The microwave isn't my favorite appliance for cooking or reheating food. I mean, is it anyone's? These days, I reach for the air fryer far more than a microwave to warm last night's dinner. In instances where only the microwave is available or I'm really strapped for time, I'll cautiously place leftover rice, pasta and in rare occasions, even meat, and pray those infernal rays don't dry out the food.
To guard against dried-out microwave fare, I've begun to incorporate a simple yet effective trick that helps keep food from drying out -- it couldn't be simpler.
Placing a small cup or shot glass filled with 2 or 3 ounces of tap water in the microwave before firing it up will keep the air inside moist and lower the risk of turning your good eats into boot leather. All it takes is a few ounces of water placed in the microwave adjacent to the food.
As the microwave's rays blast the food, they'll also boil the water, sending vapor into the air. To ensure the water does its vapor thing, it's best to use hot water. You can zap the shot glass or cup of water for 30 to 40 seconds before adding a plate of food.
Heat the water for 30 seconds before placing food inside.
David Watsky/CNETIf you want food to stay even more moist during cooking, add water directly to the microwave-safe dish or bowl your food is in, cover it and heat as you normally would. This will put the food in closer contact with the vapor.
Microwaver beware: This trick works well on many foods, but don't expect miracles. Super lean or dense meat may still be prone to drying, even with help from water. And not even a shot glass of holy water will help microwave-reheated pizza taste like it did the first time.
This method works best with fattier meats, such as chicken thighs and ground beef. It's perfect for heating prepared and frozen meals.
David Watsky/CNETRead more: I Found the Best Way to Reheat Pizza and It's Not the Air Fryer
I find the water trick helps most with fattier meats such as chicken thighs, hamburgers and pork. It's also a good safeguard when reheating leftover veggies and carbs such as rice, noodles, pastas and potatoes. It's also helpful when warming frozen foods or prepared meals from your favorite subscription service.