THE BEST WAY TO REHEAT YOUR TAKE-OUT!
Microwaves are often bad-mouthed by folks in the culinary world. And while we don't recommend them for cooking (we don't use them at Radius), they do make reheating some foods a lot easier.
​
There are foods—like PIZZA—that really don't take well to the microwave. However, 5 minutes in a very hot oven can bring items like pizza, bread, and fried foods back to life nicely. But if you're a microwave lover, we believe "less is more" and if you embrace the method of using short bursts & stirring frequently, you can re-heat your pastas, veggies and soups, and not lose a lot of the textural quality of your meal.
For more information, read on!
Pizza, bread or pies:
Pre-heat oven to 450 with a baking sheet in the oven. Slide your baked item onto the hot sheet for 2-4 minutes. For bread, wrap it in foil, put it in the oven, and let it heat for about 4-5 minutes.
Pasta or veggies:
Put your sauced pasta in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a piece of wax paper or a paper towel, and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and microwave for 30-second intervals until your pasta has reached the right temperature for you. For veggies, put them in a bowl and microwave it for 20 seconds, stir, and microwave again for another 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, you can put the pasta or veggies in a saucepan over medium-high heat and keep stirring so they don't burn.
Sauce:
Heat in a saucepan till lightly simmering, stirring very frequently. If you prefer, heat in a microwave-safe bowl for approximately 45 seconds. Stir and test. Heat in 30-second increments, stir and test until the sauce is hot enough for you.
Meat/Poultry/Lasagna/Veggie Terrine:
Pre-heat oven to 450. Wrap your meat/poultry in foil. Put in the oven for 4-6 minutes.
For the microwave, of course, remove any foil, put your food on a microwave-safe plate, cover with wax paper or a paper towel, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals. Test by putting a knife into the center, if it comes out hot, you’re good. If it’s room temp, cook another minute.
Fish/Shrimp:
Oh man, these overcook so fast! If you prefer a microwave, cook on a microwave-safe plate in 15-second intervals. Check, if they’re not hot, turn & stir and heat another 10-15 seconds. Just keep checking them and stirring them after each microwave session. Overcooked seafood is sad food. Another option is to reheat them in a skillet. Pre-heat your pan over medium-high heat, add a little oil, put the fish/shrimp into the pan and keep them moving until they’re hot!
Soups/Sauces/Veggies:
Heat in a saucepan or skillet. If you prefer a microwave, cook in 1-minute intervals, stir and keep checking.
As an American child of the 80’s, I am an expert reheater. I also make excellent microwave popcorn.
—Kate Carroll
As an Irish chef of the 90’s and beyond, I just cook food and eat it. We didn’t have take out in Quigabar, Ireland, so you should probably listen to her.
—Mick Carroll