What method is commonly used to ensure even cooking of food in an oven?

Rotating the food halfway through cooking is a widely recognized method to ensure even cooking in an oven. This technique helps eliminate hot spots that can occur in traditional ovens due to uneven heat distribution. By turning the food, you allow all sides to be exposed to the heat more evenly, preventing overcooking on one side and undercooking on another. This is especially important for larger or thicker items, which may take longer to cook through, ensuring that every part reaches the proper temperature for safe consumption.

The other methods listed, while useful in different cooking contexts, do not directly address the challenge of uneven cooking in an oven. Microwaving heats food through electromagnetic waves and does not provide a consistent method for even cooking in the way that oven baking does. Broiling uses high heat from above, which can easily lead to uneven cooking unless monitored closely, and steaming is a moist cooking technique that applies to a different cooking environment and is not typically used in conjunction with baking.