boil over from oil splatters.

To avoid this, use a paper towel, muslin, or cloth to keep the grease from splattering on your container so it won’t get on your food.

10. Butter – Butter is a pretty simple ingredient to cook with. Most people aren’t aware that butter will boil over in the microwave if you don’t cover it.

If you want to avoid this, put a paper towel, muslin, or other cloth over the container before heating it.

Dripping butter can also cause problems if your container becomes too hot, so always let the butter cool down on its own to prevent burns.

Defrosting Soup in the Microwave

Defrosting soup in the microwave can be tricky. The soup can get too hot or cool down to below room temperature when you do it incorrectly.

But using the following method ensures that your soup will come out at just the right temperature.

How to Defrost Soup in a Microwave

1. Place 1 cup of water in a dish and bring it to a boil in the microwave for 2 minutes on HIGH power.
2. Add 1 cup of peppermint tea and return to microwave for 2 more minutes on HIGH power.
3. Turn the dish, and stir the soup a little as it heats.
4. After 2 minutes on HIGH power, press STOP and allow the soup to stand for 5 minutes. (The tea will continue to infuse into the soup for an additional minute or two.)
5. Return the sauté setting to HIGH power and cook the soup for 5 more minutes.
6. Taste the soup and add more peppermint if desired.

How to Microwave Soup: Step-by-Step

Microwaving soup is easy. Here is a step-by-step guide to how you can do it.

Step 1: Pour the soup into a large microwaveable bowl. The size should be at least 3 times larger than the amount of soup you plan on heating up.

For example, if you plan on heating 2 cups of soup, use a bowl that’s at least 6 cups in total volume.

Step 2: Place the bowl inside the microwave and heat it high for 1 to 2 minutes or until hot.

Step 3: Remove the bowl from the microwave and ladle the soup into separate containers if you need to. Serve immediately.

Conclusion

Microwaving soup can be fun and easy. Ensure you follow the instructions above to get the results you want.

However, you can use many other techniques to cook your soup without damaging its nutrients.

For example, you can soak your meat in salt brine for several hours before cooking it and throw it into the microwave.

You can also purchase an electric slow cooker and use the microwave as an alternative cooking method.