Microwave ovens are an incredibly useful tool in the kitchen. They can help you quickly reheat leftovers or cook a quick meal when you're in a hurry. However, not all foods reheat well in the microwave, and if you're not careful, you can end up with food that is overcooked, undercooked, or just plain unappetizing. Here are some tips on how to best reheat different types of food in the microwave.
Soups and stews
Soups and stews are some of the easiest foods to reheat in the microwave. The key is to do it slowly and in short bursts, stirring in between to make sure the heat is distributed evenly. Start by microwaving on high for one minute, then stir and microwave for another minute. Keep doing this until the soup is heated through.
Pasta
Pasta is another food that can be tricky to reheat in the microwave. To avoid ending up with a sticky, clumpy mess, add a splash of water to the pasta before microwaving. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent to let steam escape. Microwave on high for one minute, then stir and microwave for another minute. Continue doing this until the pasta is heated through.
Meat
When reheating meat in the microwave, the goal is to heat it through without overcooking it and making it tough. The best way to do this is to use a low-power setting and cover the meat to keep it moist. Place the meat in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, and microwave on 50% power for 1-2 minutes. Check the meat and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until it's heated through.
Vegetables
Vegetables can be tricky to reheat in the microwave because they tend to lose their texture and become mushy. To avoid this, add a small amount of water to the dish and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until the vegetables are heated through. You can also try steaming the vegetables in the microwave by placing them in a microwave-safe steamer and microwaving them for 2-3 minutes.
Rice
Reheating rice in the microwave can be tricky because it tends to dry out and become hard. To avoid this, add a small amount of water to the rice before microwaving. Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring in between. If the rice is still dry, add a little more water and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until it's heated through.
Bread
Bread is another food that can be tricky to reheat in the microwave because it tends to become tough and chewy. To avoid this, wrap the bread in a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 10-15 seconds. If the bread is still cold, continue microwaving in 5-second intervals until it's heated through.
Leftover pizza
Leftover pizza can be delicious when reheated in the microwave, but it's important to do it right to avoid ending up with soggy, unappetizing pizza. To reheat pizza in the microwave, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then check to see if it's heated through. If it's still cold, continue microwaving in 10-second intervals until it's heated through.
