I remember the first time I tried to cook an MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) in a microwave. It was a disaster. The packaging melted, the food was unevenly heated, and worst of all, my hunger went unsatisfied. But, after some trial and error, I’ve finally figured out the best way to cook an MRE in a microwave. In this article, I’m going to share my quick and easy guide to cooking MREs in a microwave.
Gather Your Supplies
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a checklist of supplies you’ll need:
– An MRE pack
You can find MREs at military surplus stores or online. They usually come with an entrée, side dish, dessert, snack, and a powdered drink mix.
– A microwave-safe plate or bowl
You’ll need a plate or bowl that can withstand the heat of the microwave. Make sure it’s large enough to hold the contents of your MRE pack.
– Water
Water is an essential ingredient when cooking an MRE. Make sure you have access to clean, drinkable water.
– Microwave oven
Of course, you’ll need a microwave to cook your MRE. Any standard microwave should do the trick.
Preparing Your MRE
Now that you have your supplies ready, it’s time to prepare your MRE for cooking. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the package
Carefully tear open the MRE package, being mindful not to damage the contents inside. Take out all the components, including the entrée, side dish, dessert, snack, and drink mix.
Step 2: Set aside the drink mix
The powdered drink mix doesn’t need to be heated, so set it aside for now. You can mix it with water later when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Step 3: Remove the entrée from its cardboard sleeve
Most MREs come with an entrée in a separate cardboard sleeve. Slide the entrée out of the sleeve and place it on your microwave-safe plate or bowl.
Step 4: Add water to the entrée
The entrée usually requires some water to be added before cooking. Take a look at the instructions on the packaging to determine how much water is needed. It’s typically around a quarter to a half cup of water.
Step 5: Prepare the side dish and dessert
If your MRE includes a separate side dish and dessert, prepare them according to the instructions on the packaging. Some may require adding water, while others can be eaten as is.
Cooking Your MRE
Now that your MRE is prepared, it’s time to cook it in the microwave. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Place the entrée in the center of the microwave
Carefully place the plate or bowl with the entrée in the center of the microwave. Make sure there’s enough space around it for even heating.
Step 2: Set the cooking time
Most MREs require heating for around 1-2 minutes, depending on the power of your microwave. Start with 1 minute and add more time as needed. Be sure to check the packaging for specific instructions.
Step 3: Heat in short intervals
To ensure even heating, it’s best to heat the MRE in short intervals. For example, you can microwave it for 30 seconds, check the temperature, and then microwave it again for another 30 seconds if needed. Repeat this process until the entrée is heated throughout.
Step 4: Heat the side dish and dessert separately
If your MRE includes a separate side dish and dessert, heat them separately using the same process described in Step 3. This will prevent the main entrée from becoming overcooked while ensuring that everything is heated to perfection.
Enjoying Your MRE
Once your MRE components are heated to your liking, it’s time to enjoy your meal. Here are a few tips for a pleasant dining experience:
– Mix the drink mix with water
Remember the powdered drink mix we set aside earlier? Now is the time to mix it with water. Follow the instructions on the packaging, and you’ll have a refreshing beverage to accompany your meal.
– Use condiments
Most MREs come with condiments such as salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Don’t be afraid to use them to enhance the flavor of your meal. A little seasoning can go a long way.
– Eat straight from the packaging
If you’re on the go or don’t have access to utensils, don’t worry. MREs are designed to be eaten straight from the packaging. Simply tear open the pouches and enjoy your meal without the hassle of dishes.
– Stay hydrated
MREs can be quite filling, but they can also be high in sodium. Make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid any potential discomfort later on.
With this quick and easy guide, you’ll be able to cook an MRE in a microwave like a pro. Whether you’re camping, in a survival situation, or simply looking for a convenient meal option, MREs are a reliable solution. Just follow the steps outlined in this article, and you’ll have a hot and delicious meal ready in no time. Happy cooking!