When splitting the quantity of food between two dishes in a microwave, you may need to adjust the microwave timings to ensure that both dishes cook evenly and thoroughly. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
Reduce the quantity in each dish: If you're splitting the food into two dishes, it's best to reduce the quantity in each dish to allow for even cooking. Smaller quantities generally cook faster than larger quantities.
Increase the cooking time: When splitting the food, the microwave will need to work on two smaller portions instead of one larger portion. As a result, you'll likely need to increase the cooking time for each dish. The exact increase in time will depend on the type of food, the power of your microwave, and the quantity you've split.
Stir or rotate the dishes: To promote even cooking, you might consider stirring the contents of each dish or rotating them halfway through the cooking process. This helps to distribute the heat more evenly and prevents any cold spots from forming.
Use the microwave's power levels: Some microwaves have power levels, such as high, medium, or defrost. If your microwave has these settings, consider using a lower power level when splitting the quantity between two dishes. Lower power levels allow the heat to distribute more evenly and prevent overcooking the outer edges while the center remains undercooked.
Check for doneness: Always check the doneness of the food before serving. Use a food thermometer if necessary, especially for meat and poultry, to ensure they are cooked to the appropriate internal temperature.
Practice and adjust: The best way to determine the right adjustments for your microwave and the specific dishes you're preparing is through practice. Start by using conservative increases in cooking time, and then adjust as needed based on the results.
Remember that microwaves can vary in power and efficiency, so the timings mentioned in recipes may not always be perfect for your specific appliance. Experimenting with adjustments will help you find the ideal cooking times for splitting quantities between two dishes in your microwave.