Guacamole is a nutritious and tasty addition to many meals. You can use it with sandwiches, nachos, fajitas, and burritos just to mention a few.
Putting together a bowl of guacamole is simple. To make guacamole, you will need avocados, onion, tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeno, lime juice, garlic, and salt to taste.
That is a standard recipe, there are other ingredients you can add for an interesting guacamole twist.
Guacamole is usually served cold, but it can also be enjoyed when heated.
So what is the best way to heat up guacamole and what happens to guacamole when it has been warmed up?
The microwave is the best way to heat up your guacamole. But bear in mind that when guacamole is heated in the microwave, it can alter the texture and taste a bit.
Keep reading to learn more about microwaving the nutritious and
popular guacamole.
Can you microwave guacamole?
Yes, you can microwave guacamole. It is a simple and fast method, especially when you do not have the time to make a fresh batch.
A major reason why you can warm up guacamole in the microwave is because of the ingredients used. Avocado, jalapeno, garlic, salt, lime juice, and cilantro are all microwave safe.
As a side note, let me point out that avocados cannot be ripened in the microwave or oven. It does not work. Only the outer layer will be softened but the fruit will remain unripe.
You can certainly reheat guacamole in the microwave. But you must note that the microwave can change the taste and texture of the guacamole.
The microwave doesn’t make guacamole inedible, it just won’t taste like a batch of freshly made guacamole. And as per texture, you will find that reheated guacamole becomes somewhat mushy and creamier when heated.
How to microwave guacamole?
The microwave is the best way to heat up guacamole. With the microwave, guacamole is ready in 30 seconds. Whereas with an oven or kitchen stove it takes a longer time to warm up.
To reheat guacamole in the microwave, follow these simple steps:
- Get guacamole out of the fridge and transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl or dish.
- Depending on the temperature of your guacamole, you can begin with defrosting it in the microwave.
- Set power level to medium and put timer at 30 seconds.
- 30 seconds maybe all the time you need, but if you have a large quantity of guacamole it may require more time in the microwave. So, start with 30 seconds and then check, if it is not heated enough, you should microwave at 15-second intervals.
- When heated, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. Stir and serve.
Is it safe to eat reheated guacamole?
Yes, it is safe to eat reheated guacamole. However, it is important to bear in mind that guacamole is a perishable food, therefore, it must be eaten within the first few hours. Leftovers should be stored in the fridge immediately after you are done eating.
Before warming up guacamole, there are 3 main things to check to confirm its safety.
- How long guacamole has been left out
- Where it was stored
- Other ingredients inside the guacamole
When guacamole is left out for an extended time, it will definitely go bad.
When it comes to storage, it is recommended that guacamole is stored in an air-tight container and kept in the fridge. Guacamole must be stored in a cold environment to retain a level of freshness.
According to the United States Department for Agriculture (USDA), guacamole should be stored away in the fridge within 2 hours of preparation. This is especially necessary when there are plans to serve or use the guacamole leftovers at a later time.
Guacamole can be stored in the fridge within 3-4 days. But it must be consumed within that time frame.
The USDA also states that guacamole should not be left out of the refrigerator beyond 4 hours. If this happens, guacamole must be thrown out because of the likelihood that it has become inhabited by bacteria that causes food poisoning.
Some ingredients added to guacamole can give it a limited time frame as well.
There are standard ingredients used to make guacamole, but there are times when a new ingredient is thrown into the guacamole mix.
All this depends on the meal being prepared. However, when certain ingredients are added, it can limit how long the guacamole will last.
Do not re-heat guacamole more than once. The cycle of reheating and cooling guacamole creates an environment for harmful bacteria to grow. This can cause serious health issues when consumed.
Always check guacamole before heating it in the microwave. Cross-check for any signs of sliminess, discoloration, or decay. If you notice any of these, please throw the guacamole out.
Why does guacamole turn brown in the fridge?
When guacamole is kept in the fridge, it starts to turn brown. But it is still safe and can be eaten as long as it is eaten within a day or two.
The brown color is caused by oxidation. This happens when cut avocado comes into contact with oxygen.
The browning of guacamole is normal and safe. But if you would rather not have that happen, you can prevent it with the use of water.
Place guacamole in a bowl and cover it with a plastic wrap. Use a spoon to flatten the surface, this will prevent air bubbles from forming.
Next, pour a half-inch of water over your guacamole dip. The water will serve as a barrier preventing air from reaching the guacamole. Then firmly shut it with a fitting lid before placing it in the fridge.
This method will keep browning away for at least 2 days. When you are ready to serve or use the guacamole, bring it out from the fridge and carefully pour the water away. Stir guacamole and then proceed to use.
You can also squeeze some lemon juice, or lime juice or add a drizzle of vinegar to keep guacamole from browning.
However, the advantage water has over these other methods is that it is flavorless, so it does not affect the taste of your guacamole.
Things to remember when microwaving guacamole
Although guacamole is usually served cold, it makes for a tasty and creamier dish when it is heated.
Guacamole is a perishable food; therefore caution must be applied when it comes to storage and heating it up in the microwave.
Below is a list of things to keep in mind:
- According to the USDA, guacamole should be stored in the fridge within 2 hours of preparation.
- Guacamole will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Guacamole will turn brown when kept in the fridge. This is caused by oxidation. To prevent oxidation or reduce the ‘brown’ appearance, pour water over it OR squeeze some lime or lemon juice over the surface.
- Do not reheat and cool guacamole repeatedly. In fact for health safety, guacamole should not be reheated more than once.
- When heating up guacamole in the microwave, always use a microwave-safe container. A ceramic bowl or dish is an ideal choice.
- ALWAYS check your guacamole for any signs of spoilage before warming up in the microwave.
- Although the microwave can slightly change the taste of guacamole it makes it creamier in texture.
- Warm-up guacamole with a medium power setting. This will ensure guacamole cooks evenly and does not burn or dry out.
- Cooking time depends on the quantity of guacamole. Always start with a short cooking time and then build up until it is heated through.
Wrapping up:
A bowl of guacamole can be enjoyed cold or hot. And the microwave is the best way to heat up your guacamole dip or topping.
However, keep in mind that guacamole is a perishable food. Therefore care must be taken when it comes to storage and heating it up in the microwave.