What should be done during microwave cooking to ensure even heating?

To ensure even heating during microwave cooking, it is important to stir or rotate the food halfway through the cooking process. Microwaves can heat food unevenly due to their design, which can lead to hot spots and cold areas. By stirring the food or rotating the dish, you help distribute the heat more evenly, allowing all parts of the food to reach the desired temperature and ensuring that it is cooked thoroughly.

This process is particularly important for items with varying densities or textures, as they may absorb microwaves differently. When food is stirred or repositioned, it promotes uniform heating, reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses resulting from uneven cooking, and enhances overall food quality.

In contrast, continuously cooking without stopping can contribute to uneven heating without addressing hot spots. Covering dishes tightly with plastic can trap steam, which is useful for certain types of cooking but doesn't inherently solve the problem of uneven heating. Starting with a higher temperature might seem like a solution, but it doesn’t guarantee even cooking; in fact, it might intensify the problem by cooking the outside of the food rapidly while leaving the inside undercooked.