The microwave is a quick solution for busy days, but not everything is microwave-friendly. Some foods can lose their taste, texture, or even become unsafe when nuked. Here's a list of foods you should stop microwaving.
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Hard-Boiled Eggs
Microwaving hard-boiled eggs can lead to an explosive mess. (source) The steam buildup inside the egg can cause it to burst, sometimes even after it's out of the microwave. For safety and sanity, stick to reheating eggs on the stove.
Chicken
While it might be tempting to nuke leftover chicken, the microwave doesn't heat it evenly. This can leave you with cold spots where harmful bacteria like salmonella could thrive. (source) Reheat chicken in the oven or on the stove to ensure it's cooked all the way through.
Breast Milk
It's crucial not to microwave breast milk, as the heat can destroy its valuable nutrients. Plus, the microwave heats unevenly, which could result in hot spots that burn your baby's mouth. (source) Warm it in a bowl of hot water instead.
Leafy Greens
Due to iron content, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens can spark when microwaved. Experience has shown this to happen particularly with pieces kale. (source) Stick to sautéing or steaming them for better results.
Rice
Reheating rice in the microwave can lead to food poisoning if not stored and reheated properly. Rice contains spores of bacteria that survive cooking, and microwaving may not heat it enough to kill them. To avoid this risk, reheat rice with a bit of water and check the internal temperature. (source)
Fish
Fish has delicate oils and fats that break down easily when exposed to microwaves. It not only smells bad but also becomes rubbery and dry. The best way to reheat fish is to gently warm it in the oven. (source)
Bread
If you've ever microwaved bread, you know it quickly turns into a tough, chewy mess. The microwave evaporates moisture from bread, leaving it dry and unappetizing. Opt for toasting or heating in the oven to keep it soft and warm. (source)
Frozen Meat
Defrosting frozen meat in the microwave can lead to uneven thawing, with some parts still frozen and others partially cooked. This encourages bacterial growth. It's safer to thaw meat in the fridge overnight or using cold water. (source)
Tomato-Based Sauces
Tomato sauces are notorious for causing splatter explosions in the microwave. (source) They also tend to stain the containers they are microwaved in. For a mess-free solution, heat sauces on the stove instead.
Hot Peppers
Microwaving hot peppers might seem like a quick way to heat them up, but it's not worth the risk. When peppers are heated in the microwave, the capsaicin (the compound that makes them spicy) can vaporize, releasing fumes that can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat. (source)
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