Hush puppies are a delicious fried cornmeal batter side dish that is often served alongside seafood. When reheating leftovers, the microwave can dry them out quickly. However, with some simple tips, you can reheat hush puppies in the microwave to keep them moist and delicious.
Can You Microwave Hush Puppies?
Yes, you can microwave hush puppies to reheat them. The microwave provides a quick and convenient way to reheat hush puppies without having to turn on the oven or re-fry them.
However, microwaved hush puppies can easily become dried out, chewy, and tough. With the right techniques, you can microwave hush puppies so they come out hot, moist, and tasting freshly fried.
Tips for Microwaving Hush Puppies
Follow these tips for reheating hush puppies in the microwave:
- Use a microwave-safe container with a lid. The lid will trap steam and help keep the hush puppies moist.
- Place the hush puppies in a single layer in the container so they heat evenly.
- Add a teaspoon of water to the container before microwaving. The water creates steam which prevents them from drying out.
- Microwave the hush puppies in 30 second intervals until heated through.
- Allow the hush puppies to rest in the covered container for 1-2 minutes after microwaving. This allows the steam to evenly distribute through the hush puppies.
- Avoid overcooking. Reheating too long can make the exterior tough and the interior dried out.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions for reheating hush puppies in the microwave:
- Place leftover hush puppies in a microwave-safe container in a single layer. Glass or ceramic work best.
- Add 1 teaspoon of water to the container and cover with a lid.
- Microwave on high power for 30 seconds. Check the hush puppies and stir or flip them over.
- Microwave for another 30 seconds, continuing to microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through.
- Let the hush puppies stand in the covered container for 1-2 minutes to steam and become tender.
- Serve immediately, while hot and moist.
Microwave Power Levels
Using lower microwave power levels can help prevent overcooking. Follow these guidelines:
- If your microwave has a “sensor reheat” option specifically for reheating, use that.
- For a higher watt microwave (1000+ watts), use 50% power.
- For a lower watt microwave (under 1000 watts), use 30% power.
Checking and stirring the hush puppies every 30 seconds is still recommended when using lower power. Just heat until warmed through.
To Cover or Not to Cover?
Covering the hush puppies while microwaving is crucial. The lid traps the steam and moisture. If you don’t have a lid, here are some alternatives:
- Place a microwave-safe plate over the container.
- Use plastic wrap and poke a few holes for venting steam.
- Use a paper towel and leave a corner folded back for venting.
Without a cover, the hush puppies will dry out very quickly in the microwave.
Microwave Versus Oven
Compared to reheating hush puppies in the oven, the microwave is quicker but can more easily dry them out.
Microwave Pros:
- Much faster – reheats in just a couple minutes
- More convenient – easy to pop in the microwave
- Less energy use
Oven Pros:
- Less likely to dry out the exterior
- Can reheat larger batches
- More even heating
The oven is best for big batches. For quick reheating of a few leftover hush puppies, the microwave does the job.
Storing Leftover Hush Puppies
To make leftover hush puppies reheat better, store them properly:
- Let hush puppies cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container or bag.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Avoid freezing, as this can make the coating soggy when reheated.
With proper storage, hush puppies can be reheated to almost original texture and taste.
Serving Reheated Hush Puppies
For serving, you can:
- Serve reheated hush puppies on their own as a side dish.
- Pair with seafood like shrimp or fried fish.
- Offer with southern dishes like fried chicken.
- Use as a topping for salads or soups.
- Crumble on top of tacos or nachos.
Get creative with how you serve reheated hush puppies! They make tasty additions to many meals.
Troubleshooting
If your reheated hush puppies turn out dried out or soggy, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Dried out exterior: Use less microwave time and lower power level. Allow to rest covered for longer after microwaving.
- Doughy interior: Microwave in shorter intervals, stirring more frequently. Microwave a bit longer.
- Soggy coating: Avoid adding too much water. Use paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
- Rubbery texture: Don’t overcook. Microwave only until heated through.
With some trial and error, you’ll find the ideal microwave method for your hush puppies.
Hush Puppy Microwave Recipe
Once you get the microwave reheating technique down, follow this easy recipe:
Ingredients:
- Leftover hush puppies, any quantity
- 1 tsp water
Instructions:
- Place hush puppies in a microwave-safe container in a single layer. Add 1 tsp water.
- Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir or flip hush puppies.
- Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
- Let stand covered for 1-2 minutes to finish steaming.
- Serve immediately.
Adjust microwave times as needed to prevent drying out or overcooking. The resting time makes all the difference for tender, moist hush puppies.
Conclusion
Reheating hush puppies in the microwave is fast and convenient, but can easily dry them out if you don’t take proper precautions. With the right techniques like using a lid, adding a bit of water, microwaving in short intervals, and letting them rest covered, you can retain their delicious texture and taste.
Quickly revive those leftover hush puppies with a short microwave reheating. Just be sure not to overcook them. With the proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy yummy hush puppies again and again.