Frederic Melton
A Microplane cheese grater is a handy tool for any cook, whether you're adding cheese to your favourite dish or hosting a dinner party. It's especially useful for grating hard cheeses like Parmesan, Asiago, Manchego, and Romano, as well as for zesting citrus fruits, grating garlic, ginger, nutmeg, and even chocolate. The Microplane's ultra-sharp blades create a fine, powder-like consistency that blends seamlessly into sauces and dishes. To use it, simply hold the block of cheese on a work surface, turn the grater around so the blades face the food, and gently slide it over. After use, tap off any remaining food and rinse the grater under water, or place it in the dishwasher.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Grating hard cheeses like Parmesan, Asiago, Manchego, Romano, and cheddar |
| Grating garlic, ginger, nutmeg, lemon zest, and chocolate | |
| Grating cold butter into small shavings | |
| Grating jalapeno pepper | |
| Grating cinnamon | |
| Advantages | Ultra-sharp blades that cut ingredients with precision |
| Easy to use and clean | |
| Dishwasher safe | |
| Disadvantages | Issues with the durability of the plastic handle |
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What You'll Learn
How to grate hard cheeses like Parmesan, Asiago and Romano
Grating hard cheeses like Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano can be tricky and time-consuming, but with the right tools, you can quickly master the art of perfect grating. Microplane cheese graters are renowned for their sharpness and precision, making them ideal for the job. Here's how you can use a Microplane grater to achieve fluffy, uniform shreds of hard cheese:
Select the Right Grater:
Microplane offers a range of cheese graters, including wood handle graters, ergonomic hand-held graters, and paddle-style graters. Choose a grater that suits your needs and feels comfortable in your hand. Look for razor-sharp blades and a soft grip handle for the best results and comfort.
Prepare the Cheese:
Start with a block of hard cheese, such as Parmesan, Asiago, or Romano. Ensure the cheese is fresh and slightly chilled. You may also want to cut the cheese into smaller chunks or slices that are easier to handle and fit into the grater.
Grate with Ease:
Hold the grater firmly by the handle and gently rub the cut surface of the cheese against the sharp blades. With each stroke, you will produce a good amount of grated cheese. The Microplane grater's ultra-sharp blades will effortlessly cut through the hard cheese, resulting in fluffy, powder-like shreds.
Use in Recipes:
Hard cheeses like Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano are commonly used in pasta dishes, salads, and gourmet recipes. Sprinkle the freshly grated cheese on top of your dishes to enhance their texture and flavour. You can also use the Microplane grater for other hard cheeses like Manchego or Cheddar.
Cleaning and Maintenance:
Microplane graters are easy to clean and some models are even dishwasher-safe. Make sure to handle them with care, as the blades are extremely sharp. To maintain the longevity of your Microplane grater, avoid tapping or applying excessive force when releasing the grated cheese.
With these simple steps, you can now confidently use a Microplane cheese grater to elevate your culinary creations with freshly grated hard cheeses. Enjoy experimenting with new flavours and textures in your kitchen!
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How to grate chocolate
Grating chocolate can be tricky, but with the right tools and technique, you can become a pro. Here's how to grate chocolate using a Microplane grater:
First, prepare your chocolate. Chocolate should be firm but not frozen. If your chocolate has been at room temperature and is soft, chill it in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes. This will ensure that it is easier to grate without melting. If you are working with milk or white chocolate, which have a higher butter content and melt more readily, you may need to put the chocolate in the freezer for a bit to firm it up.
Next, select your grater. A Microplane grater is ideal for creating fine, even chocolate shavings. The fine edges of a Microplane will help you achieve super-fine shards of chocolate that will melt in your mouth. Hold the grater firmly on a flat surface or angle it over a bowl.
Now, you are ready to grate the chocolate. Take the chocolate bar and gently slide it down the surface of the grater in a slow and deliberate manner to avoid any accidents. You can grate the chocolate in both directions using a Microplane, which sets it apart from a regular box grater.
Once you have the desired amount of grated chocolate, store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Keep it in a cool, dry place or in the fridge if it is warm.
With these simple steps, you can easily grate chocolate and elevate your desserts with a smooth chocolate taste and a beautiful presentation. Enjoy experimenting with your Microplane grater and creating delicious treats!
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How to grate garlic
Grating garlic with a Microplane grater is a quick and easy process that can elevate your cooking to the next level. Microplane graters are rasp-style graters that can zest and grate a variety of foods, including garlic, with minimal effort.
To grate garlic, you will need to peel and use a garlic clove. Some Microplane graters can accommodate 2-3 cloves at once, but it is best to start with one and get a feel for the process. Place the peeled clove in the Microplane grater and slide the lid back and forth. You can also grate garlic by moving the grater in both directions, but some people suggest only grating in one direction to prevent the blades from flattening. Be careful not to grate your fingers!
The result will be a smooth paste that blends easily into your dishes, adding a punch of garlic flavour. This paste can be used in soups, roasted vegetables, or mixed into garlic shrimp and orzo salad. Grated garlic is also the key to perfect garlic bread: mix it with butter and parsley, spread it on bread, and grill it.
Microplane graters are easy to clean. Simply rinse the grater with water immediately after use. Be careful to only move the sponge in the opposite direction that you shred - never bring the sponge down against the blades. You can also use the pressure of the water to do most of the cleaning and then run a sponge over the front and back to remove any lingering garlic smell. Some Microplane graters come with a waterproof brush that can help with cleaning.
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How to grate butter
Grating butter is a great way to incorporate it with dry ingredients when making pie crusts, tarts, and crumble toppings. It is also more spreadable, making it perfect for buttered toast. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grate butter using a microplane grater:
First, place a piece of unsalted butter in the freezer for at least half an hour. The colder the butter, the flakier the crust will be. Then, lay some parchment paper on your work surface. Take the butter out of the freezer and start grating it quickly, as the heat from your hand can melt the butter and create a mess. Grate the butter into the large, coarse holes of the microplane grater. The grated butter pieces will stick to many surfaces, but they will easily slide off the parchment paper and into your desired container.
Microplane graters are also excellent for grating garlic, ginger, and zesting citrus fruits. They can also be used to finely grate hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, pecorino, or Grana Padano, to top pasta, vegetables, or meat. Additionally, you can use a microplane grater to shave chocolate, adding a smooth chocolate taste to your desserts.
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How to clean a microplane grater
Cleaning a microplane grater can be tricky, but there are several methods that can be effective. The first, and most important, is to clean it promptly after use. Leaving food to dry on the grater will make it harder to clean. To dislodge stuck-on food particles, gently tap the grater against the side of the sink.
One method is to soak the grater in hot water for 5-10 minutes. This will loosen the food particles, making them easier to remove. After soaking, use a soapy sponge or kitchen brush to wipe down the grater, following the direction of the blades. You can also use a toothbrush, which is less likely to get caught in the blades.
Another method is to use a combination of baking soda and vinegar. This can help to break down stubborn food residue. Rinsing the grater immediately after use is also recommended, even if a more thorough cleaning is done later. For particularly stubborn food particles, you can use a copper scrubber, but be careful not to scratch the blades.
Some people choose to put their microplane graters in the dishwasher, but this is not always effective at removing stuck-on food. A quick wipe with a sponge or scrubber before putting it in the dishwasher can help improve the results.
Remember to always handle the grater with care, as the blades are very sharp and can cause injury.
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Frequently asked questions
Place a block of cheese on a work surface, then turn the grater around so the sharp blades are facing the food and away from you. Gently slide the grater over the cheese, capturing the grated cheese on the backside of the tool.
Microplane cheese graters are best suited for hard cheeses such as Parmesan, Asiago, Manchego, and Romano.
After using the grater, tap off any remaining food on the blades over a cutting board or work surface. Then, rinse the grater under water and let it drip dry. To ensure the blades stay sharp, it is recommended to wash them by hand.
