How to Caramelize Sugar in the Microwave is an amazing kitchen hack you need in your life! Easily 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. Please excuse the poor quality photos. I took them with my phone because I was rushing to get the caramel ready for a recipe I was working on and I didn’t want the extra encumbrance of setting up my camera.
I will be posting that recipe soon so stay tuned for something super yummy coming your way. 🙂
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 method, which I will delve into greater detail in another tutorial, uses ONLY sugar, while the wet method, which we are doing today in the microwave, uses sugar plus water.
Both methods, 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, in the wet method, there is a higher risk of the sugar crystallizing when combined and reacts with water.
I’ve used both dry and wet methods interchangeably over the years but I have to say, doing it the microwave is by far the most foolproof way to make caramel.
Easy Tips on How to Caramelize Sugar in the Microwave:
- Make sure to use a clear or light colored microwave-safe bowl to accurately gauge the change in color.
- Since the caramel continues to cook and darken in the residual heat, remove from the heat source at a shade lighter than the desired color. Or, you can put the bowl of caramel in a bowl of cold water for a few seconds to halt the cooking process. Aim for a honey-gold tone as the caramel bitters as its color deepens.
- As microwaves vary in wattages, you may need to watch the caramel carefully and adjust cook time accordingly.
- Use the caramel in your recipes immediately as it thickens and hardens as it cools.
How to Caramelize Sugar in the Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 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.
I’ve been making Flan since the early 60’s. When microwaves were invented, that is what I used all the time, simply put the dry sugar into the pan I was using for the flan (less cleaning). After many years of not making Flan, I tried it and the sugar would not melt and turn golden. I’ve tried several time, either wet or dry. Then a few weeks ago, it worked. Today, I tried 3 times, and it would not caramelize, I even tried organic sugar.
Do you think it could be the microwave? Different wattages can affect the time needed to caramelize the sugar.
Wow thank you so much I tried it and it worked.
It’s a nifty trick, right? So much easier than doing on the stovetop 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing. I was skeptical but it worked wonderfully and so much faster than the stovetop method I always used.
This method makes leche flan so much easier especially when I am making a lot 🙂
Wow, I can’t WAIT to try this!! I have not made a leche flan in a while because it can be a bit messy, especially if you burn the sugar like Anieleen says.
Lalaine, thank you for this wonderful tip. I can now easily make all these wonderful lech flans without
the fear of burning sugar. Your recipes are spot on and when I’m in the mood to cook some Filipino food
your blog or website is the ONLY source I go to. My 80+ year old mom insists that I cook from your website since she can no longer cook for us. She says trust only a Kapangpangan to cook delicious food. And I have to agree with her!
Continue your great work, it is truly appreciated.
Awww, thank you so much. You don’t know how your feedback means to me. I really appreciate it. 🙂
This is the best one ever.