As Thanksgiving approaches, we start thinking about delicious turkey feasts with all the trimmings. But what happens when the day is over, and you’re left with a mountain of leftover turkey? Fear not! In this article, I’m going to share with you a quick and easy method for reheating turkey in the microwave. Whether you’re warming up a small portion for yourself or preparing a whole plate for your family, this method will ensure that your turkey leftovers taste just as delicious as they did on Thanksgiving Day.
Gather your supplies
Before we dive into the reheating process, let’s gather all the supplies we’ll need:
1. Leftover turkey
Make sure you have enough leftover turkey to reheat. If you’re running low, no worries! You can always mix it up with some stuffing or cranberry sauce.
2. Microwave-safe dish
Choose a microwave-safe dish that is large enough to hold your turkey slices or even a whole turkey breast.
3. Microwave-safe cover or wrap
To keep your turkey moist during the reheating process, you’ll need either a microwave-safe cover or wrap. This will help trap the steam and prevent your turkey from drying out.
4. Kitchen thermometer
To ensure the turkey is properly reheated and safe to eat, it’s always a good idea to have a kitchen thermometer on hand. This will help you monitor the internal temperature of the turkey.
The reheating process
Now that we have all our supplies ready, let’s dive into the reheating process. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have perfectly reheated turkey in no time:
1. Slice your turkey
If you have a whole turkey or a turkey breast, start by slicing it into thin, even slices. This will ensure that the turkey reheats evenly and retains its moisture.
2. Place the turkey in a microwave-safe dish
Take your slices of turkey and arrange them in a single layer in a microwave-safe dish. If you have a large amount of turkey, you may need to reheat it in multiple batches.
3. Add a splash of liquid
To prevent your turkey from drying out, add a splash of liquid to the dish. This could be chicken broth, turkey drippings, or even just a little water. The liquid will help create steam and keep your turkey moist.
4. Cover or wrap the dish
Now, cover your dish with either a microwave-safe cover or wrap. Make sure the cover or wrap is tight-fitting to trap the steam inside.
5. Microwave on medium power
Set your microwave to medium power and heat the turkey for about 2 minutes per pound. Remember to periodically check the internal temperature of the turkey with a kitchen thermometer. You want to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
6. Rotate and stir
Every few minutes, rotate the dish and stir the turkey slices. This will ensure that the heat is evenly distributed, and the turkey reheats uniformly.
7. Check for doneness
After the recommended reheating time, check the internal temperature of the turkey again. If it hasn’t reached 165°F (75°C), continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until it does.
8. Let it rest
Once the turkey reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the microwave and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moister and more flavorful turkey.
9. Serve and enjoy
Now that your turkey is perfectly reheated, it’s time to serve and enjoy! You can serve it as is or pair it with your favorite Thanksgiving sides for a complete meal.
Final thoughts
Reheating turkey in the microwave may not be the traditional way, but it’s a quick and easy method that yields delicious results. Just remember to gather your supplies, slice the turkey, add a splash of liquid, cover or wrap the dish, microwave on medium power, rotate and stir, check for doneness, let it rest, and finally, serve and enjoy!
So the next time you find yourself with leftover turkey, don’t fret. With this quick and easy method, your leftovers will taste just as delicious as the original feast. Happy reheating!