Microwave Reheat Guide
Microwaves are a kitchen essential across the UK, perfect for busy households that cook large batches of food and need to reheat leftovers. However, reheating food in a microwave requires some skill; it's easy to end up with dry, chewy food that doesn't taste as good as when it was freshly cooked.
In this guide, we'll explore the optimal reheating times for various foods, including meat, fish, pizza and soup. We'll also discuss how microwave wattage affects reheating and review the microwaves available from AEG.
Microwave wattage
When selecting a microwave, wattage is a crucial factor to consider, as it directly affects cooking power and settings. Higher wattage means more power, enabling faster cooking and reheating of meals.
Your specific needs should guide your choice of wattage. For larger families, opting for a microwave with up to 1,000 watts is worth considering, as it can efficiently handle larger meals. For smaller households that primarily use the microwave for reheating leftovers or cooking frozen meals, a model with 600 to 800 watts should suffice.
How many watts is a microwave?
In the UK, microwave wattage can range from 600 to 1,200 watts for typical home use. However, some models can reach up to 1,700 watts or higher, offering even more power for faster cooking and reheating.
Specific foods to reheat
The reheating time for different foods in the microwave can vary:
Can you reheat salmon in the microwave?
Reheating salmon in the microwave is possible, but there are a few tips to ensure the best results. To prevent the salmon from drying out and losing its texture, use low heat and place it in a microwave-safe dish with a cover or a damp paper towel. Heat it in 30-second intervals, checking after each interval until it reaches the desired temperature. Flip the salmon after each interval to ensure even heating.
It's important to avoid reheating cooked salmon more than once, as repeated reheating increases the risk of bacterial growth.
How long to reheat chicken in the microwave
Reheating chicken in the microwave can vary depending on the type and size of the chicken pieces. For example, a whole chicken breast may take longer to reheat compared to smaller pieces. A good rule of thumb is to start by reheating the chicken for 1 minute, then continue in 30-second bursts until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
To prevent the chicken from drying out or becoming rubbery, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or drizzle a bit of olive oil to retain moisture. For breaded chicken, avoid using oil as it may make the coating soggy. Instead, place the chicken on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
How long to reheat sausages in the microwave
The time needed to reheat sausages in the microwave depends on the quantity. For two sausages, start by microwaving them at full power for 1 minute. Add 30 seconds for each additional sausage. After the initial time, continue microwaving in 20-second intervals until the sausages are piping hot.
Ensure the sausages are placed on a microwave-safe plate and covered before reheating.
For even heating and to prevent drying out, consider slicing the sausages in half lengthways before microwaving.
How long to reheat pork meat in the microwave
To reheat pork, microwave it in 30-second intervals for a total of 2 to 5 minutes. Ensure the pork is thoroughly heated to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) before consuming.
Microwaving pork can be tricky due to its tendency to dry out. To retain moisture, cover the pork with a vented lid or a damp paper towel. If it starts to dry out, add a splash of water or stock to keep it juicy.
How long to reheat mince in the microwave
To reheat mince, place it on a plate or microwave-safe dish and cover it to ensure even cooking and prevent it from drying out. If you notice the mince starting to dry, add a splash of water. Reheat for 3 to 5 minutes, checking and stirring at 1-minute intervals.
If your leftover mince was frozen, make sure to defrost it before reheating. It's best to defrost it in the fridge overnight, but you can also use the microwave's defrost setting.
How long to reheat pizza in the microwave
While many people enjoy cold pizza the next day, others prefer to warm it up to recreate that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste. To reheat your pizza in the microwave, place a paper towel between the pizza and the plate (or microwave-safe container) to absorb excess oil and prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
Set your microwave to high heat and reheat the pizza for 60 seconds, checking it after 30 seconds. If it's not fully reheated after 60 seconds, continue in 20-second intervals until it's hot and ready to eat.
How long to reheat soup in the microwave
To reheat soup in the microwave, follow these steps for the best results:
- Transfer your soup to a microwave-safe container and cover it with a vented lid to prevent splattering and keep your microwave clean.
- Set the microwave to reheat for at least 3 minutes, adjusting the time based on the type of soup.
- Microwave the soup, pausing every minute to stir it, ensuring even heating throughout.
This method ensures your soup is heated evenly and safely.
Upgrade your microwave with AEG
Enhance your culinary experience with a brand-new microwave from AEG. Our collection of built-in microwaves, available in sleek all-black and stainless steel finishes, ensures your kitchen remains stylish and modern.
Many of our models feature touch-activated doors for easy access, and you can save frequently used settings to streamline the reheating or defrosting process. Additionally, some models come equipped with SteamSet, making it simple to steam your meals to perfection.
AEG also offers microwaves with a grill function, perfect for adding a crisp finish to your dishes – whether it's a lasagne or a crème brûlée. Get more from your microwave with AEG.
