How To Reheat Vacuum Sealed Food And Leftovers?

Many of us are familiar with the stress of preserving food in the freezer for later consumption. Whether it’s leftovers from a large meal or pre-packaged meals for the week, we have all struggled with this task at some point.

The best method of storing food over a reasonable amount of time is through vacuum sealing and placement in the freezer. When we vacuum-seal an item, we eliminate air and moisture, ensuring the longevity of the food and preventing freezer burn.

However, the challenge arises when it comes to reheating the food. Unfortunately, many individuals are unaware of the proper way to reheat vacuum-sealed food.

In this guide, I will provide information on how to effectively reheat food that has been vacuum-sealed and stored in the fridge or freezer.

Can You Reheat Vacuum Sealed Food?

A very common question that we get is whether we can reheat vacuum-sealed food or not.

Whether you already have a vacuum sealer like this one or only consider getting one, you probably already have some vacuum-packed food in your refrigerator.

Yes, you can heat up vacuum-sealed food as the primary purpose of vacuum-packing leftovers is to store them for later. There are a few methods through which you can easily reheat food and enjoy it.

Related reading: How To Reheat Grilled Cheese

Can You Microwave Vacuum Sealed Bags To Reheat Food?

Yes, you can microwave food in vacuum packed bags.

The easiest method of heating up vacuum-packed food is to put it in a microwave, but there are a few steps that you have to follow.

Steps

1. Take out the sealed bag of food from the freezer and cut off one of the corners of the pack by using a pair of scissors. This will allow the steam to get out during the reheating process.
2. Put the food bag into the microwave and select the heating option depending on the food you are reheating. However, the time taken for the food to heat up varies depending on the type and amount of the food and how frozen the food actually is.
3. Start reheating the food for three to five minutes and check the food. Put it back into the microwave if you think that it requires more heating.

How To Reheat Vacuum Sealed Food On A Stove?

Another great way of reheating vacuum packed food is to simmer it in a pot on a stove. This method takes a bit longer than microwaves, but it is equally useful and easy as well.

Steps

1. Take a big enough pot to fit the sealed bag of food and fill that pot with water.
2. Place the pot on your stovetop and turn the burner on.
3. Heat the water and wait for the water to reach a nice simmer, but do not heat the water to the point of boiling.
4. Once the water is simmering, place the food bag into the pot and wait for the food to heat up.
5. Take the bag out of the pot after 15 minutes and see whether there are any cold spots or not. The heating time may vary depending on the type of food you are heating.

Whichever reheating method you use, do not forget to use mitts while taking out the food. Not using gloves can cause your hands to burn.

How To Reheat Frozen Vacuum Sealed Food?

A common mistake that many people make while microwaving frozen vacuum-sealed food and leftovers to reheat is they do not cut off the corner of the food bag. Not cutting off the corner prevents the steam from escaping, which can often melt the plastic food bag.

Another mistake people make is cutting off the corner of the food bag before putting it in the simmering water pot. The majority of times, you will find your reheated food in an inedible and ruined state due to this mistake. The water from the pot will get into the bag and ruin your food if you cut off the corner of the packet if you are heating up your food in a simmering water pot.

Many people think that they can take out the food bag from the microwave or the pot without using mitts on their hands. When we put the food in for reheating, the food bag also heats up along with the food. So, if we go ahead to take the bag out without proper protection, then chances are we will burn our fingers and palms.

Related reading: How To Reheat Vada?

Conclusion

In today’s date, storing food and leftovers for reheating later is a widespread tradition in most households. Whether it is due to our busy schedules or because we do not want the food to go to waste, storing food is never a bad idea.

But what you have to keep in mind is that you are properly storing the food in a vacuum packed bag. Follow the methods we have mentioned above, and you can quickly reheat your vacuum-packed food and enjoy it.