The microwave: a kitchen staple for quick meals and convenient reheating. But let’s be honest, some foods emerge from the microwave tasting like culinary redemption, while others suffer a tragic, rubbery fate. Knowing which foods reheat well in the microwave is the key to enjoying delicious leftovers and minimizing food waste. This guide explores the champions of microwave reheating, offering tips and tricks to maximize flavor and texture.
Understanding the Microwave’s Magic (and Missteps)
Microwaves work by using electromagnetic radiation to excite water molecules within food. This rapid vibration generates heat, cooking or reheating the food from the inside out. This method, while speedy, can lead to uneven heating and textural changes, especially in foods with high water content or delicate structures.
Certain foods become soggy, dry out, or develop unpleasant textures. Starchy foods like pasta can turn gummy, while proteins can become tough. Understanding these potential pitfalls is the first step to mastering the art of microwave reheating.
The Reheating All-Stars: Foods That Thrive in the Microwave
Some foods are naturally more resilient and reheat beautifully in the microwave. These are your go-to options for leftover lunch or a quick and easy dinner.
Soups and Stews: A Microwave’s Best Friend
Soups and stews are among the easiest and most satisfying foods to reheat in the microwave. Their liquid base helps distribute heat evenly, preventing drying and maintaining a flavorful experience.
When reheating, stir the soup or stew periodically to ensure uniform heating. Adding a splash of broth or water can help rehydrate the ingredients and prevent them from becoming too thick. Consider covering the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or vented plastic wrap to trap moisture and further prevent splattering.
Casseroles: Comfort Food Reimagined
Casseroles, with their combination of ingredients and creamy sauces, generally reheat well in the microwave. The sauce helps to keep the ingredients moist, and the layered structure allows for even heat distribution.
Cut a portion of the casserole and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Add a small pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil to help prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or vented plastic wrap and reheat in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Pizza: Reviving a Classic
While not perfect, pizza can be successfully reheated in the microwave with a few simple tricks. The key is to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
Place a slice of pizza on a microwave-safe plate and add a cup of water alongside it. The water will absorb some of the microwave energy, preventing the crust from drying out and becoming overly chewy. Reheat for a short amount of time, checking frequently, until the cheese is melted and the pizza is warmed through. Another technique involves placing the pizza on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
Rice: A Grain of Truth
Rice can be tricky to reheat in the microwave, as it can easily dry out and become hard. However, with the right technique, you can enjoy perfectly reheated rice.
Place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl and add a tablespoon or two of water per cup of rice. Fluff the rice with a fork to break up any clumps. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or vented plastic wrap and reheat in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Cooked Vegetables: A Colorful Comeback
Steamed or roasted vegetables often reheat well in the microwave, retaining their flavor and nutrients.
Place the vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl and add a tablespoon of water. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or vented plastic wrap and reheat in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
Meat and Poultry: Handling with Care
Reheating meat and poultry in the microwave requires extra care to prevent drying and ensure even heating.
Slice the meat or poultry into smaller pieces to promote even heating. Place the pieces in a microwave-safe dish and add a tablespoon or two of broth or gravy to keep them moist. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or vented plastic wrap and reheat in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe level.
Foods to Avoid Reheating in the Microwave (or Reheat with Caution)
Certain foods simply don’t fare well in the microwave and are best reheated using alternative methods.
Fried Foods: A Crispy Disaster
Fried foods, like french fries, chicken nuggets, and tempura, become soggy and lose their crispy texture when reheated in the microwave. The microwave’s moisture-generating environment is the enemy of crispy coatings. It’s best to reheat these items in a conventional oven or air fryer to restore their crunch.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: A Potential Explosion
Reheating hard-boiled eggs in the microwave can be dangerous, as the internal pressure can build up, causing them to explode. This can be messy and even cause injury. If you must reheat a hard-boiled egg, pierce it several times with a fork to release the pressure. However, it’s generally not recommended.
Seafood: A Delicate Balance
Seafood, such as fish and shrimp, can easily become overcooked and rubbery in the microwave. The delicate proteins in seafood are particularly susceptible to the microwave’s intense heat. If you must reheat seafood, do so in very short intervals, checking frequently, until just heated through. A conventional oven or steamer is a better option for preserving the texture and flavor.
Leafy Greens: A Wilted Mess
Leafy greens, like spinach and lettuce, tend to wilt and become slimy when reheated in the microwave. The high water content of these vegetables makes them prone to sogginess. It’s best to avoid reheating leafy greens altogether.
Pasta: A Sticky Situation
Pasta can become gummy and sticky when reheated in the microwave, especially if it’s not properly sauced. The starch in pasta absorbs moisture during reheating, leading to an undesirable texture. To reheat pasta successfully, add a tablespoon or two of water or sauce and reheat in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Tips and Tricks for Microwave Reheating Mastery
Beyond choosing the right foods, certain techniques can dramatically improve your microwave reheating results.
Use Microwave-Safe Containers
Always use microwave-safe containers made of glass, ceramic, or microwave-safe plastic. Avoid using metal containers, as they can cause sparks and damage your microwave.
Cover Your Food
Covering your food with a microwave-safe lid or vented plastic wrap helps to trap moisture and prevent splattering. This also promotes more even heating.
Reheat in Short Intervals
Reheating in short intervals, typically 30 seconds to 1 minute, allows you to monitor the food’s progress and prevent overcooking. Stirring or rotating the food between intervals helps to ensure even heating.
Add Moisture
Adding a tablespoon or two of water, broth, or sauce can help to prevent food from drying out during reheating. This is especially important for starchy foods and proteins.
Let It Stand
After reheating, let the food stand for a minute or two before serving. This allows the heat to distribute evenly throughout the food.
Use a Meat Thermometer
When reheating meat or poultry, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe level. This is essential for preventing foodborne illness.
Arrange Food Evenly
When placing food in the microwave, arrange it in an even layer to promote uniform heating. Avoid stacking food on top of each other.
Utilize the Turntable
Ensure your microwave’s turntable is functioning properly. The turntable helps to rotate the food, promoting more even heating.
By following these tips and tricks, you can transform your microwave reheating experience and enjoy delicious, satisfying leftovers. Remember to choose the right foods, use proper techniques, and always prioritize food safety. With a little knowledge and practice, you can master the art of microwave reheating and minimize food waste.
What types of pasta reheat best in the microwave and how can I prevent them from drying out?
Pasta with sauce, especially those featuring cream-based or tomato-based sauces, generally reheat well in the microwave. The sauce helps to keep the pasta moist and prevents it from becoming overly dry. Dishes like lasagna, baked ziti, and pasta with meat sauce are good candidates for microwaving. Adding a tablespoon or two of water or broth before reheating can also help to retain moisture.
To prevent pasta from drying out, cover the dish loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (vented) while reheating. Microwave in short intervals, typically 1-2 minutes, and stir in between each interval. This ensures even heating and prevents certain areas from becoming overcooked and dry. Consider adding a small amount of fresh sauce or a pat of butter after reheating to further enhance the flavor and moisture.
Are there specific types of rice that reheat better than others in the microwave?
White rice, particularly long-grain varieties like basmati or jasmine, tend to reheat better in the microwave than brown rice. Brown rice can become dry and hard more easily. However, with proper technique, you can successfully reheat most types of rice in the microwave. The key is to add moisture and reheat gently.
To reheat rice effectively, place it in a microwave-safe dish and add a tablespoon or two of water or broth per cup of rice. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (vented) to trap steam and prevent drying. Microwave in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring occasionally, until heated through. This will help to ensure the rice stays moist and fluffy.
How can I reheat pizza in the microwave without it becoming soggy?
Reheating pizza in the microwave often leads to a soggy crust due to the steam generated during the process. However, there are a few tricks to minimize sogginess. First, place a paper towel underneath the pizza slice on the plate. The paper towel will help absorb some of the excess moisture. Also, avoid stacking slices on top of each other, as this traps even more steam.
Another effective method is to microwave the pizza alongside a cup of water. The water will absorb some of the microwave’s energy, preventing the pizza from overheating too quickly and becoming rubbery. Microwave for short intervals (30-60 seconds) and check frequently to avoid overcooking. While it won’t replicate the crispy crust of a freshly baked pizza, this method helps to achieve a more palatable result.
What types of soups and stews are ideal for microwaving, and how do I prevent splattering?
Soups and stews, particularly those with a high liquid content like broth-based soups, chowders, and lentil stews, reheat very well in the microwave. The liquid helps to distribute the heat evenly and prevents the ingredients from drying out. Cream-based soups also reheat well, although they may require a bit more attention to prevent curdling.
To prevent splattering while microwaving soup or stew, use a deep microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (vented). Microwave in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between each interval. This ensures even heating and prevents the liquid from overheating and erupting. Be cautious when removing the cover, as steam can escape quickly.
Can I reheat fried foods like french fries or fried chicken in the microwave, and how can I minimize sogginess?
While it’s possible to reheat fried foods like french fries or fried chicken in the microwave, it’s generally not the best method to maintain their crispy texture. Microwaving tends to make them soggy and rubbery due to the steam trapped inside. However, if you must reheat them in the microwave, there are a few techniques to help minimize sogginess.
Consider placing the fried food on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and moisture. Microwave in short intervals (20-30 seconds) and check frequently. To help crisp them up slightly, you can try microwaving them uncovered. Keep in mind that the results will likely not be as good as reheating in an oven or air fryer, which are better options for retaining crispness.
How do I safely reheat meat dishes in the microwave, and what are the best practices to ensure even heating?
Reheating meat dishes in the microwave requires extra care to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature and heat evenly. Undercooked or unevenly heated meat can harbor bacteria, posing a food safety risk. Always use a food thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C). Cut larger pieces of meat into smaller, more manageable sizes to promote even heating.
Place the meat dish in a microwave-safe container and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (vented). Microwave in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring or rotating the dish in between each interval. This helps to distribute the heat evenly and prevents cold spots. If certain areas appear to be drying out, add a small amount of broth or sauce to maintain moisture. Allow the meat to rest for a minute or two after microwaving to allow the heat to distribute evenly before serving.
What are some unexpected foods that actually reheat surprisingly well in the microwave?
While often overlooked, some unexpected foods reheat surprisingly well in the microwave with the right technique. Steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, can be reheated quickly and easily with a sprinkle of water to retain moisture. Leftover breakfast items like pancakes or waffles can also be warmed up in the microwave, although they might not be as crispy as when freshly made. Add a pat of butter after heating for better taste.
Another surprising contender is risotto. Adding a splash of broth and stirring frequently during reheating can restore its creamy consistency. Individual servings of mashed potatoes also reheat well, but adding a touch of milk or cream can prevent them from becoming dry. These unexpected microwaving successes can help reduce food waste and make quick meals more convenient.