Learning how to reheat boiled eggs can save hours of your life. Let me explain.
You must have heard about the weekend meal prepping. It is one of the best practices for those people who do not have time to cook each meal separately.
It also helps you to save money. And let’s be honest! What can be better than boiled eggs for meal prep?
They are tasty, full of nutrition, easy to make, and can be used for multiple dishes. But is reheating them as easy as boiling them? I used to think differently.
I remember when I first saw the trend of weekend meal prep on the internet. And ended up boiling 14 eggs for the entire week. But I did not consider how to reheat them properly.
And guess what happened? I ended up not eating them all because I do not like the taste of cold hard-boiled eggs.
This was when I decided to test every possible way to reheat a boiled egg. Whether it was reboiling them on the stove or heating them in a steamer, I did it all.
Finally, I realized that microwaving was probably the best way to reheat boiled eggs. And here’s how you can do it too.
How to reheat boiled eggs in the microwave?
I recommend peeling the boiled eggs before reheating them in a microwave because it reduces the chances of them exploding. If you have peeled your boiled eggs already, then follow these steps:
- Cut the eggs in half so that the steam does not collect in them.
- Now place the eggs on a microwave-safe plate. Do not use anything made of plastic
- Cover the egg with a wet paper towel. The moisture from the paper towel will prevent the eggs from drying up and will keep them fresh.
- Reheat the eggs in the microwave for 10 seconds intervals at a medium heat setting.
- Once the eggs feel warm to touch, you know they are done.
If the medium setting in your microwave is too hot and it has burnt food before, then use the low setting. Because you do not want your eggs to burn, do you?
You can leave the paper towel on top of the eggs before serving. This will help the eggs keep some of their warmth and save you from the trouble of reheating them again.
Also, be careful while removing the wet paper towel. It will be hot and can burn your fingertips.
Is reheating boiled eggs bad?
There’s some good news for you. Even though people always assume that reheating eggs or other food, in general, is not good, reheating boiled eggs is not bad. But you have to cook them properly.
Here’s what I mean by that.
If the eggs were previously cooked at 71 Celsius degrees or 145 Fahrenheit degrees, then there are fewer chances that it has gone bad. Also, storing the said boiled eggs under 40 degrees Fahrenheit also reduces the growth of bacteria.
However, if the boiled eggs were peeled off and not stored correctly, then it can cause you some trouble.
Also, reheating boiled eggs with their shell on can be dangerous. But how?
Well, sometimes the moisture is trapped inside boiled eggs, and reheating them can trigger it and cause an explosion. Not only can a shelled boiled explode in your microwave while reheating, but poking a hole in it with a fork might also act as a trigger.
Now you see why I recommend peeling the boiled eggs before reheating them?
Does reheating eggs release toxins?
No!!! This statement cannot be any more wrong. Reheating does not release any toxins in the eggs. And it does not change the chemistry of the egg either. But you should not reheat them multiple times.
Here’s what I mean. Reheating the boiled eggs over and over again can make the yolk rubbery. And the egg can also lose its delicious taste due to heat exposure.
In addition to that, unpeeled boiled eggs remain fresh in the fridge only for 2-4 days. So, avoid eating more than 4 days old boiled eggs.
Can you reheat boiled with shell eggs in the microwave?
Yes, you can reheat boiled eggs with its shell on. But wait, didn’t I say the exact opposite thing before?
Let me explain. One of the many reasons why reheating boiled eggs with shells is forbidden is because they might explode. But another reason is that it might take longer to reheat the egg with the shell in the microwave.
Here is how you can do it safely.
- Put the boiled eggs with shell in a microwave-safe dish.
- Now fill the said dish with water. The water will help the eggs to cook slowly and prevent them from exploding.
- Keep heating the boiled eggs for 1-minute intervals at a medium setting (50% heat).
- When the eggs feel hot to touch, they are done.
Even when the eggs are submerged, do not leave them with shells in the microwave for too long. Because excess heat can make them explode.
Can you eat boiled eggs without reheating them?
The short answer is yes. You can eat cold boiled eggs if you like the taste of them.
Usually, people prefer cold hard-boiled eggs. And you can also use them in different types of salads and sandwiches, you can use them without reheating them.
However, for soft-boiled eggs, the story is entirely different. Cold soft-boiled eggs end up having runny yolks, which do not look appetizing.
In conclusion, there is no harm in eating cold-boiled eggs. But the situation differs from person to person.
Wrapping Up
This guide has taught you how to reheat boiled eggs in the microwave so that you can prepare meals like a pro. Whether you are reheating a hard-boiled egg or a soft-boiled egg, peel off its shell before microwaving for better results. Also, do not heat 2-4 days old boiled eggs.
FAQ
How can I reheat hard boiled eggs without overcooking them?
To reheat hard boiled eggs, place them in a microwave safe bowl filled with hot water and microwave for 30 seconds. This will warm the egg without cooking it further.
What is the best way to boil an egg?
The best way to boil an egg is to place it in boiling water for 8-10 minutes. Once done, immediately transfer the boiled egg into cold water to stop the cooking process.
Can leftover boiled eggs be used for making egg salad?
Yes, leftover boiled eggs are perfect for making delicious and creamy egg salad. Simply chop up the hard-boiled eggs and mix with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper and any other desired ingredients.
Why does reheating hard-boiled eggs cause discoloration of the yolk?
Reheating hard-boiled eggs causes discoloration of the yolk because when heated again after being cooked initially, sulfur from white part reacts with iron from yolk which results in greenish-grey color on its surface.
Is microwaving a good option for boiling an egg or reheating it?
Microwaving is not recommended as a method of boiling or reheating an egg since it can cause uneven heating leading to explosion or undercooked parts. It’s better suited only if you want to reheat already peeled hardboiled eggs by placing them in a microwave-safe bowl filled with hot water and microwaving them for 30 seconds at most.
How can I safely microwave hard boiled eggs?
To safely microwave hard boiled eggs, place them in a heatproof bowl and pour boiling water over them. Let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes before carefully removing the shell. Use a food thermometer to ensure they reach your desired temperature.
What should I do if my hard boiled eggs explode?
If your hard boiled eggs explode, it may be due to using an egg with a crack or not letting them cool properly. To prevent this, use fresh eggs and let them cool completely before peeling. If you’re reheating already cooked eggs, make sure to use a microwave safe bowl and add celery salt for flavor.
Can I reheat hard boiled eggs?
Yes, you can reheat hard boiled eggs as long as they have been stored properly in the refrigerator for up to a week. Place the egg in a microwave safe bowl with some water and cover it with plastic wrap or a lid that has vents. Heat on high for 30 seconds at a time until it reaches your desired temperature.
What is the best way to check if my egg has reached its desired temperature?
The best way to check if your egg has reached its desired temperature is by using a food thermometer inserted into the center of the yolk or white. The ideal internal temperature for fully cooked hard-boiled eggs is 160°F (71°C).
Is it safe to use any type of bowl when microwaving hard boiled eggs?
No, it’s important to use only heat proof bowls when microwaving hard boiled eggs because other types of bowls may shatter from exposure to high temperatures. Always choose bowls labeled as “microwave safe” or “heatproof” when cooking with hot liquids like boiling water or reheating foods in the microwave oven.