In the world of restaurant kitchens, efficiency is key. Sometimes, this means that certain dishes are more likely to be reheated in the microwave. Here are 13 dishes that frequently face the heat again, ensuring they arrive at your table in a timely manner.
Pasta
Pasta, a beloved staple, often finds itself under the microwave’s spell for rapid reheating. This method helps bring sauces back to life, ensuring flavors meld smoothly once more.
While microwaving can sometimes result in a less al dente texture, the convenience is unmatched. A quick zap can return the dish to its warm, comforting state.
For best results, adding a splash of water helps maintain moisture, preventing the pasta from drying out during the process. This simple trick keeps each bite deliciously satisfying.
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French Fries
Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, French fries are a favorite. However, to counteract sogginess, they often find their way into the microwave for a quick refresh.
While not ideal for maintaining crispness, microwaving helps warm them swiftly, making them palatable once more. Some chefs might use a combination of microwaving and a short stint in the fryer.
To reinvigorate fries at home, a brief oven bake can restore some lost crunch, an insider trick many restaurants employ as well.
Soup
Soup is perhaps the most forgiving dish when it comes to reheating. A quick microwave session can bring a bowl of soup back to its perfect serving temperature.
The microwave ensures that the liquid heats evenly, preserving the harmonious blend of flavors. This makes it a practical choice in busy restaurant kitchens.
Many soups benefit from a gentle stir mid-reheating, ensuring consistent warmth throughout. This technique helps maintain the soup’s inviting nature, ready to be enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread.
Rice Dishes
Rice is a versatile companion to many meals, but it can lose its softness when left to cool. Reheating in a microwave is a common solution, helping restore its fluffy texture.
The trick lies in covering the rice dish with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. This prevents the rice from drying out during the reheating process.
In both home kitchens and restaurants, this method ensures that rice dishes remain as delightful and satisfying as when they first left the stove.
Steamed Vegetables
Steamed vegetables, vibrant and nutritious, may undergo a quick microwave reheat to reinvigorate their warmth. This method preserves their bright colors and essential nutrients.
Microwaving is especially handy for maintaining the delicate texture of vegetables, making them a delightful side dish. A light sprinkle of water aids in this process.
Did you know? The microwave retains more nutrients in vegetables compared to boiling, making it a preferred choice for health-conscious chefs.
Lasagna
Layers of pasta, cheese, and meat make lasagna a hearty favorite. However, its dense nature means it often needs a quick microwave session to ensure it’s piping hot throughout.
Microwaving lasagna can sometimes lead to uneven heating, but a short rest period allows the heat to distribute. This ensures each bite is as satisfying as the first.
For best results, a covering helps maintain the dish’s moisture, keeping those cheesy layers delectably soft.
Burgers
Burgers, juicy and satisfying, might undergo a brief microwave stay to regain their warmth. Quick reheating can ensure the patty remains juicy and the cheese melts perfectly.
While microwaving isn’t ideal for maintaining a toasted bun, it efficiently restores the core temperature of both meat and toppings. This makes it a popular choice in fast-paced kitchens.
Many restaurants pair microwaving with a quick grill finish, enhancing flavor and texture for the ultimate burger experience.
Chicken Wings
Chicken wings, especially those doused in flavorful sauces, are frequently reheated in the microwave for practicality. This quick method ensures the meat remains tender.
Microwaving wings allows the rich sauces to re-emulsify, enhancing the overall taste. For a touch of crispiness, a brief oven placement can help achieve the desired texture.
Did you know? The popularity of chicken wings soared in the 1960s, with their versatility making them a staple in many cuisines around the world.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas, filled with cheese and often other tasty ingredients, are prime candidates for microwave reheating. This method quickly melts the cheese, melding flavors seamlessly.
While microwaving can slightly soften the tortilla, it’s a quick solution for busy restaurants. A short pan toast post-microwaving can revive the tortilla’s desired crispness.
The combination of speed and flavor makes this method popular, ensuring that quesadillas remain a delicious, quick option for diners on the go.
Casseroles
Casseroles, known for their homestyle comfort, often require reheating to bring back their delightful warmth. The microwave is perfect for this task, ensuring even heating throughout.
While the top may not regain its original crispness, the layers of ingredients remain moist and flavorful. This makes it an efficient choice in both home and restaurant settings.
Covering casseroles while microwaving helps retain moisture, ensuring that each bite is as comforting as intended.
Pizza
Nothing beats the comforting aroma of a freshly baked pizza. However, when time is of the essence, slices might be reheated in the microwave. This method can make the crust slightly chewy, but it’s a quick fix for eager diners.
Some restaurants may also use microwave reheating to ensure cheese remains gooey and delightful. While not the same as oven-fresh, it still delivers a satisfying experience.
Did you know? The microwave’s invention was accidental, discovered when a radar set melted a chocolate bar in the pocket of engineer Percy Spencer.
Fish Fillets
Fish fillets, delicate in nature, benefit from gentle microwave reheating to maintain their flaky texture. This approach ensures the freshness of flavor remains intact.
Steaming during microwaving helps preserve moisture, preventing the fish from drying out. It’s an efficient method, especially when time is tight.
Did you know? Microwaving fish can help retain its omega-3 fatty acids better than frying or baking, making it a healthy reheating choice.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes, with their creamy texture, can quickly become dense as they cool. A microwave reheating session helps restore their smoothness and warmth.
Adding a splash of milk or butter before microwaving enhances creaminess, ensuring the dish remains rich and delicious. This method is practical for both home and restaurant kitchens.
Microwaving is a quick solution to bring back the comforting essence of mashed potatoes, making every forkful a savory delight.
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