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Microwave Softening Butter — Low (20-30%) Power for 10-15 sec intervals

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Microwave Power: Low (20-30%)

Time: 10-15 sec intervals

Overview

Microwave Softening Butter: use low (20-30%) power for 10-15 sec intervals. Cut butter into tablespoon-sized pieces first. Microwave at 20% power in 10-sec intervals, checking after each. Should dent when pressed but not melt. Room temp equivalent takes 30-60 min — microwave does it in 30 sec.

Key Details

  • Microwave Power: Low (20-30%)
  • Time: 10-15 sec intervals
  • Cut butter into tablespoon-sized pieces first. Microwave at 20% power in 10-sec intervals, checking after each. Should dent when pressed but not melt. Room temp equivalent takes 30-60 min — microwave does it in 30 sec.
  • Always use microwave-safe containers — no metal, no plastic wrap touching food
  • Stir or rotate food halfway through for even heating

Why This Matters

  • Microwaves heat unevenly — stirring and proper power levels prevent hot/cold spots
  • High power can overcook edges while center stays cold
  • Covering food traps steam for more even heating and prevents splattering

How To

  1. 1Place food in microwave-safe container
  2. 2Add moisture (water, broth, or damp paper towel) as needed
  3. 3Set power to low (20-30%)
  4. 4Heat for 10-15 sec intervals, stirring or rotating halfway through
  5. 5Cut butter into tablespoon-sized pieces first. Microwave at 20% power in 10-sec intervals, checking after each. Should dent when pressed but not melt. Room temp equivalent takes 30-60 min — microwave does it in 30 sec.

Tags

cooking-tempsmicrowavereheatingmicrowave-softening-butter

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Frequently Asked Questions

Low (20-30%) power for 10-15 sec intervals. Cut butter into tablespoon-sized pieces first. Microwave at 20% power in 10-sec intervals, checking after each. Should dent when pressed but not melt. Room temp equivalent takes 30-60 min — microwave does it in 30 sec.