How Long To Reheat Soup In Microwave

Many people prefer to reheat their food by microwaving since it is hassle-free and quick. Microwaves are convenient for reheating almost any food, especially soups. Different foods have different heating periods, and whereas some require high temperatures, others don’t. How long should you microwave soup?

Traditionally, it is recommendable to reheat soup for 3 minutes at intervals of 60 seconds. After every minute, you should stir the soup to ensure uniform cooking and destroy harmful bacteria. Bacteria thrive in the cold spots that have not been well heated. Feel free to adjust or add to the reheating period until your soup is perfectly warmed.

If you are skeptical about warming your soup in the microwave, be assured that it is safe and effective just as long as you follow the appropriate procedure. There are numerous ways of reheating soup, but they require more effort and time. In this piece, you will grasp all you need to know about microwaving leftover soup. 

How to Reheat Soup in the Microwave

Many people acknowledge that microwaving food is pretty easy and quick, yet there are contentions on its impact on people’s health. People are at risk of developing food poisoning when they reheat their food in a microwave, although this is easily preventable. 

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends that microwaved soup read at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Hence, the duration of microwaving soup is flexible as long as the final temperature is not below the one stated. You should reheat a small amount of soup at a time to avoid explosion and uneven reheating. 

To reheat leftover soup in a microwave:

1. Pour the soup into a microwave-safe container. Ensure the container has a lot of room remaining, so the soup does not boil over and mess up the microwave. 
2. Cover the container loosely using a plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid. Ensure to leave a small opening at the top as this will prompt even heating and restrain splashes. 
3. Heat the soup at intervals of 30 or 60 seconds, and after every stop, ensure to stir it appropriately. 
4. Gauge the soup temperature with a food thermometer, and if it is 165 degrees Fahrenheit or more, your soup is ready and safe to consume.
5. Let the soup cool for about 2 minutes before you serve it. 

I advise you to alternate between microwaving and other reheating methods, so you do not jeopardize your health. Health professionals warn against the harm of frequent microwaving. 

Excessive use of microwaves can change one’s heart rate and blood composition. The radiations emitted by microwave ovens can affect heart rate variability and increase cholesterol levels and white cell count. Microwaves are functional tools that simplify life; however, minimize their use to lessen their negative effects on your body. 

Are there Other Ways to Reheat Leftover Soup?

Apart from microwaving, you can also reheat the soup on the stovetop. You must ensure to use the proper temperature so the soup can satisfy your taste buds and fulfill food safety concerns. You can also reheat soup in the oven, although this is a less preferable method. 

How to Reheat Soup on A Stovetop

1. Put the soup in a sizable pot to prevent it from overflowing when boiling. 
2. Add some water to the soup if necessary. For instance, if it contains pasta or comes from the fridge, you should add a little water to obtain a thin consistency. 
3. Place the pot on the stovetop on medium heat. But if it was frozen, put it on high heat. 
4. Warm the soup for two minutes while stirring. This way, it will not burn or stick at the bottom of the pot. 
5. Cover the soup and let it heat for 2 minutes. 
6. Remove the pot from heat and check the soup’s temperature.
7. Let it cool, then serve. 

How to Reheat Soup in an Oven

1. Thaw or defrost frozen soup. 
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
3. Line an oven-safe dish with aluminum foil.
4. Put your soup in the dish and cover it with plastic wrap.
5. Place it in the oven and heat for 3 to 5 minutes.
6. Check if it is well heated, then serve and enjoy. 

How to Store Leftover Soup

Food safety is a critical issue, especially on the subject of storing soup. Most people tend to forget and leave their soup out overnight. Is this safe? It is pretty easy for bacteria to get into your soup if you leave it out for long. 

Your leftover soup should be left out for approximately an hour to cool. After that, you should put it in a tin or food box then seal it appropriately. You can refrigerate your soup for a maximum of 4 days, but it can last six months in a freezer.