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.ย 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) ยฝ 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 ยฝ cup of the hot heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter.
Other recipes to use caramel
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.
Nutrition Information
โThis 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.โ
Christina says
Thank YOU!!
I can't tell you how many times I've burned the sugar for Creme Caramel !
**You still have to watch it - but still, SO much easier than doing it stove top.
My tip - put the water & sugar in the microwave for 30-40 seconds to melt the sugar first (I found there wasn't enough water to dissolve the sugar on it's own)
Lalaine Manalo says
Thanks for the feedback. Glad you find the method helpful!
josie muela says
i tried it, I took it out when it was gold.
it burnt. lol
I think ill take it out at 5 minutes or less
cause it keeps cooking got dark, re burnt.
6 is toooo long long
but each micro is different.
the clue may be it continues to cook
after boiling. i wont give up the pan way i wasted so much sugar lol
this is the closest ive got.
Karissa says
Does this work the same for brown sugar? The recipe Iโm using calls for 1/2 cup of sugar so how much water should I use?
Lalaine Manalo says
I'm sorry but I've never tried it with brown sugar. I would assume the amount of water would be the same. 1/2 cup sugar will be 2 tablespoons.
vic says
great recipe, worked alot better than the first time i tried to melt sugar on the stove. it seemed to be perfect at 5:50 seconds. i made candied walnuts
Lalaine Manalo says
I always buy candied walnuts for my salads; never thought of making them this way. Thanks for the tip!
Kelly says
I do it this way all the time now. Easy and perfect. Thank you!
Lalaine Manalo says
You're welcome. I'm glad you find the method useful.
Aui says
Hi..I really LOVED your recipes!!! Very classic..resourceful and helpful!!!
What can I do once the caramelized sugar hardens? Can I use again by reheat adding more sugar with water? Thanks a lot!
Lalaine Manalo says
Thank you so much!
Kitts says
i haven't tried it yet but,wow,what a difference it will make.
Lalaine Manalo says
Yes, doing it the microwave is so much easier ๐
Pete says
Hi Lalaine. Thank you for the tips. My purpose or idea for the caramelized sugar is to brush it on to the turon to give it a nice even shine to it and hopefully the sugar will harden just a bit to give the turon a little more crunch to it. Any suggestions?
Lalaine Manalo says
Hello, Pete,
I've never tried putting this on turon but it sounds like a delicious idea! I probably won't brush it on as the caramel hardens fast and might dry and stick on the bristles. I suggest maybe dipping the turon quickly in the caramel to coat.
Lillian Johnson lillianj1@juno.com says
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.
Lalaine says
Do you think it could be the microwave? Different wattages can affect the time needed to caramelize the sugar.
Maria says
Wow thank you so much I tried it and it worked.
Lalaine says
It's a nifty trick, right? So much easier than doing on the stovetop ๐
Jane says
Thank you so much for sharing. I was skeptical but it worked wonderfully and so much faster than the stovetop method I always used.
Lalaine says
This method makes leche flan so much easier especially when I am making a lot ๐
estaban domingez says
hello their kawlating pienoy !over the last 5 years ive been literally addicte 2 eating suger in all its forms. it wasnt good 4 my health but whatever. i lost my teath but it dont really matter cuz i got them replasements or whatever there called.. well i was mostly addicte 2 suger in its fluent form ( melted] but other forms worked fine too (like its not like imma say no 2 suger either wey lol. but at least i relly liked the fluent 1, but always had problems makin it cuz the shit would stick to the fryin pan so it was a total mess 2 clean up but then i came across ur method here online n it works lika well oilt machine! like really it just works like every time i try 2 make fluent suger in the microwaiv like here than it boils over but it still taste delicious so yeh thx 4 d recipe mrs peinoy !! wud def recomend 2 my friends
Joan says
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.
Anieleen Margolis 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.
Lalaine says
Awww, thank you so much. You don't know how your feedback means to me. I really appreciate it. ๐
Rosemary Roussos says
This is the best one ever.