Hard-boiled eggs are packed with nutrition and essential vitamins, so they make an ideal snack for people looking for something quick and healthy to eat. But if you made a few too many, you may be left wondering if you can reheat boiled eggs in the microwave.
Yes, you can reheat boiled eggs in the microwave, but it is not the safest method. To do it safely, be sure to peel and cut the hard-boiled egg in half before reheating. Then place it on a heat-resistant plate and microwave in ten-second increments, checking after every ten seconds. Take extra precautions when biting into the egg afterward to avoid burning yourself!
What is the best way to reheat boiled eggs?
There are a couple of different methods for reheating boiled eggs. As mentioned above, microwaving your hard-boiled eggs is an option, but it can be dangerous if you aren’t cautious about preventing burns. To reheat using a microwave:
- Peel and cut the egg in half
- Place it on a heat-resistant, microwave-safe plate
- Heat in ten-second increments, checking after every ten seconds to ensure the egg is warm but doesn’t become rubbery
- Remove from the plate and enjoy, but be aware that the yolk will be extremely hot, and take care not to burn yourself
Another method is to cover the eggs in boiled water. To do this, simply place the eggs in a heat-resistant bowl and pour boiled water over them until they’re fully submerged. Allow them to sit in the water for ten minutes until they’re heated. Then you can remove, peel, and enjoy!
Why do hard-boiled eggs explode when microwaved?
Scientists don’t fully understand why hard-boiled eggs can explode after being microwaved. One theory by The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America is that the egg yolk develops pockets of hot water, which makes it especially unstable. Once the yolk is disturbed by some sort of stimulus, like excessive heat from the microwave, these pockets then spontaneously boil and release energy.
Whatever the reason for the explosions, your best option for safety is to reheat boiled eggs by covering them in water instead.
Final thoughts
While you can absolutely reheat boiled eggs in a microwave by taking proper precautions, it isn’t the safest method. Consider reheating your leftover eggs by covering them with boiled water and allowing them to sit for ten minutes instead. This option may take a little longer, but a tasty hard-boiled snack is worth the wait!
