How to Caramelize Sugar in the Microwave is a fantastic kitchen hack you need in your life! Quickly turn sugar into liquid gold in minutes!
It's been months since our last kitchen tip here at Kawaling Pinoy so, today, let me share with you a ridiculously simple hack on how to caramelize sugar in the microwave. I will be posting a dessert recipe using this how-to so stay tuned for something super yummy coming your way soon.
What is caramelization
Caramelization is a process wherein sugar is heated on low heat until it changes in color, taste, and composition. The by-product of this process, caramel, is used in a variety of candies and confections such as brittles, nougats, pralines, and our very own yema and leche flan.
There are two ways on how to turn sugar into caramel, the dry and the wet method. The dry process uses ONLY sugar, while the wet method, which we are doing today in the microwave, uses sugar plus water.
Both techniques, of course, have their own set of pros and cons. Some find the dry method a little trickier and needing more tending as the sugar burns more quickly. On the other hand, the wet method has a higher risk of sugar crystallizing when combined and reacts with water.
I've used both ways interchangeably over the years, but I have to say, doing it in the microwave is by far the most foolproof way to make caramel.
Helpful tips
- Use a clear or light-colored microwave-safe bowl to gauge the color change accurately.
- Since the caramel continues to cook and darken in the residual heat, remove it from the heat source at a shade lighter than the desired color. Aim for a honey-gold tone, as the caramel is bitter as the color deepens.
- As microwaves vary in wattage, you may need to watch the caramel and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Use the caramel in your recipes immediately, as it thickens and hardens as it cools.
How to make caramel sauce
- Caramelize the sugar in the microwave per the directions below.
- Meanwhile, gently simmer (DO NOT boil) ½ cup of heavy cream in a saucepot over low heat until hot.
- Remove the sugar liquid from the microwave when it is almost a rich amber color.
- Slowly add ½ cup of the hot heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter.
Other recipes to use caramel
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- In a clear, microwave-safe bowl, combine water and sugar. Stir well under sugar is completely dissolved.
- Microwave on high for about 6 to 7 minutes or until color changes to honey-gold. Use immediately.
Notes
- Use a clear or light-colored microwave-safe bowl to gauge the color change accurately.
- Since the caramel continues to cook and darken in the residual heat, remove it from the heat source at a shade lighter than the desired color. Aim for a honey-gold tone, as the caramel is bitter as the color deepens.
- As microwaves vary in wattage, you may need to watch the caramel and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Use the caramel in your recipes immediately, as it thickens and hardens as it cools.
“This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.”
Maria says
Excellent. Just take into consideration, that if you have smaller portion you need to reduce the time. Got caramelized sugar for fruits in 1:40, perfect, no pans, no mess;)
Andrea Jones says
Thank you after burning my first attempt on the electric stove top this is my next attempt because the flan will be nasty without it 🤷♀️thank you
Matthew Bowlin says
Followed instructions to a T and ended up with a burnt black monstrosity. Had to throw the bowl away, NOT how you make caramel, obviously
Lalaine Manalo says
I'm sorry the method didn't work for you. Contrary to your experience, this hack works. It could not have burnt to black if you followed the instructions to a T and didn't leave it too long in the microwave. It could also be because of your microwave as wattages do vary.
Paddy says
If you followed the instructions to a T, then it wouldn't have burned.
"Microwave on high for about 6 to 7 minutes or until color changes to honey-gold. Use immediately."
and
"As microwaves vary in wattage, you may need to watch the caramel and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Gerard says
Dear Lalaine.
Thank you for bringing caramelizing sugar from the stone age, into the 21st century. Much, much easier.