Can you microwave food twice? It is possible to microwave food twice as long as you’ve cooled and properly stored it after first reheating it. Some foods shouldn’t be reheated more than a few times, especially those with high starch levels.
Microwaving is the simplest and fastest method of heating food. But often, the food you’ve cooked after heating in the microwave requires additional warming. What can you do?
This article will explain why it’s not always recommended to cook certain foods more than once, What is the proper method for safely microwaving food, and what are the possible exceptions.
Does It Harm To Reheat Food More Than Once?
There’s no set number of times you can cook food. Food can be reheated however many times you’d like. But, you must not only heat food properly but also preserve and cool it properly.
There are also exceptions, such as foods that you should not reheat more than twice, regardless of your method.
There’s one aspect to consider when it comes to food items that can reheat more than once using the microwave or a different reheating method. The food’s texture and flavor may substantially modify the dish’s flavor and texture.
Dishes with a high amount of water, such as stews and soups, can be reheated multiple times.
Overcooking is the most common issue you could face when cooking these dishes. The ingredients used tend to become mushy and alter the dish’s texture.
Dishes with a more brittle texture and less water content, like pasta dishes, rice, and cooked meats, are likely to become more brittle and chewier.
Every time there’s the chance to add some sauce or some water, go for it. Also, you can cook these dishes with a cover to stop the moisture from dissolving.
Even when the food can be safely reheated repeatedly within the microwave or oven on the stove, you might not be inclined to do it because of the changes in texture the dish undergoes.
However, it is important to remember that in most cases, you won’t have the opportunity to cook the same meal too often.
This is because the shelf-life of leftovers typically is around four days. If you plan to store the dish for longer, we suggest storing it inside the refrigerator.
What Foods Can’t You Microwave Twice?
As we mentioned earlier, heating food more than once is acceptable. It is possible to microwave your favorites multiple times without losing their flavor.
For certain foods, you should not repeat heating within the microwave to ensure safety.
The first item that is listed on this list includes rice that could contain Bacillus cereus. Bacillus cereus is known as a pathogen that can be able to survive extreme heat. It is recommended to stay on the safer side and not consume rice that has been reheated.
Other food items that you shouldn’t reheat twice are pasta, eggs, noodles, potatoes, and other starchy vegetables.
Food hygiene experts believe these dishes aren’t safe to eat after being heated a few times, especially if it is left to cool for a long time.
The more time these foods take to cool, the greater the odds of harmful bacteria developing within the food.
How To Reheat Foods In the Microwave The Right Way
Before we go over the fundamental principle of heating food items in the microwave, first, be aware of the best way to keep it to ensure the safety of your food.
Begin by storing any leftovers appropriately. Initially, you must allow the dish to cool before transferring it to the fridge.
Let the food leftovers cool down in the container you’ll use to keep them in the refrigerator. The food will be cooler, reducing the risk of bacteria growth.
Second, if there’s plenty of food left over, break it into smaller portions. This is among the most effective ways to ensure you avoid heating the same food item multiple times or even more.
Also, keep leftovers in the refrigerator only after they’ve fully cool.
When reheating food items in the microwave, the most important guideline is that the dish must reach temperatures of 168 degrees F.
This allows you to cook the food as often as you’d like as that the texture of the food doesn’t change as you cool it and then store it properly following the cooking.
Because microwaves do not heat the food evenly, cold spots can form within the food you’re reheating, providing harmful bacteria with ideal conditions for growth.
This is why a thorough stir is recommended to ensure it’s warm throughout the meal.
