REHEATING LEFTOVERS: BEST WAYS TO REHEAT FOOD

4 METHODS FOR REHEATING FOOD

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.

• Use microwave-safe dishes or bowls and add liquid, if necessary. 

• Cover your food with a vented lid to allow steam to escape, which can help to reheat food evenly. 

• Microwaves can have cold spots that prevent your food from cooking evenly, so rotate your food and check internal temperatures with a food thermometer.

• Denser food can require longer cooking times, so adjust cooking times accordingly. For example, a lasagna can take longer to reheat than a dish of vegetables.

• Adjust power levels to complement the type of dish you are reheating. For example, soups and foods with higher water content may require a higher power level, while melting and defrosting items can require a lower power level to help avoid overcooking.

• If available, use your microwave’s sensor cooking feature to help avoid cold spots and promote even cooking.

• Check to see if your microwave has a reheat button, which can help to take some guesswork out of selecting the right setting.

Keep reading for tips on how to help keep your leftovers tasting nearly as juicy and tasty as the first time they were cooked.

• Consider the type of dish you want to reheat. Foods like meats or casseroles tend to reheat well in the oven, because they don’t typically dry out as much.

• Generally, reheat dishes at a low temperature like 350°F so they don’t dry out.

• Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and separate any pieces of food so they can cook evenly.

• Cover your dish with foil and cook it between 8 and 20 minutes (depending on the food) until it is cooked through. 

• Your oven settings can make a difference. For example, an air fry setting can help revive the texture of crispier foods, such as fried chicken or French fries. A broil setting is another way to help prevent reheated foods from becoming soggy. 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.

• Use the middle oven rack if you’re looking for a more basic heat, or use a rack closer to a heating source if you’re trying to attain a crispier texture.

• A nonstick pan is great for reheating fish, stir-fried vegetables and pizza. You can even use it to reheat steak.

• 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.

• Reheating smaller pieces of meat vs. a single large piece can help prevent overcooking.

• Consider using a griddle for items that may need flipping—just be sure to avoid items with sauces that can leak off the sides.

Here are some tips for reheating your leftovers in an air fryer.

• Opt for foods that are crispy or flaky, like pizza, fried foods or even baked goods.

• Avoid lightweight foods that may splatter or move because of the fan element or dishes with lots of liquid and creamy sauces, like soups, stews or casseroles.

• Temperatures around 350 degrees Fahrenheit will typically do the trick for reheating.

• Reheat your food for a few minutes, keeping a close eye on it. Keep in mind that denser foods may require some additional time. Cook time depends on the type and size of the food.

TEMPERATURE FOR REHEATING FOOD

Generally, you want your leftovers to reach 165°F on a food thermometer, according to leftover reheating guidance by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Heating leftovers to this temperature can help prevent foodborne illness.

Here are additional temperature considerations to note when reheating food:

• Covering your leftovers when reheating can help food retain moisture and cook all the way through.

• Only reheat food that has been properly stored in a refrigerator or freezer.

• Bring reheated liquids like sauces, soups and gravies to a rolling boil.

• If reheating in a microwave, arrange food evenly in a microwave-safe dish with a microwave-safe cover and rotate the dish partway through cooking to promote even heating. Vent the lid or wrapping to let out steam.

• Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of your dish.

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 as its taste and texture.

TIPS FOR REHEATING LEFTOVERS

Check out the list of tips below to help maintain freshness and help to achieve even temperatures when reheating leftovers.

• Properly defrost your frozen leftovers either by using your defrost setting on your microwave or by letting 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 help 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).

• 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.