In many traditional cuisines all over the world, pepper is an important kitchen ingredient. It is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants which makes it the perfect choice for all the dishes. Even minerals like folic acid, potassium and plenty of fibers are also present in it. Being low in calories, it is the first choice of many chefs.
Peppers are often used by removing the skin which can be done either by roasting them in the oven, stove or microwave. Out of these, the microwave method is the easiest and time-saving method.
Steps are mentioned below to skin peppers in the microwave:
- Wash the peppers properly under tap water and trim their stems.
- Take a microwave-safe bowl with a lid or a microwave-safe plastic bag.
- Place the peppers in the bowl or the bag.
- Run the microwave on high for 5-8 minutes depending on the power of the microwave.
- Once done, remove the bowl or bag from the microwave and let it cool.
- While opening the lid or plastic bag, be careful as the escaping steam may cause some burning.
- Cool the peppers and split them in half. Remove the seeds and on a cutting board, lay the peppers with flesh down.
- The skin can be peeled gently.
- Also, use a paring knife to scrape any spots sticking to the flesh of the peppers.
With this method, you can easily skin peppers and use them in various dishes.
How to peel bell peppers in the microwave?
To peel bell peppers in a microwave, it is essential to follow the steps mentioned below:
- Take bell peppers and wash them properly under the tap running water to remove any kind of impurities present on them.
- Cut the peppers into halves and remove the seeds along with the white parts.
- Take a microwave-safe container and place the peppers which are cut into halves, into it. Cover the bowl with a lid.
- Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes and then check if it is done. If not, microwave for more than 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave and let it cool down for another 10 minutes.
- Remove the peppers from the bowl and slip off the skin.
With this method, peeling the skin of the bell peppers becomes easy.
Can you microwave jalapeno peppers?
Yes, you can microwave jalapeno peppers but ideally is not advised to do so. Jalapenos contain capsaicin and when these are microwaved, capsaicin will turn into an aerosol which is like pepper spray.
As soon as you open the door of the microwave, steam coming out after microwaving the jalapenos will burn your skin and eyes. This is very harmful and if the steam is inhaled too much, it may require hospitalization as well.
Sometimes it is seen that if a large jalapeno is microwaved, it may explode and catch fire. This will ruin your appliance and may start a fire in the kitchen.
In case you still want to microwave jalapenos, cut them in half, remove the seeds and membranes, and then microwave for just 1-2 minutes.
The membrane and seeds of jalapenos contain most of the capsaicin and so when these are removed, jalapenos are prevented from turning into an aerosol.
How to dry hot peppers in the microwave?
To dry hot peppers in the microwave, first, take a microwave-safe plate and lay hot peppers on it in a single layer. Ensure there is no overlapping of the peppers. Now, run the microwave on high for 15 seconds intervals until the hot peppers become pliable and toasted. The entire process may around 15 minutes.
Remove the dried hot peppers from the microwave and allow them to cool completely. Then, store them in an air-tight container and you can keep it for more than a year if stored properly.
With these dried hot peppers, you can make chili flakes. For this, put the whole dried chilies in the food processor and pulse them until finely ground.
You can even make chili powder with these. For this, separate the seeds and discard them. Now, grind the dried red pepper in a food processor or mortar and pestle until a fine powder is obtained.
How to roast poblano peppers in microwave?
Poblano peppers are used in many dishes to add a spicy and complex taste. These peppers have to be roasted to get their full flavor. After roasting, the skin of poblano pepper becomes bitter and it has to be removed to enjoy the full flavor.
To roast poblano peppers in the microwave, follow these steps:
- Take poblano peppers and wash them properly.
- Cut the stems and place them in a microwave-safe container. Cover the bowl with a lid.
- Microwave on high for 5-8 minutes. Check-in between to prevent over roasting of the peppers.
- Once done, remove the bowl from the microwave and let the peppers cool in a plastic bag. This will allow the skin of the peppers to become loose.
- After cooling, cut the poblano peppers and cut them into halves. Remove the seeds and remove the skin gently.
- If still hot, use gloves to peel off the skin to prevent burning off your fingers.
The roasted poblano peppers are ready to be used in any dish.
How to steam peppers in microwave?
To steam peppers in the microwave, follow the easy steps mentioned below:
- Wash peppers properly and remove seeds, stems, and membranes from the peppers.
- Cut the peppers into strips or rings as per your requirement.
- Take a microwave-safe bowl with a lid and put 2 tablespoons of water in it.
- Add the cut peppers to the bowl and cover it with the lid.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stop the microwave and stir it well.
- Again, microwave it for 1 minute.
- The crisp-tender peppers are ready to be used in other dishes.
Using a microwave to steam peppers is a time-saving method and enhances the taste of the pepper. These can be used as a side dish or a part of the warm salad for a healthy meal.
Conclusion
Peppers are often used in the dishes after removing the skin for which the easiest way is to microwave them. For this, you just need a microwave, peppers, and microwave-safe bowl.
The entire process of removing the skin of peppers in a microwave is mentioned above. You can refer to that and make a delicious dish out of them.