The Shockingly Simple Way to Keep Food From Drying Out in a Microwave

The microwave isn’t my favorite appliance for cooking or reheating food but it has its uses. In times when only a microwave is available or I’m really strapped for time, I’ll place leftover rice, pasta and on rare occasions, even meat, and pray those infernal rays don’t dry out the food.

To guard against dried-out microwave fare, I place a small glass filled with 2 or 3 ounces of tap water in the microwave before firing it up. When the water turns to vapor it keeps the air inside moist and lowers the risk of turning your good eats into boot leather. 

To ensure the water vaporizes before the food is done heating, it’s best to use hot water or heat it up prior. You can zap the shot glass or cup of water for 30 to 40 seconds before adding your bowl or plate of food.

How to keep food moist in the microwave

• Step 1: Put a small cup of water in the microwave
• Step 2: Microwave on high for 40 seconds or until water is hot
• Step 3: Add food and microwave as you normally would

If you want food to stay even more moist during cooking, add water directly to the microwave-safe dish or bowl your food is in, cover it and heat as you normally would. This will put the food in closer contact with the vapor. 

Read more: I Found the Best Way to Reheat Pizza and It’s Not the Air Fryer

I find the water trick helps most with fattier meats such as chicken thighs, hamburgers and pork. It’s also a good safeguard when reheating leftover veggies and carbs such as rice, noodles, pasta and potatoes. It’s also helpful when warming frozen foods or preparing meals from your favorite subscription service.

Microwave user beware: This trick works well on many foods, but don’t expect miracles. Super lean or dense meat may still be prone to drying, even with help from water. Not even a shot glass of holy water will help microwave-reheated pizza taste like it did the first time.