REHEATING LEFTOVERS: BEST WAYS TO REHEAT FOOD
When you have a busy day and cooking just isn’t an option, reheating leftovers is a simple approach to help you get dinner on the table. This guide will show you a few ways to reheat leftovers that can help you save time in the kitchen. Various foods require different reheating approaches for the most appetizing results. Read on to learn how to quickly reheat leftovers.
WHAT ARE RELIABLE METHODS FOR REHEATING LEFTOVERS?
When it comes to reheating food, there are a few options that can deliver different results. Whether you’re trying to revive a steak or reheat a few slices of pizza, there are various appliances that can get the job done, including your stove, microwave and air fryer.
1. MICROWAVING LEFTOVERS
This is a quick method when you’re pressed for time or don’t have a stove available. Foods that reheat well in a microwave include rice, pizza, fish, pasta and chicken. Use microwave-safe dishes or bowls and add liquid if necessary. Covering your food with a vented lid allows steam to escape, which helps to cook your food evenly.
Microwaves can have cold spots that don’t allow for your food to cook evenly, so don’t forget to rotate your food and check internal temperatures with a food thermometer. Keep in mind that denser food requires longer cooking times. For example, a lasagna will take longer to reheat than a dish of vegetables.
A Maytag® convection microwave is an excellent option when you want to reheat foods and get a crispy texture while avoiding soggy results. Convection microwaves generally have faster cooking times and allow for more even cooking as well as multiple racks so you can heat multiple dishes at once.
2. REHEATING LEFTOVERS IN THE OVEN
Oven reheating works well for pizza, fried chicken, one-pan dishes like casseroles and roasted vegetables. It may take a bit longer, but ovens can often offer crispy results without drying out your food. Just line a baking tray with aluminum foil and separate any pieces of food so they can cook evenly. Reheating steak in the oven at a low setting and moving it to a pan—also known as a reverse sear—helps retain its juiciness.
3. USING A COOKTOP TO REHEAT LEFTOVERS
A non-stick pan is great for reheating fish, stir-fried vegetables and pizza. You may need to add a bit of oil or water to achieve your desired results—whether you want your food to be crispy or you’re trying to revive food that has dried out a little in the fridge.
CAN YOU REHEAT LEFTOVERS IN AN AIR FRYER?
Yes, you can reheat leftovers with an air fryer. Use the air fryer when you want to reheat food such as pizza, fries or fried chicken. This convenient method uses little to no oil and gives your food a crispy exterior while retaining a tender interior, making the air fryer a healthier alternative to deep frying.
Select Maytag® ranges come with air fry settings so you can enjoy the delicious results of an air fryer with all the benefits of a full-sized oven.
WHAT TEMPERATURE SHOULD LEFTOVERS BE REHEATED TO?
Generally, you want your leftovers to reach 165°F on a food thermometer like the Yummly® Smart Bluetooth Meat Thermometer. Covering your leftovers when reheating can help food retain moisture and cook all the way through.
CAN YOU REHEAT LEFTOVERS TWICE?
You can reheat leftovers repeatedly. Reheat the dish to 165°F and refrigerate any unused portions within two hours if you still plan to enjoy it later. If you don’t plan on eating your leftovers within four days, the food should be immediately placed in the freezer.
It’s important to consider that the quality of your food can decrease with each reheat. Repeated reheating and storage can also affect foods’ nutritional value, as well its taste and texture.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU REHEAT LEFTOVERS IN THE OVEN?
Generally, you should reheat dishes at a low temperature like 350°F so they don’t dry out. Cover your dish with foil and cook it between 8-20 minutes (depending on the food) until it cooks all the way through. Food like meats or casseroles tend to reheat well in the oven, because they don’t typically dry out as much.
TIPS FOR REHEATING FOOD
Properly defrost your frozen leftovers either by using your Defrost setting on your microwave or let them defrost slowly, in the refrigerator. Store food properly, refrigerating leftovers and eating them within three to four days.
You can freeze leftovers for three to four months.
Stir food to ensure even heating. Your reheated leftovers should reach and maintain 165°F for two minutes.
Keep food out of the danger zone (40°F-140°F) to help prevent bacterial growth.
Store and cool leftovers within two hours in the refrigerator. Eat food within three to four days.
Do not refreeze leftovers that have already been defrosted.
Immediately serve reheated leftovers.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® KITCHEN APPLIANCES
Preparing daily meals can be challenging, but you can still eat well and enjoy your leftovers with reliable appliances that do the work for you. Enjoy features on select models of Maytag® microwaves, cooktops and ranges, such as air fry for golden results and convection mode to seal in the flavors of savory dishes.
LEARN MORE COOKING TIPS WITH MAYTAG BRAND
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