Pork chops are a staple for big family gatherings. But sometimes, you end up with leftovers and do not know what to do with them.
Reheating pork chops in the microwave is something everyone can and should do.
But why, you might ask?
Well, because it works every time.
Before I learned how to reheat pork chops in the microwave, I used to do it on a pan. You can imagine how messy that was. Not only that, but it also took the longest to reheat pork chops in the pan.
To save me from trouble, I looked on the internet about how to do it with my trusted microwave.
After reheating the pork chops in the microwave a few times, I realized that the whole process depends on two things:
- The number of pork chops in the microwave.
- The way you place the pork chops on the plate in the microwave.
These two factors decide how fast or long your pork chops will take to reheat.
Sounds too difficult? The following is the correct way to reheat pork chops in a microwave to make your life easier.
How do you reheat pork chops in the microwave?
To reheat pork chops in a microwave:
- Start by placing the pork chops on a wide microwave-safe plate.
- Be careful, do not put the pork chops on top of each other.
- Place a wet paper towel on top of the pork chops.
- Turn on the microwave to 50% power and let the pork chops warm up for 30 seconds intervals.
- After a few intervals, check the temperature with a food-grade thermometer. The ideal temperature is 165 degrees F.
If you do not have a thermometer, you can also touch the pork chops to check their temperature.
This process sounds too complex, right? Well, it isn’t.
The secret to reheating pork chops in a microwave is heating them for 30 seconds at time intervals. This way, you can prevent the pork chops from burning and drying up.
Another thing to remember is to put a wet towel on top of the pork chops. The damp towel stops the pork chops from getting dry.
However, be careful when taking off the wet paper towel. It will be hot.
One factor that can affect the process is the wattage of your microwave. If your microwave is too powerful, then instead of 30 seconds, reheat the pork chops for 20 seconds. Similarly, if your microwave has low wattage, you can reheat the pork chops for 40 seconds intervals.
Can you reheat pork chops in the microwave?
Yes, you can reheat pork chops in the microwave. For best results, cover the chops with a wet paper towel. If you do not have a damp towel, you can add some meat stock. Adding the meat stock will prevent the pork chops from drying out.
Similarly, you can also use some butter or gravy. The moisture from the said ingredients will keep the pork chops moist.
Moreover, to prevent overheating, do not reheat the pork chops for more than 30 seconds at a time. Please keep checking the pork chops, and once it is cooked, turn off the microwave.
Another thing to remember is that reheating pork chop for one time is good. But if you keep reheating it multiple times, the pork will lose its flavor.
Not only that, but you should not eat 3 to 4 days old cooked pork chops. And always keep the cooked pork chops in a deep freezer.
Is it safe to reheat pork chops in the microwave?
Yes, it is safe to reheat pork chops in the microwave. However, remember to cover the pork chops with a wet paper towel for best results.
There are a few tips that you can follow to reheat the pork chops in the microwave safely.
First of all, never use any plastic container to reheat pork chops in the microwave. Similarly, only use the dishes which are labeled “microwave-safe.”
Most zip-lock bags are not safe for microwaves. So, if you freeze the pork chops in a zip-lock bag, then take them out of it.
Also, make sure the paper towel is wet before putting it on the pork chops. A dry paper towel can sometimes ignite a fire. However, it is safe to use a paper towel in the microwave for short intervals.
Secondly, covering the meat with aluminum foil is an excellent way to make the meat cook faster in the oven. However, it would be best never to put aluminum foil in the microwave. It can cause a disaster which can lead to fire hazards.
How long does it take to reheat pork chops in the microwave?
The length of the time it takes to reheat the pork chops in a microwave depends on your wattage. However, you should reheat the pork chops for 4 to 5 30 seconds intervals.
Another factor that can delay the reheating process is the number of pork chops. If you are reheating multiple pork chops in one microwave, let them reheat for more than 30 seconds. Also, please do not put the pork chops on top of each other as it can slow down the process.
To prevent overheating the pork chops, set the microwave on a 30 seconds timer after each interval and keep checking the warmth of the pork chops. When it feels warm to the touch, it is indeed done.
Once the pork chops have cooked thoroughly, take off the paper towel. And serve it!
How do you know when pork chops are done reheating in the microwave?
Pork chops are done microwaving when their internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. To ensure the internal temperature is 165 degrees, use a food-grade thermometer. After every few 30-seconds intervals, check the temperature with a thermometer.
You can also check the temperature of the pork chops with your fingertips. If the pork chop feels hot throughout, then it is probably done.
Lastly, you can also cut the pork chop in half to check the internal temperature. However, I do not recommend this method if you want to serve the pork chop to a guest.
Tips for reheating pork chops in the microwave
Reheating pork chops in the microwave sounds like an easy process. But is it easy?
Well, not really.
Many things can go wrong when reheating pork chops in the microwave.
Here are some tips that will help you reheat the pork chops in the microwave to perfection:
- Always use a microwave-safe dish when reheating pork chops in a microwave.
- If you are reheating multiple pork chops, it is better to do it separately. Because reheating multiple pork chops together can take more time.
- When reheating multiple pork chops at one time, do not place them on top of each other. By doing this, the pork chops will not be able to heat thoroughly.
- Reheating pork chops can dry them out. So, cover the pork chops with a wet paper towel. The humidity from the damp towel will prevent the pork from drying out.
- Be careful when removing the hot paper towel. It can even burn your fingertips.
- If the pork chops have dried out already, do not worry. Cover the pork chops with butter or olive oil to revive their flavor.
- You can also add some meat stock to make the pork chops juicer.
- The best way to check if the pork chop has been thoroughly cooked is by using a food-grade thermometer.
Final Words
I hope this guide has taught you how to reheat pork chops in the microwave. But never forget the tip to keep your pork chops juicy. Cover the pork chops with a wet paper towel or add meat stock, oil, or butter to the pork chop dish.
Also, remember to take out the pork chops from the ziplock bag before microwaving them. And always reheat the pork chops until the internal temperature is 165 degrees F. Then serve it with gravy to add extra flavor.
So, are you ready to reheat the leftover pork chops?