Ever wondered how your meal arrives at your table quickly? While we may often give the kitchen the benefit of the doubt, sometimes they really do microwave your food. Why not? It gives them a preparation time of just 10-15 minutes before it reaches your table. While you may hate the idea of it, you’d be surprised that these 14 favorite dishes are most likely microwaved.
14. Bread Rolls
If you think that the basket of warm bread is fresh from the oven, think again. Many restaurants use microwaves to quickly heat pre-baked rolls, giving them the warmth of fresh ones without the hassle of creating them from scratch. That’s a classic restaurant shortcut that ensures you have something to munch on while waiting for your meal.
13. Burritos
That quick lunch is just microwaved, sometimes even in front of you. Many places use pre-assembled or frozen burritos that are quickly heated in the microwave. This allows them to serve a consistent product with a quick serving time, especially for customers on the go. While some places still grill or press their burritos after heating, the initial cooking is often done in the microwave to ensure the filling is hot and the cheese is melted.
12. Desserts
That apple crumble you ordered for dessert was probably heated up in the microwave. Many places use pre-made, frozen desserts that can be quickly thawed and heated in the microwave. This allows them to offer a more desserts without the need for a dedicated pastry chef and extensive preparation time.
11. Rice Dishes
To save time and ensure consistency, many restaurants pre-cook large batches of rice and then reheat individual portions in the microwave as needed. This is especially common in fast-casual restaurants where speed is of the essence. While some restaurants, particularly those specializing in Asian cuisine, may use rice cookers to keep rice warm and fresh, the microwave is a quick and easy way to reheat rice without it drying out.
10. Soups
Soups are made in large batches and then refrigerated or frozen in individual portions. When you order a cup or bowl of soup, it’s often ladled into a microwave-safe container. This method ensures consistency and speed, allowing restaurants to serve more soups without having to keep multiple pots simmering on the stove all day. Might as well make one at home.
9. Mashed Potatoes
Those “homemade” mashed potatoes might have been made hours ago and reheated in the microwave. Mashed potatoes are a classic make-ahead dish, and many restaurants take full advantage of this. They’ll prepare a large batch of mashed potatoes in advance and then reheat individual portions in the microwave as needed.
8. Mac and Cheese
That cheesy bowl of mac and cheese might be a product of the microwave. Many restaurants, especially casual dining chains, use pre-made mac and cheese that is either frozen or refrigerated in individual portions. When an order comes in, they just pop a portion in the microwave for a few minutes until it’s hot and bubbly.
7. Chicken Nuggets
Sad to say, those crispy, golden chicken nuggets are often pre-cooked, frozen, and then reheated in the microwave. This is especially true in casual dining chains where speed and consistency are key. While some restaurants may finish the nuggets in a deep fryer to give them a crispy exterior, the initial cooking is often done in the microwave to ensure they are cooked through.
6. Stuffed Items
Yup, we’re talking about stuffed mushrooms, stuffed peppers, and other similar dishes that are often prepared in advance and then reheated in the microwave. This is a common practice in many restaurants, as it allows them to offer these popular appetizers and side dishes without the time-consuming process of stuffing and baking them to order.
5. Sauces
Many of the sauces are not made to order. Instead, they are often made in large batches and then refrigerated or frozen in individual portions. When you place your order, the sauce is reheated in the microwave. While some high-end restaurants may still make their sauces from scratch for each dish, the convenience of pre-made sauces is hard to resist for many establishments. It’s really up to your judgment.
4. Appetizers and Side Dishes
Many of the appetizers and side dishes on a restaurant menu are pre-made and then reheated in the microwave. This includes everything from mozzarella sticks and potato skins to stuffed mushrooms and spinach dip. It allows restaurants to offer more starters and sides without a lot of extra prep work.
3. Vegetables
That side vegetable might be steamed. Many restaurants, especially large chains, use microwaves to quickly steam vegetables. This method is faster than traditional steaming and requires less equipment. It also helps to preserve the color and nutrients of the vegetables.
2. Pasta Dishes
Baked pasta dishes are often made in large batches. Later on, they’re portioned out and then refrigerated or frozen. When an order is placed, a portion is simply zapped in the microwave and then finished in the oven to give it a crispy, golden-brown top. Looks fresh, right?
1. Breakfast Foods
There’s a high probability your breakfast was assembled from pre-cooked components and then heated in a microwave. Many fast-food restaurants and cafes rely on this method to serve breakfast quickly to customers on the go. Scrambled egg patties, pre-cooked sausages and bacon, and even pancakes and waffles are often frozen and then reheated in the microwave. This allows for fast assembly and service, but it means your breakfast may not be as fresh as you think.