Mushy, rubbery, flavorless, generally unappetizing … if you’ve ever used these words to describe your dinner, it might have been microwaved. Countertop microwave ovens have come a long way in their 80-year history, but even the most advanced models can still result in a disappointing meal. Fortunately, we found an affordable trick to hydrate your…
Why Does Microwaved Food Taste Bad?
Zapped food often tastes worse than freshly cooked cuisine for three key reasons: uneven heating, lack of browning, and, most importantly, moisture loss. Microwaves heat food quickly, which tends to dry it out, especially if it’s something with lower water content, such as leaner cuts of meat. Now that you know what causes that flavorless taste and chewy texture, you can transform your leftovers or frozen dinners into thoroughly enjoyable meals.
How To Make Microwaved Food Taste Better
So, how can you make your leftovers taste better? The solution is surprisingly simple: moisture. All you need is a drinking glass with about 2 to 3 ounces of water in it. Set the glass of water in the microwave alongside your food, and let them heat up together. The water will produce steam, rehydrating your meal in a matter of minutes.
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Another way to add moisture while ensuring your leftovers are heating evenly is to cover your plate while it’s cooking. This traps steam close to your food, which helps to rehydrate and heat it more evenly. You can use another plate turned face down, a damp paper towel, or a microwave-safe plate cover. To create a truly steamy environment, nuke your water cup for about 20 seconds before adding your food and covering your plate. (This might seem counterintuitive, but it helps contain the steam from the water glass, creating a high-humidity microclimate.) For those extra-dry bites, add a tablespoon of water directly to the dish before covering it.
