Low and behold, you have leftover tortellini, no microwave, and are in desperate need of eating dinner. You have no money in your account to pay for takeout again. What do you do? You have reached a point in life where you now need to be an adult, as devastating as that may feel like. Here’s how to reheat food without a microwave to ease you into adulthood cooking.
The Stove
The stove isn’t only for cooking, but reheating as well. It’s best for reheating vegetables, soups, sauces, pastas, and even fries. The first tip on reheating food on the stove is to make sure that you’re using the appropriate size pan for the amount of food you’re reheating. Only reheating for one? Use a smaller pot or pan and put this pan on the smaller burner
The next tip for reheating food on the stove is to reheat over medium-low heat in a little oil or butter. This is because you’re not cooking the food, meaning a higher heat could burn what you’re trying to reheat. Don’t forget a lid too, as this will keep your food from becoming dry. Most dishes that will be reheated on the stove are finished when they are bubbling or your hear the food in the pan.
#SpoonTip: When reheating pasta-based dishes like mac and cheese, throw a pat of butter in so you do not dry it out.
Reheating food on the stove is so much better than the microwave because it decreases the chances of your pasta dishes becoming dry, and it decreases splatter, which makes it easier to clean up. Using the stove may take longer, but your tortellini will be as delicious as the first time around.
The Oven
Reheating food in the oven is great for pizzas, meats, and breads. The most important part about reheating food in the oven, like reheating food on the stove, is that lower heat is better heat. Preheat the oven to about 250-300ºF to reheat basically anything.
What’s awesome about the oven is that you can put pizzas and most other dishes in while the oven is preheating. This will decrease the amount of time the food needs to reheat. With most dishes, they’ll need to be in there for about 10-15 minutes.
#SpoonTip: When reheating meat, it is best to cut it into slices or shred it before popping it in the oven.
Knowing when the food is finished is all based on your senses. Is the food warm or hot to the touch? Can you smell it? Even if you’re not the most well versed in the kitchen, reheating food is all based on gut instinct, so trust that your senses will let you know if it’s done.
The Broiler
Do not be afraid of the broiler! The broiler is low-key one of the best appliances in the kitchen. It’s best for reheating food like pizza, anything breaded or fried, and breads (use it on cheesy bread and you will never go back to the microwave).
When reheating food in the broiler, move a cooking rack to the highest level in the oven before starting the broiler. Then place your food on the rack when the broiler is ready. Watch your hands carefully so you don’t injure yourself. Broilers run at 500ºF, so be careful.
The most important thing about the broiler is to not walk away while reheating food. You must stay there so you don’t burn the food and set the smoke detector off. This may seem boring, but once the broiler is heated it will only take about five minutes. The broiler will keep cheese bubbly and chicken wings crispy, making it the most awesome cooking appliance in the kitchen.
Microwaves are great because they’re quick and easy to use, but don’t settle for gummy, soggy pizza or dried out garlic bread when eating leftovers. Branch out and utilize your kitchen to its full capacity and become a pro at reheating food like a boss. After mastering the other appliances in the kitchen, you’ll soon be able to master how to reheat food without a microwave.