Sometimes it’s a hard day for everybody in the house. You return from work, and all you want to do is slouch on the living room couch and sip your heavenly cup of java to wash away your stress. However, a peek into the kitchen makes you realize there is no way you are going to get that much-wanted cup of relaxing coffee before tackling all the dirty dishes and kettle.
So, what do you do? You look around and see a flicker of hope in your microwave. If you are ever faced with such a situation, do not fret. You can stir up a delicious and mind-jolting cup of coffee in the microwave.
How to Make Coffee in Microwave
Now, there might be dozen different scenarios of why you need to use the microwave to make coffee at home and be your own barista. You might only need to use it to heat up water for coffee only or need to make milk froth. Whatever the circumstances, here are five different ways to make coffee in the microwave.
1. Heating Up the Water for Coffee
Sometimes, the situation might call for only heating water in the microwave. Prepare your brewing equipment and quickly heat water in the microwave. Be sure to use a microwave-safe cup for this process.
You will need to fill about 6 to 8 ounces of water and place it in the microwave. Depending on your microwave settings, make sure that the water is all hot and steamy. You can also use a cooking thermometer to check the water temperature, which should ideally be up to 90 or 95 degrees Celsius (194-203 degrees Fahrenheit).
Place the mug in the microwave again if the water is not boiled up to your target temperature. Keep placing the water for 20 or 30 seconds intervals.
Caution: Be wary of handling hot water straight out of the microwave as it may spill and burn your hand. Hot water in the microwave can often achieve 100 degrees Celsius but not boil. However, the moment water is moved, it might start to boil instantly and burn you with a splash.
For this, you need to let the hot water rest after the microwave is off.
2. DIY Coffee Filter in the Microwave
If you have some delicious cookies but no clean kettle to brew a hot cup of coffee to enjoy with the coffee, the microwave is your best option. If a frantic search for a coffee bag or pouch goes in vain, you can use the microwave for making one.
For this, scoop out your desired amount of preferred coffee grounds and pour it into your filter paper. Fold the filter paper in a bunch and insert it in the gaps of the fork. Heat your water in the microwave using the method mentioned above. Once heated, dip the filter paper bag into the water and let the coffee seep through the hot water.
After about 4 to 5 minutes, remove the filter and enjoy the best filter coffee at home.
3. Steeped Coffee in the Microwave
If you are out of luck and run out of filter paper, you can use this method to make yourself a cup of coffee instantly. After heating the water in the microwave, pour it over the freshly roasted grounded coffee beans and stir.
Let it rest for about 4-5 minutes, after which you will see foam on the top. Scoop the foam out of the cup and pour the coffee liquid out in another cup while leaving the beans behind. You can also drink from the same cup after scooping out the foam.
You can also strain the coffee liquid out of the cup in a clean cup and enjoy your coffee.
Tip: When using this method, you must use medium-coarse coffee grounds. Fine grounds are hard to filter and might render an over-extracted cup of coffee.
4. Instant Coffee in the Microwave
It is probably the easiest and most self-explanatory method of making coffee in the microwave. Heat water in the microwave using the usual method and mix about two teaspoons in 8 ounces of water. Remember to add sugar and milk to the coffee, as instant black coffee is probably not something you will enjoy.
5. Preparing Milk Foam in the Microwave
You can use a microwave to make milk foam. For this, just add milk to a jar and fill it halfway through. Secure the lid on the jar tightly and shake it thoroughly till the bubbles form.
Place the jar in the microwave after removing the lid and heat for about 30 or 40 seconds. Your froth is ready! Pour the steamy bubbly foam onto your coffee and enjoy while unwinding after a tiring day at work.
Coffee One Way or the Other
A rejuvenating cup of coffee is mandatory for basic daily functioning for many people. It is the first thing that coffee-lovers require in the morning and after a tiring day at work. Often with all the coffee equipment in your kitchen, you might have to resort to the microwave for brewing up a steamy hot cup of coffee. In such instances, you realize how good it is to know different ways of doing things.
