Can You Microwave Pukka Pies?

Can You Microwave SauerkrautOne thing I love about pukka pies is that I can have them in so many flavours. My favourite two flavours are steak and chicken curry.

Microwaving has always been my best method of cooking pukka pies. The method is fast, and not much is required.

But, can you microwave pukka pies?

Yes, you can microwave pukka pies. To microwave place the pukka pie in a microwavable bowl. Pork some holes on the top surface of the pie and cover the pie with a paper towel. Microwave at high power for 4 to 5 minutes. Check the internal temperature to ensure it should at least be 75C or 165F, and then serve.

This article explains how to microwave pukka pies and other related topics like what is the Best Way to Cook Pukka Pies, Can You Defrost Pukka Pies in the Microwave, How to Store Pukka Pies, and Are Pukka Pies Already Cooked.

The step-to-step Procedure for Microwaving Pukka Pies

Below are the requirements and a simple procedure I use while microwaving pukka pies.

Requirement

  • Pukka pies
  • Microwavable bowl
  • Paper towels
  • Fork
  • Kitchen thermometer

Procedure

1. Transfer the pukka pie to a microwavable bowl

Pukka pies are packed in metal-like cases. Such materials cannot be microwaved. When placed in the microwave, the metal will react with the microwaves and begin to ignite. The ignition could cause serious damage to your microwave.

Therefore, transferring the pukka pie to a microwave-safe bowl is safe. Ensure the bowl has a microwave safe symbol or is made of glass or ceramic material. The quantity of the pies depends on you. Suppose you are microwaving several pukka pies; ensure they are not piling, select a huge microwavable bowl, and ensure the pies are not too close.

2. Pierce some holes on the top surface of the pukka pie

Use a fork to pierce holes on the top of the pie. The holes allow heat into the inner parts of the pie for even cooking. The holes will also allow steam to escape from within; as the microwave heat the pie, the inner fillings begin to cook, and often the steam from within may look for an escape space. Without the space, the pie may burst open to free the steam. Use a paper towel to cover the bowl before placing it in the microwave.

3. Microwave the pukka pie

Place the bowl containing the pukka pies in the microwave and microwave at high power for 4 to 5 minutes. The time will depend on the microwaving power of your microwave and the number of pukka pies in the microwave.

4. Check the doneness of the pukka pie

You will know the pukka pie is ready when you observe steam coming from within the pie through the pierced holes. However, ensure that you use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature. The internal temperature of a well-cooked pukka pie should be 75C or 165F.

5. Serve the pukka pie

Serve your pukka pie immediately after cooking; however, be careful the inner filling could be extremely hot. Without proper care, you could burn your soft mouth tissues. I serve my pukka pie with chips and peas.

What is the Best Way to Cook Pukka Pies

Can You Microwave pukka piesThere are two main ways of cooking pukka pies: a microwave and an oven. The best method will be determined by what you want in the end.

You could cook a pukka pie in the microwave for less than 5 minutes. The same pukka pie will cook for as long as 20 minutes in the oven.

Therefore, if you are in a hurry, a microwave is the best method to opt for when cooking pukka pies.

Also, a microwave does not require much cleaning after cooking, unlike in an oven, where you will have to transfer the pie to the baking sheet and clean the oven after cooking. You will only be required to clean or wipe the microwavable bowl with a microwave.

Secondly, as much as an oven will take up to 20 minutes to cook the pukka pie, you are guaranteed a crispy pie. The middle of the pie will be hot, and the outer part will be pastry and crispy. If this is your kind of happiness and you do not mind waiting for that long, then an oven is the best method for you to cook a pukka pie.

Can You Defrost Pukka Pies in the Microwave?

Yes, you can defrost pukka pies in the microwave for about a minute before microwaving. However, their texture may appear too mushy for your liking.

The best way to microwave frozen pukka pies is to microwave them straight from the freezer. If thawing is something that you must do, then ensure to transfer them from the freezer to a fridge shelf overnight and microwave the following morning.

Important Factors to Know Before Microwaving Pukka Pies

You don’t have to defrost frozen pukka pies; there is a chance of undercooking pukka pies in the microwave, a microwave will not give you a pukka pie with a crispy top, and you will need a kitchen thermometer.

Below is a detailed discussion of the factors that can help you decide whether microwaving pukka pie is worth it.

  • You don’t have to defrost frozen Pukka Pies

The only best method of thawing pukka pies is to place them in the fridge overnight and cook them for the following morning. Defrosting is not a must; the best way to cook frozen pukka pies in the microwave is to heat them straight from the freezer. That way, they will not come out too mushy.

  • Pukka pies could undercook in the microwave

There is a chance that pukka pies could undercook in the microwave. The best way to avoid this issue is to pierce some holes through the top surface of the pie. The holes will allow heat to get through into the inner fillings of the pie and cook the entire thing equally.

Since the microwave cooks meals from within, the inner fillings of the pie will be the first to cook. There will be the production of steam that needs to escape. If this steam lacks enough space to escape, it could cause your pie to burst open. This is why it is important to pierce through the upper surface of the pie to allow steam to escape.

  • A microwave will not give you a pukka pie with a crispy top

Microwaving is the fastest cooking method; however, if you expect a pukka pie with a soft, tender middle and a crispy top, you should opt for another cooking method, like an oven.

  • It is not easy to control the cooking temperature of a microwave

A pukka pie should be cooked to an internal temperature of 75C or 165F. However, you have to use a kitchen thermometer to keep checking the internal temperature of the pie. Unlike in the oven, where you could just set the cooking temperatures.

How to Store Pukka Pies

Can You Microwave pukka piesThe best way to store pukka pies is in the fridge or freezer. For longer shelf life, it is advised that they are stored in an environment where it is at least -18°C.

Pukka pies that have been stored in the freezer can last up to 15 months. However, the manufacturers advise consumers to ensure that the copies have been consumed before their ‘Best Before Date.’

Once the frozen pukka pie has been thawed and microwaved, it should be used immediately. Refreezing is not recommended; it is better to throw it away if there are some leftovers. Such pie is already infested with bacteria that could cause serious foodborne diseases.

Are Pukka Pies Already Cooked

Yes, pukka pies are already fully cooked. They just need a boost by either cooking them in the microwave or oven for a few minutes to the right internal temperature before consumption.

Suppose you would like to cook pukka pies in the microwave, transfer them to a microwavable bowl, pork the top part with a fork, cover the bowl with a paper towel, and microwave at high power for 4 to 5 minutes. Use a kitchen thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the pukka pie is up to 75C or 165F.

Final thoughts

Microwaving pukka pies in the microwave is considered the best method for those that do not mind a soft external texture. The method is faster and safer if the pie is microwaved for the right amount of time, to the right temperature, and in a microwavable bowl.

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