The Ultimate Guide to Reheating Leftovers in the Microwave

by Uncle Dibbz

 

Alright y’all, let’s talk leftovers. We all know the struggle of trying to bring that takeout or home-cooked meal back to life after a night in the fridge. Microwaving is quick and easy, but it’s an art form if you want to keep that flavor and texture on point. Here’s my go-to guide for reheating different types of leftovers in the microwave.

Pizza

  1. Place a microwave-safe cup of water in the microwave with your pizza slice. This keeps the crust from turning into rubber.
  2. Put the pizza slice on a microwave-safe plate.
  3. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds. Check it, and if it’s not hot enough, add more time in 10-second intervals.

Fried Chicken

  1. Put a paper towel on a microwave-safe plate to soak up extra grease.
  2. Lay out the chicken pieces, giving them a little breathing room.
  3. Cover with another paper towel.
  4. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds. Check it, and keep going in 15-second intervals until it’s hot.

Check out my fried chicken recipes here

Steak

  1. Place the steak on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. This keeps it juicy.
  2. Microwave on medium power (50%) for 30-second intervals, flipping the steak each time.
  3. Check for warmth, and be careful not to overdo it – no one likes dry steak.

Check out my steak recipes here

Pasta

  1. Add a splash of water or sauce to your pasta so it doesn’t dry out.
  2. Put the pasta in a microwave-safe container and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leave a small gap for steam to escape).
  3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If it’s not hot enough, keep going in 30-second intervals.

Check out my pasta recipes here

Soups and Stews

  1. Pour your soup or stew into a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate (leave a small gap for steam to escape).
  3. Microwave on high for 1-3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds to make sure it heats evenly.

Check out my soup recipes here

Rice

  1. Add a teaspoon of water to your rice to bring it back to life.
  2. Put the rice in a microwave-safe container and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leave a small gap for steam to escape).
  3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, fluffing with a fork halfway through.

Check out my rice recipes here

Sandwiches

  1. Wrap the sandwich in a paper towel to avoid sogginess.
  2. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds. If it’s still cold, go for 15-second intervals until it’s just right.

Check out my sandwich recipes here

Asian Takeout

  1. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness.
  2. Place the food in a microwave-safe container, cover with a lid or plastic wrap (leave a gap for steam).
  3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Casseroles

  1. Cover your casserole with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
  2. Microwave on medium power (50%) for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring every 30 seconds.

Breakfast Items

  1. For pancakes and waffles, cover them with a damp paper towel.
  2. For eggs, use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe lid.
  3. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, checking and adding time as needed.

Check out my breakfast recipes here

Barbecue

  1. Add a bit of water or sauce to your ribs or pulled pork.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leave a gap for steam).
  3. Microwave on medium power (50%) for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring every 30 seconds.

Check out my BBQ recipes here

Seafood

  1. Place seafood on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel.
  2. Microwave on medium power (50%) for 30-second intervals to avoid overcooking.

Check out my seafood recipes here

Holiday Leftovers

  1. Cover turkey, stuffing, and gravy with a damp paper towel.
  2. Microwave on medium power (50%) for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring every 30 seconds.

Check out my holiday leftover recipes here

Tacos

  1. Wrap the tacos in a damp paper towel.
  2. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds. If needed, add time in 15-second intervals.

Check out my taco recipes here

Baked Goods

  1. Wrap pastries in a damp paper towel.
  2. Microwave on high for 10-20 seconds. Check and add more time if necessary.

Beans and Lentils

  1. Add a splash of water to keep them moist.
  2. Microwave in a microwave-safe container with a lid or plastic wrap (leave a gap for steam).
  3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Check out my bean recipes here

Potatoes

  1. For fries, place them on a paper towel-lined plate.
  2. For baked potatoes, cover with a damp paper towel.
  3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.

Check out my potato recipes here

Healthy Grains

  1. Add a bit of water to keep grains from drying out.
  2. Microwave in a microwave-safe container with a lid or plastic wrap (leave a gap for steam).
  3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Dairy Dishes

  1. Cover mac and cheese or creamy casseroles with a damp paper towel.
  2. Microwave on medium power (50%) for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.

Check out my cheesy recipes here

With these tips, you can make sure your leftovers are just as delicious the second time around. Remember, the key is to use the right technique for each type of food to keep that flavor and texture on point. Enjoy!

- Uncle Dibbz

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