Should you cover food when reheating in microwave?

When reheating food in the microwave, covering it can make a big difference in the quality, safety, and even taste of your meal. 

1. Why Covering Food in the Microwave Matters

Covering food in the microwave serves several important functions, including moisture retention, even heating, and food safety:

Moisture Retention:
Microwaves work by exciting water molecules within food, creating steam that heats the food from the inside out. When food is uncovered, this moisture can escape as steam, leading to dryness and uneven heating. Covered food traps the steam, allowing moisture to circulate and keeping the food soft and juicy. This is especially helpful for foods that can dry out quickly, such as rice, pasta, or chicken.

Even Heating:
Microwaves have a tendency to heat unevenly, which is why “hot spots” (overheated areas) and “cold spots” (underheated areas) can occur. Covering food can help distribute the heat more evenly, as the trapped steam contributes to consistent cooking throughout the food.

Food Safety:
Uncovered food can sometimes splatter, particularly foods high in fat or with a high moisture content, such as soups or sauces. Splatters are messy and can compromise food safety if bacteria-laden residues remain in the microwave. Covering food prevents this, keeping both your microwave clean and your food safe.

2. What to Use as a Cover in the Microwave

There are different materials that can be used to cover food in the microwave. Each has its benefits, and choosing the right one depends on what you’re reheating.

Microwave-Safe Lids:
Many microwave-safe dishes come with matching lids designed for microwaving. These lids often have small vents, allowing steam to escape without letting in excess air. Vented lids are great for reheating leftovers, as they allow moisture control without building up too much pressure.

Plastic Wrap:
Plastic wrap can be used as a cover, but it must be labeled “microwave-safe.” When using plastic wrap, leave a small corner unsealed to allow steam to escape. Avoid letting plastic wrap come into direct contact with the food itself, as this can lead to chemical leaching.

Paper Towels and Napkins:
Paper towels are ideal for covering food with higher moisture content, such as vegetables, as they help absorb excess steam. They’re also effective at reducing splatter and keeping the microwave clean. Ensure the paper towel does not contain dyes or designs, which may contain non-microwave-safe chemicals.

Wax Paper and Parchment Paper:
Wax paper and parchment paper are safe for microwaving and work well as covers for foods that don’t require as much moisture. They’re best suited for items that may splatter but won’t release too much steam, such as bacon or other fatty foods.

3. How to Properly Cover Different Foods in the Microwave

Not all foods react the same way when microwaved, and each type may benefit from a specific covering technique:

Pasta, Rice, and Grains:
When reheating pasta, rice, or grains, use a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent to prevent it from drying out. Add a small amount of water (about a teaspoon) to maintain moisture, and stir halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heat distribution.

Meat and Poultry:
Cover meat and poultry with a microwave-safe lid or loosely with plastic wrap to prevent splatters. Meat can become tough if overheated, so covering with a small vent helps retain moisture. Thicker cuts should be turned or rotated halfway through reheating for even heating.

Vegetables:
Vegetables release a lot of steam and can dry out quickly in the microwave. A damp paper towel makes an excellent cover, as it traps moisture without letting steam escape too quickly.

Soups, Stews, and Sauces:
Liquids tend to bubble and splatter in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe cover with a small vent or cover loosely with wax paper. To avoid boil-overs, consider stirring halfway through reheating and using a bowl deep enough to contain the liquid as it heats.

4. The Risks of Not Covering Food

When food is not covered, several issues can arise:

Dryness:
Microwave heating removes moisture from food, leading to dry, rubbery textures in items like bread, chicken, and pasta. Covering preserves moisture and reduces the risk of food becoming tough.

Uneven Heating and Cold Spots:
Without a cover, microwaves can produce uneven heating, resulting in both hot and cold spots. This can be more than just an inconvenience – cold spots can harbor bacteria that aren’t killed due to uneven heating, posing a food safety risk.

Splattering and Cleanliness:
Uncovered food can splatter inside the microwave, especially liquids and sauces. Cleaning a microwave covered in splatters can be tedious and may involve scrubbing stubborn food particles.

5. Microwaving Safely: Tips for Avoiding Plastic and Chemical Risks

While covering food in the microwave is generally beneficial, it’s essential to use microwave-safe materials. Some materials, particularly certain plastics, can leach harmful chemicals when heated.

Avoid Regular Plastic Containers:
Regular plastic containers, such as those from takeout, are not designed for microwaving. They may release chemicals like BPA when exposed to microwave heat. Instead, opt for containers labeled as “microwave-safe,” which are specially designed to withstand heat without leaching.

Use Microwave-Safe Glass or Ceramic Dishes:
Glass and ceramic containers are excellent options for microwaving, as they don’t release chemicals and are safe for high temperatures. Ensure that they’re labeled microwave-safe and don’t have metallic trim or decorations, which can cause sparking.

Beware of Disposable Covers:
Disposable covers, such as plastic film, should only be used if labeled as microwave-safe. Never allow them to touch the food directly. If in doubt, opt for wax or parchment paper, which are both safer alternatives.

6. How Covering Affects Different Cooking Techniques

Covering food affects different cooking methods in unique ways:

Steaming:
When you cover food in the microwave with a lid or plastic wrap, you essentially create a steaming environment, which is ideal for vegetables and some proteins. The trapped steam cooks food gently, retaining moisture and nutrients.

Browning and Crisping:
Unfortunately, microwaves don’t brown or crisp food the way ovens do. Covering food can actually make this worse, as it traps moisture and can make food soggy. If you want crispy textures (like pizza crusts or fried foods), consider reheating these in the oven or using a microwave crisper.

Baking:
Microwaving baked goods, like bread or pastries, without covering them can lead to dryness. A damp paper towel can help retain moisture, but for better results, consider using a conventional oven or toaster oven for these items.

7. Special Considerations for Reheating in the Microwave

Some foods require unique approaches when it comes to covering and reheating:

Eggs:
Eggs can explode if microwaved without piercing the yolk or covering with a vented lid. For whole eggs, consider using a specially designed microwave egg cooker or a bowl covered with a paper towel to reduce splatter.

Bread and Pastries:
When microwaving bread, wrap it in a damp paper towel to prevent it from becoming too dry and hard. Covering bread can create a softening effect that keeps it palatable without turning it into a hard, inedible mass.

Frozen Foods:
Most frozen foods should be covered with a vented lid or plastic wrap. Follow the instructions on the packaging, as certain frozen meals are designed to self-steam and require venting or peeling back the corner of the plastic film.

8. Myths and Misconceptions about Covering Food in the Microwave

Several myths exist regarding microwaving and covering food, such as:

Myth 1: Covering Food Causes Nutrient Loss
In fact, microwaving retains nutrients more effectively than other cooking methods due to shorter cooking times. Covering food helps prevent nutrient loss by retaining moisture, which often contains water-soluble vitamins.

Myth 2: Microwaving with Plastic Wrap is Unsafe
Microwave-safe plastic wraps are safe when used correctly. Keeping them from directly contacting food and ensuring vents for steam release minimize potential risks.

Myth 3: Covering Food Causes Chemicals to Enter Food
Only if unsafe plastics are used. Stick to glass, ceramic, or microwave-safe containers to avoid this entirely.

9. Wrapping It Up: The Bottom Line on Covering Food in the Microwave

Covering food in the microwave is an excellent habit for improving food quality, ensuring safety, and making cleanup easier. Just remember these tips:

• Use microwave-safe materials for covers.
• Allow for venting with any cover to avoid pressure buildup.
• Choose the right covering material based on the type of food.

Covering food is a simple step that ensures your food remains moist, evenly heated, and safe from contamination – all while keeping your microwave clean. With the right practices, you’ll make the most out of every microwave meal.