Bone broth is a household staple, not only because of its nutritional value and delicious taste but also because it is used for many dishes.
There’s a lot you can do with bone broth. You can boil pasta in it to enhance its flavor, add it to casseroles to make it moist, or use it as a base to make a healthy vegetable or noodle soup. You can also use it for sauces, stews, and soups, have it as a low-calorie snack or even drink it to get relief from a sore throat.
And the quickest way to reheat it to add to your next dish is in the microwave.
Never done it before?
Here’s all you need to know.
Can you microwave bone broth?
Yes, you can reheat bone broth in the microwave. It is very convenient to do so; you just need to pour the bone broth into a microwave-safe bowl or dish to microwave it.
Microwaving bone broth is a great idea since it is very quick. It just takes minutes, and you don’t need to wait for the broth to get hot enough on the stovetop.
It is also less of a hassle. When microwaving, you don’t need to use a lot of kitchen utensils or equipment. You only need a microwave-safe dish and a cover for it. Apart from being quick, microwaving saves time when tidying up once you’re done.
However, keep in mind that microwaving the broth can separate the amino acids and ruin the broth’s nutritional value. Plus, if you don’t do it right, you can end up with unevenly heated stock, especially if it is frozen.
How to reheat bone broth in the microwave
To reheat bone broth in the microwave, first transfer the amount you want into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a plastic wrap and lid. Set your microwave on high power and microwave the broth in 30-second increments for up to 2 minutes. Make sure to stir it after each interval and heat until the broth is heated up to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Before reheating the bone broth in the microwave, take a look at the container. Some broth containers are clearly marked as microwave-safe or have the microwave-safe symbol. So you can easily use these to reheat the broth.
To get started, first take out the amount you need in a microwave-safe dish or bowl. Cover it with a loose plastic wrap or a lid with vents. The wrap shouldn’t be too tight since you need to make sure there’s some way for the steam to escape.
Also, make sure you leave some room in the container so that the liquid doesn’t spill over while heating or when you’re moving it in and out of the microwave.
If the broth has been in the refrigerator for a while, it might have a jelly-like appearance. In this case, you should scrape it and transfer it to a microwave-safe dish, and then place it in the microwave.
Ideally, you should reheat the broth in short intervals so that it doesn’t boil over but is hot enough to consume. If it is frozen, you should first let it defrost in the fridge overnight or microwave it on the defrost setting. This will reduce the time it takes to warm the broth.
You should reheat the broth at full power in 30-second intervals for up to 2 minutes. Stir well after each interval to ensure even heating throughout. If the broth is cold even after two minutes, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until it is hot enough. Just make sure you don’t bring it to a boil, otherwise, the fats will emulsify into the liquid.
Once it’s done and you’re ready to take it out of the microwave, be very careful. It might be piping hot so it’s better to use oven mitts or hot pads to take the dish out of the microwave so that your hands don’t burn. You can now use the broth in any sauce or dish you want!
Is it safe to reheat bone broth in the microwave?
Yes, it is safe to reheat bone broth in the microwave. Just remember that since it is perishable, you should heat it to 165 degrees Fahrenheit so that it is safe to consume.
To ensure the utmost safety, avoid reheating the broth in plastic. Instead, use ceramic or glass cookware that’s explicitly labeled microwave-safe and has the microwave-safe symbol. 
Reheating the broth in the microwave is the best option if you’re really short on time or you don’t have an empty hob on your stove.
As mentioned earlier, microwaving the broth can make it lose its nutritional value but it is better than eating junk food.
How long to heat bone broth in microwave?
The time it takes to reheat bone broth in the microwave depends on the amount you’re reheating. However, in general, it takes up to 2 minutes. But you might have to double the time if the broth is frozen.
Start off by heating the broth for a minute. Stir well and then heat it in 30-second increments until it is as hot as you like. Be careful when taking out the broth from the microwave.
If it is frozen, you should microwave it on low first to defrost it and then turn up the power. This will take less time than directly microwaving frozen broth.
Should you defrost bone broth before reheating it in the microwave?
It is not necessary to defrost the bone broth before microwaving it in the microwave, but it is better if you do so. Doing so will make sure that it heats up evenly and doesn’t put your health at risk.
To defrost bone broth in the microwave, place some of it in a microwave-safe container and put a lid on it. Set your microwave on defrost setting and nuke it for a few minutes. Stir it thoroughly and continue microwaving it until the ice melts and the broth thaws completely.
Tips for reheating bone broth in the microwave
Reheating bone broth in the microwave is a great way to cut down on meal prep time. To make sure it heats without boiling, make sure you keep the following tips in mind:
- Always use a microwave-safe dish with a lid to reheat the bone broth. Covering it is important so that it doesn’t splatter and cause a mess.
- Leave some space in the container or bowl so that the broth doesn’t spill out when you’re putting it in or taking it out of the microwave. Otherwise, it’ll create a mess that you’ll have to clean up later. And not to mention, some broth will also go to waste.
- It’s better if you microwave the exact amount you need since you shouldn’t refreeze the broth you’ve reheated.
- Avoid overfilling the container or using a small container for a large quantity of broth since this will result in uneven heating.
- If you made the bone broth ahead of time and kept it in the fridge, there’s a high chance that it might have gelled. If that happens, don’t worry or throw out the broth. Instead, just stir it thoroughly before microwaving so that it heats up evenly.
Wrapping It Up
You now know how to reheat bone broth in the microwave. It is simple, quick, and easy, and ensures a promising result, provided that you follow the tips mentioned above.
While reheating it in the microwave can bring down its nutritional value, you can still do it if you’re short on time and want to heat it up quickly.
Once you have hot, piping broth, you can add it to your favorite recipes to take their flavor and consistency up a notch. Or you can enjoy it straight out of the microwave!
FAQ
What are some tips for making bone broth?
When making bone broth, it is important to bring the liquid to a slow simmer over low heat and allow it to cook for several hours or up to 24 hours. It is also necessary to skim off any foam that forms on top of the surface during cooking and stir occasionally. Finally, before consuming or storing it, make sure that the desired temperature (165 degrees Fahrenheit) has been reached using an internal food thermometer.
How long can frozen bone broth be stored?
Frozen bone broth can typically be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 6 months while still preserving its nutritional benefits and flavor. To thaw frozen bone broth safely, move it from your freezer into your refrigerator overnight until completely thawed before heating or consuming..
How do you make bone broth?
Making bone broth requires putting bones, vegetables, and water into a pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 8-24 hours. Skim off any fat that accumulates on the surface during cooking. Let cool slightly before straining out solids.
Can I freeze bone broth?
Yes, you can freeze freshly made or store bought bone broth for up to three months without compromising flavor or quality. To freeze homemade bone broth, first cool it completely after boiling then pour into airtight containers before placing in the freezer.
What are some of the benefits of consuming bone broth?
Bone broths are rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and sulfur which can help support joint health by promoting healthy cartilage synthesis and reducing inflammation of joints caused by arthritis or other conditions. The gelatin found in many types of bones also helps improve digestion making this an excellent source of nutrition for those who want to improve their gut health naturally.
Does microwaving bone broth kill nutrients?
Yes, microwaving bone broth can reduce the amount of beneficial nutrients compared to stove-top methods.
How to heat up bone broth to drink?
Bone broth can be heated on a stovetop or in a microwave. To preserve as many nutrients as possible it is best to heat on the stovetop.
How to heat bone broth on stove?
Bone broth should be heated over low-medium heat and stirred occasionally until warm. It is important not to let the liquid boil or else some of its nutritional benefits will be lost.
Can you reheat bone broth twice?
Yes, you can safely reheat bone broth twice as long as it was stored properly after it was initially cooked.